Hello! Today with us we have Stephanie Brown (reader) and Josslyn Leach (author)! *Applause*

Stephanie: How/when did you know that you wanted to be an author?

Josslyn: Honestly it was a slow gradual thing that happened. I loved reading then got offered to arc read, that turned into beta and alpha. But in 2014 when I had heart surgery and had to be on bed rest well I decided to pass the time and write a story. Didn’t know if I’d publish it or not but eventually I did and it sparked my author journey.

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Stephanie: Out of all the characters you’ve written, do you have a favorite? If so, then why?

Josslyn: Cupiary I’d my most favorite. She is one of the most like me in alot of ways. Though all my characters have bits a pieces she has the most.

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Stephanie: What are your goals as an author? Is there something that you’ve always wanted to write, but haven’t yet?

Josslyn: For the moment it’s reediting and finishing up long over due series. But I do have a few stories on the side I’m slowly working on. A few retellings and one of a magical small town with each book being a new characters story. But I do eventually want to do a king Arthur retelling.

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Stephanie: How are you able to find balance when it comes to your job, family, and writing? Has there been anything that’s helped you to keep from getting overwhelmed?

Josslyn: Honestly some days I have balance, everything goes smothlu. While others I feel like a chicken running around with it’s head cut off.

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Stephanie: What inspired you to write Cupids Salvation?  I think Cuipary is such an amazing character, and I’m curious where she came from and what it was like bringing her to life.

Josslyn: So cupiary was inspired by another short story I wrote for a writing website I help fund with a dozen other writers. We even have a face book page not that I do anything on there but it’s called hollowed. Anyways I always wanted to explore more with that store and in return I got cupids salvation.

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Stephanie: What is your favorite way to relax and recharge when you aren’t writing?

Josslyn: If I really want to recharge my favorite way is to visit my family’s cabin. No tvs, no internet. Just mountains, card games, s’mores and fresh air. If I can’t make it there reading, painting, swimming or binge watching a show on Netflix.

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Stephanie: What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Josslyn: I enjoy creating the stories. Especially if it’s a new story. I love getting to see the images of the story unfold in my mind. The hard part is sometimes bringing those images to life with words.

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Stephanie: What drew you to Paranormal Romance? Is it something you enjoyed reading first?

Josslyn: I have always enjoyed fantasy books, the way there are really no rules or anything you couldn’t create. Like if you based something in the real world you have some limitations, but with Paranormal Romance I can add in trees that can walk, cats that talk, fish who fly and birds who swim. The images I can paint with words are not bond by normal standards. Unless it involves coffee.

Yes it us. Though I try not read fantasy or anything similar to my writing style to while writing my books. I’m always scared ill accidentally copy write something I loved in another book in mine.

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Thank you for both for participating in Support An Author event!!!

Hello! Today with us we have Barbara Madsø-Vuegen (reader) and CJ Rose (author)! *Applause*

Barbara: Could you please share with us your journey as an author and what inspired you to pursue writing?

C.J Rose: My writing journey actually started in high school. I started writing poetry and song lyrics my senior year and kept everything in a blue binder. When I lost that binder I was so devastated that I stopped writing. That was until about 20 years later when I made a fellow song writer. We wrote and sang multiple songs together and it all began again. The book writing didn’t start until around 2012 when I got the idea for Bridge of the Gods during one of my many insomniac nights. From there I have gone through 2 publishers, at least 3 versions of each book, 2 different covers for the first 3 books, doing a novella, then changing it to be part of book one, and it goes on from there. Now I have six novel, a grimoire, and a companion cookbook ten years later.

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Barbara: What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your work, and how do you believe they resonate with your readers?

C.J Rose: I had book one reviewed by the local paper when it first came about and the journalist called it a “thinking man’s novel.” I kind of took that as a compliment because I want people who read it to know and understand the struggles the characters are going through and what it takes to overcome them.

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Barbara: Can you tell us about your latest book/project and the creative process behind it?

C.J Rose: My most recent WIP is actually on the backburner at the moment. I started a small crystal/apothecary business so that has taken up a lot of my time over the past few months. It keeps me pretty busy. Once I pick it back up though, it is a new story about a town created around a mansion hidden in the woods where a creature guards the kidnapped woman.

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Barbara: How do you handle writer’s block or challenges during the writing process, and what strategies do you use to overcome them?

C.J Rose: The best way I know how to handle writer’s block is to walk away. If I sit there and stare at the screen I do not feel it is doing my brain any good. Usually I need some sort of spark to get me going again. I will clean, make some jewelry, watch a show, etc.

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Barbara: Are there any specific genres or writing styles you haven’t explored yet but would like to in the future, and what draws you to them?

C.J Rose: Romance is the one genre I have not ventured into and I really have no plans to ever do that. I know it is a very popular one, but I feel that if you can’t relate to what you are writing, then you have no business writing about it.

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Barbara: Are there any specific authors or literary works that have influenced your writing style or storytelling approach?

C.J Rose: I have a whole list of authors and writers that I love, but to keep it to my top three it would be E.A. Poe, Maya Angelou, and Shakespeare.

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Barbara: As an author, what role do you think research plays in creating believable and immersive fictional worlds or narratives?

C.J Rose: If you are creating your own world, I do not think a lot of research is necessary because you can make it whatever you want. It is fictional after all. On the other hand, if you are utilizing a realistic place that you are tweaking for a fantasy version, then making sure specific aspects are correct could be crucial.

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Thank you for both for participating in Support An Author event!!!

Hello! Today with us we have Megan Jerome (reader) and Liz Cain (author)! *Applause*

Megan: Tell us about yourself. 

Liz Cain: I live in the UK in East Yorkshire with my parents and two sisters. We lived in a hamlet with a population of fifteen (that’s right 1 5) and we were 5 of them! The nearest bus stop was a 20 minute walk so I didn’t get out much. That meant so much time for reading!! Which was awesome.

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Megan: What has inspired you to follow your dream to become an author? 

Liz Cain: I used to beta read for my coauthor Anne K. Whelan and she sent me a book that she had paid a ghostwriter to write for her because she was struggling with the writing side of things. It was (and I mean this in the nicest way) terrible. I figured I could do better so I wrote the first four chapters. Anne loved them and asked me to cowrite so that we split the royalties. 5 books later Anne wanted to move away from publishing so I’m starting my own series this year. 

Anne didn’t really like the writing side and I love it, so most of our books Anne sends ideas and I write them, adding in my own twists and turns.

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Megan: Are there downfalls of being an author? 

Liz Cain: Lack of time. I work a 40 hour week plus a 2 hour commute each day. I make sure to write every day or I end up not writing at all. I would love to write full time (which is the goal) but right now it can be a challenge.

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Megan: What would you say to someone who wants to become an author but is too scared? 

Liz Cain: Just write. Have faith in yourself and make sure to build a team of beta readers, get a great editor and start an ARC team. This is what will make your story amazing.

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Megan: Do you have a favorite character you have written? 

Liz Cain: Morgan. She really does have a life of her own. You’ve heard authors say things like “my character wouldn’t let me do that”? Well Morgan does what she wants. I try to write down one path but she drags me down another.

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Megan: How do you get through writer’s block? 

Liz Cain: Honestly, I don’t really get it. I am a pantser, which means I don’t plot. I start a book and have no idea where I will go or what will happen. I have always managed to finish every book I’ve started so I have faith the ideas will come and I’ll get through it.

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Megan: Is there a favorite author of yours that made you want to write? 

Liz Cain: K F Breene and Maria V Snyder. Breene introduced me to the world of indie writers. I love her stories and badass characters. Snyder is trad and more YA, but her books got me out of a huge reading slump! 

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Megan: Do you outline your books before you start writing? 

Liz Cain: Nope! I sit down and start typing. I let my characters lead the way.

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Megan: What genre do you enjoy writing the most? Why that specific genre? 

Liz Cain: Urban Fantasy. Anne liked the romance side of things but I prefer writing behind closed doors romance. The dark fairytale series was all my idea and I will probably write more in that genre but I prefer the action and adventure with romance as a background story arc.

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Megan: Are any of your characters based on people in real life? 

Liz Cain: Radford Crawley(Dealer’s Choice book 2). She was hatched from a conversation  with a friend about someone in her life…I won’t say any more! 

There’s also Chicken Legs and Genevieve (Dealer’s Halloween) who were inspired by close family one night in a pub after a few pints.

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Megan: Now I know you co-write with other authors. What would they say about your world building to these stories?

Liz Cain: My cowriting journey is rather strange. Anne is a plotter, usually sending me pages and pages of world and research. I’m a pantser who always wanders away from the planning side of things. World building comes naturally to me though and whatever feels right at the time will go into the book.

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Megan: Is there a message you are hoping readers take from your work? 

Liz Cain: Reading was an escape for me, especially during hard times when I struggled with my mental health. I hope to build worlds and tell stories that help others do the same. I hope my characters show that even when you’re strong and powerful you can have moments of weakness. It’s okay to feel sorry for yourself and even if you think you don’t, you DO have the strength to pick yourself back up.

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Megan: What is the biggest misconception of becoming an author? 

Liz Cain: You’re not a writer unless you’re published.

As soon as you type that first word then you are a writer/author.

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Thank you for both for participating in Support An Author event!!!

Hello! Today with us we have Caitlin Kraska (reader) and Bethany Loughlin-Frost (author)! *Applause*

Caitlin: What is your current WIP?

Bethany: A Trilogy about a Grim Reaper’s Daughter, The 3^rd Book in my 5 Witch’s Series and a new Triller about a man being stalked by a woman that wants his pain Meds

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Caitlin: Who are you Fav. Authors?

Bethany: Alyssa Day, Larissa Lone, Rachelle Mead

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Caitlin: Do you work out of a specific space? Where is your favorite place to write from?

Bethany: My home office. Though I do write well from a plane.

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Caitlin: Do you have a playlist? If so what genre of music is your favorite?

Bethany:  I do have a playlist usually going each book has a different genre. I listen to all besides hip hop, rap, and R&B

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Caitlin: What is your favorite Genre to Write?

Bethany:  Paranormal Romance

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Caitlin: Were you self published or Trad Published?

Bethany:  Self Published. I did have a ‘publishing’ house before but found it didn’t work the way it should have.

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Caitlin: What is your favorite quote?

Bethany:  Don’t Apologize if you don’t mean it. If you don’t think you did anything wrong, then your apology is hollow and meaningless – Theda, Discovering the Reaper

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Caitlin: What is your top 5 books that you have read?

Bethany:

1. Last Round by Frankie Page
2. Malachi by Elle Sparrow
3. Reaver by Larissa Ione
4. Atlantis Rising by Alyssa Day
5. Zodiac Aligned by Elisabeth Briggs

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Caitlin: What comes first for you Plot or the characters?

Bethany: The story in general, but the characters are the ones I iron out first.

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Caitlin: Do you use vision boards?

Bethany: Not really. I have done a couple, but it’s not a practice I do all the time.

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Caitlin: What inspired your idea for you upcoming thriller?

Bethany: The health incident with my dad around Xmas. I found out that he has a stalker and that kind of spurred the idea.

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Caitlin: What was the hardest scene for you to write?

Bethany: There’s a scene in Finders Keepers where War explains about his time in captivity. That was difficult to write as it was so emotional.

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Caitlin: Which author would you choose to spend a day with?

Bethany: Larissa Ione. She writes paranormal romance, and I would just love to pick her brain.

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Caitlin: Have you ever participated in NaNoWrimo? Is it worth it?

Bethany: I participated once. I didn’t find it worth the stress. I’m part of groups that praise word counts, so I find those much more rewarding.

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Caitlin: What do you feel is your hang-up when writing? The thing that makes you stop writing for a while.

Bethany: Stress. I can have a ton of ideas in my head, but when I’m dealing with too much stress, my anxiety makes me feel overwhelmed, so I end up stopping and then some times I lose out on the thought process, so I have to reread the story… then I get overwhelmed. It’s a vicious cycle.

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Caitlin: Which actor/actresses do you think would best represent your characters traits?

Bethany: Alexandra Daddario. She has the features of my character, Trinity, in my Witches Series.

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Caitlin: How do you set your ‘moods’ for writing particular scenes?

Bethany: Music. I play different genre’s of music when I write. I try to use more “angry” metal music when writing action, and then more upbeat music for fun scenes. Something instrumental for intimate scenes.

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Caitlin: Do you do character interviews in order to get to know your characters better? Or do you just wing it?

Bethany: Mostly just wing it. I’ve thought about doing interviews, but that sounds like a bunch of extra work.

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Caitlin: What Author in your favorite genre do you admire most?

Bethany: Larissa Ione. Her stories are captivating and so well written.

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Thank you for both for participating in Support An Author event!!!

Hello! Today with us we have Kellie Gunselman (reader) and Maria Vermisoglou (author)! *Applause*

Kellie Gunselman: What is your name?

Maria: My name is Maria Vermisoglou, international bestselling author of paranormal fantasy, although my main focus is witches.

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Kellie: Where do you live?

Maria: I live in Greece. 

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Kellie: At what age did you start writing?

Maria: I always had an active imagination and loved creating stories in my mind. I took a part of a story I liked and explored the what ifs, applying various scenarios. That’s how I started writing. But this story didn’t stop and kept growing until a new story was born. I believe I put these thoughts on paper in 2016? Not so long ago, but I have come a long way since then.

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Kellie: Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

Maria: Quite the opposite. While I undoubtedly had an active imagination, I believed writing was extremely difficult, and I was no good at it. Couldn’t do it. Ever. Joke’s on me, I guess.

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Kellie: Is this your full-time job?

Maria: No, but my day job is related to books as well. I am a librarian, so I get to explore libraries and their stories, and of course, get ideas. “Whatever you say will be used in a story” is not just a joke. There have been many instances where real-life events have inspired me.

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Kellie: Is English your first language?

Maria: No, it is not. I have no idea why stories come to me in English, but they do. However, I always use editors and betas to make sure the manuscript is what it should be. 

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Kellie: Who’s your author crush?

Maria: I don’t have one. I get obsessed with characters I read or create. I only follow the authors to get updates on future releases, and I have only respect for those who create the worlds I adore.

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Kellie: Any pets?

Maria: I used to, but not anymore. I like them, however, it’s difficult to care for them or find a person to leave them with when you are away. Instead, I weave them into my stories, usually as magical pets, who play an important part in the character’s life. 

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Kellie: If you could live anywhere, where would you live?

Maria: I would live in Italy or on an island. Italy is one of my favorite countries and I’ve been quite a few times. However, I don’t like big cities, so it must be a manageable size. A town or an island. A few years back, I found a job on an island and the simple life where everything was close and the warm weather made me put them on top of my list. 

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Kellie: What is next?

Maria: Next on my writing schedule is to finish Cirque Mystique, a suspense story about a dark circus, and then start writing and releasing my witch series. Witches are my favorite to write. They make everything better even if the rest of the world is collapsing. 

If you want to get updates on my work, you can follow me on my website:  https://maraki2311.wixsite.com/creativequill 

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Thank you for both for participating in Support An Author event!!!

Hello! Today with us we have Teresa Ryan (reader) and Carmen Richter (author)! *Applause*

Teresa Ryan: Can you tell us about yourself and what inspired you to become a writer? 

Carmen Richter: Um…hmm… I’m honestly pretty boring. 🤣 I’m 35, live in Kansas City, and am disabled. I’ve always loved writing ever since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until my disabilities became more severe that I decided to start writing as a way to escape my chronic pain and to pass the time. And I’ve loved every second of it! 

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Teresa Ryan: What genre(s) do you typically write in, and what draws you to those genres? 

Carmen Richter: I write contemporary romance and am planning on starting a second pen name for paranormal, sci-fi, and fantasy romance at some point in the future. And I just love writing love stories, especially the ones that put the heroes through the wringer before giving them their happy ending. I love stories that will break you and make you feel and then give you a happy ending that makes you believe in true love all over again. 

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Teresa Ryan: Do you have any rituals or routines that you follow when writing? 

Carmen Richter: I have a couple. I design my own covers, and I have to have my cover made before I can start working on a story. It’s my version of doing a “mood board” of sorts. And I also have to have a playlist made for the book, which I listen to on repeat while I’m writing. Sometimes the music will change, or I’ll add to it as I go, but I have to have at least something to start with. 

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Teresa Ryan: Are any of your characters based on real people or inspired by events in your own life? 

Carmen Richter: A lot of them! Most notably, though, in my book Patient 247, the heroine, Hope, is basically me, right down to the disability she has. The book is based on my experience with my chronic health condition and was one of the hardest books I’ve ever written. But I love how it turned out. Another example is my story My Vows Are Sealed and the heroine’s best friend, Kate. She’s based on one of my best friends, and I was in a dark place while I wrote that book and needed to write the person who got me through it into the story. 

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Teresa Ryan: What inspired the plot of your latest book? 

Carmen Richter: Honestly? The hero did. This book is a story that a lot of my readers were begging for, and because of who this character is, I knew I needed to give him a story that was completely different from what I usually write…and it’s turning out to be one of my favorite stories I’ve ever written. 

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Teresa Ryan: Do you outline your stories before writing, or do you prefer to let the story unfold as you write? 

Carmen Richter: I usually write a very loose outline, which almost always changes as I get to know my characters better. 

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Teresa Ryan: What do you hope readers will take away from your books? 

Carmen Richter: I hope my books can provide an escape from real life, and I also hope that readers will take away the message that no matter how hard life can get, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. 

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Teresa Ryan: Are there any recurring themes or messages in your work? 

Carmen Richter: The main theme in all of my work is a theme of hope, I think. I tend to put my readers through the wringer, but I always give them a happy ending. 

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Teresa Ryan: What role does research play in your writing process, particularly for books set in specific time periods or locations? 

Carmen Richter: I always try to make my books as accurate as possible, whether it’s because they’re set in a specific time period (I had one prequel novel that was set in 1997-2001) or because they deal with subjects that aren’t things I’ve experienced personally. In my book My Voice Is Sealed, the heroine was epileptic, and I did SO much research and talked to people I know who either have epilepsy themselves or have family members who do because I wanted to make sure I portrayed her experience as accurately as possible. I had a web browser tab with the National Epilepsy Foundation’s website open for MONTHS and I kept referring back to it as I needed to. 

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Teresa Ryan: What advice would you give to authors who are considering self-publishing? 

Carmen Richter: Find what works for YOU, and focus on doing things in a way that plays to your strengths. Not all of the advice you get will end up working for you, and sometimes what works for someone else won’t work for you either. This industry is constantly changing and it’s exhausting trying to keep up with it all. 

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Teresa Ryan: How do you market and promote your books? 

Carmen Richter: Honestly? Poorly. 🤣 It’s hard. But lately I’ve been doing my best to build up my newsletter and get more consistent with sending it out. 

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Teresa Ryan: Do you have a favorite character or book that you’ve written? If so, why? 

Carmen Richter: My favorite character I’ve ever written is Grant from my Sealed With a Kiss series. He’s just a bright ray of sunshine and so much fun to write, and he also always knows exactly what to say when his friends need advice. I’m planning on writing his story next year and I’m nervous because it’ll be my first MM story, but I can’t think of a better character to take that journey with. 

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Teresa Ryan: How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges while writing? 

Carmen Richter: I’ve learned the hard way that I have to give myself breaks every so often. If I don’t do that, I’ll end up burning out and my stories will reflect that.  

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Teresa Ryan: What do you enjoy most about being a writer? 

Carmen Richter: I love the journeys my characters take me on, especially when they force me to think outside the box and try things that I normally wouldn’t think of. 

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Teresa Ryan: How do you approach world-building in your stories, particularly for fantasy or science fiction genres? 

Carmen Richter: I always try to include as much detail as I can without bogging the story down, whether that’s describing a town people live in or developing the characters in that world/town so you really get to know them. I’ve started tinkering with a paranormal series that I’ll eventually end up publishing under a new pen name, and for that, I’ve created a series bible that includes all the rules and limitations for the magic and paranormal creatures I’ll be writing so everything ends up making sense. 

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Thank you for both for participating in Support An Author event!!!

Hello! Today with us we have Jet Boston (reader) and RA Winter (author)! *Applause*

Jet Boston: What inspired you to become a writer?

RA Winter: Where should I begin? Picture this: a tapestry woven with threads of genealogy, mystery, and a mischievous black cat named Kitty. My journey into writing started with uncovering the secrets of my family history, a saga filled with intrigue, murder, and a vow to publish only when the last of my father’s twelve siblings had passed. Yep, my great grandfather was murdered-and it was wild. I’ve always wanted to publish the story, but my father wanted me to wait. I guess the first minute I heard the story I knew I’d have to write it. And then there’s Kitty, the furry protagonist who inspired a series with his antics and unforgettable personality. After his death, I couldn’t let go of him. His memory still prowls through the pages of my stories, refusing to be forgotten. You’ll find him in every one of my series. His antics are legendary. Lastly, my insatiable curiosity about the fates of secondary characters in book series led me to create my own worlds, where everyone gets their story. I just hate it when a good book ends!

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Jet Boston: Do you outline your stories before writing, or do you prefer to let the story unfold as you write?

RA Winter: You’re asking eternal dance between the meticulous planner and the rebellious characters? I start with an outline, a blueprint of sorts, only for my characters to hijack the narrative and lead me on unexpected journeys. It’s a delightful chaos! Switching to my new genre of historical gaslamp fantasy murder mystery has only added more layers of complexity. It’s like planning a grand ball and then realizing your guests prefer a masquerade in a swamp.

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Jet Boston: Do you have a favorite character that you’ve written? If so, which one and why?

RA Winter: Meet Grandfather, the enigmatic figure from my Native American Fantasy Series, “The Spirit Key.” He’s not just a character; he’s the embodiment of my family’s saga, wrapped in defiance and whispers of the past. He’s the kind of character who speaks to you, guiding the story with his wisdom and stubbornness. Sometimes, I think he’s more real than some people I know.

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Jet Boston: What do you enjoy most about being a writer?

RA Winter: The joy of creation! Crafting characters and worlds is my artistic sanctuary. I might try to rein in my penchant for lavish descriptions, but who can resist painting with words? Each stroke adds depth, texture, and a touch of magic to the canvas of my imagination.

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Jet Boston: What do you hope readers will take away from your books?

RA Winter: Embedded in each of my tales is a nugget of wisdom, a beacon of hope amidst the storms of life. I want readers to embrace the theme of redemption, to forgive themselves for wrong turns and celebrate the journey. It’s about learning to dance in the rain, even when the storm feels endless.

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Jet Boston: What advice would you give to authors who are considering self-publishing?

RA Winter: The treacherous waters of self-publishing! Picture a ship navigating through uncharted territory. My advice? Think beyond the horizon. While I started writing what I loved, the contemporary Native American Fantasy genre isn’t exactly mainstream. If you’re in it for the long haul, consider the up-and-coming hot market trends. That’s where the money is-read-read-read everything you can get in your hands. And learn what the readers’ expectations are for the genre. But remember, writing to market doesn’t mean sacrificing your voice entirely. It’s a delicate balance between art and commerce, with a LOT of luck thrown in. Start early; gain a tribe. You can’t do this alone. A support group of other authors will do wonders.

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Jet Boston: What got you into Greek mythology?

RA Winter: Blame it on my dad, the mythologist extraordinaire! He spun tales of gods and heroes, weaving a tapestry of ancient wisdom that captured my imagination every evening before bed. From bedtime stories to high school and college courses, Greek mythology became the thread connecting me to a world of epic proportions. It’s like having Zeus himself whispering secrets in your ear—how could I resist?

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Thank you for both for participating in Support An Author event!!!

Hello! Today with us we have Faith Riggs (reader) and AnnaMarie Gardner (author)! *Applause*

Faith Riggs: What made you want to write stories?

AnnaMarie Gardner: When I was little I was sick a lot so I would make up stories to entertain myself and I started to share them and was encouraged to write them.

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Faith Riggs: Favorite stories/genres to read?

AnnaMarie Gardner: I love reading horror, PNR, YA the only one I’m not big on is Sci Fi.

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Faith Riggs: Do you have a favorite Author?

AnnaMarie Gardner: Cree Nations as an Indie and Stephen King.

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Faith Riggs: Coffee, Tea or water drinker?

AnnaMarie Gardner: Tea and Dr Pepper

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Faith Riggs: Favorite place to read?

AnnaMarie Gardner: Everywhere, I always have something to read with me. But I love to read in bed.

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Faith Riggs: Favorite animal?

AnnaMarie Gardner: Sloths

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Thank you for both for participating in Support An Author event!!!

Hello! Today with us we have Penny Hobbs (reader) and Angelina Kerner (author)! *Applause*

Penny Hobbs: Favorite book genre?

Angelina Kerner: When I’m relaxing with a book, Cozy Mysteries are my favorite! They feel like a warm hug, with their charming settings and quirky characters.

But when it comes to writing, I’m drawn to something different- paranormal romance. I love the mix of supernatural elements and romance. Paranormal romance sparks my creativity and lets me dive into fantastical worlds filled with adventure and love.

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Penny Hobbs: What subjects that you like in books?

Angelina Kerner: I’m drawn to stories that are unique, like reading about characters with disabilities or exploring shifters beyond the usual wolves or vampires. It’s interesting to see different perspectives and abilities represented in literature.

I enjoy stories that make me think and ponder about the world the author has created. Sometimes, these stories can even make me question things in the real world, which adds to the fun of reading good books. Overall, I appreciate books that offer something different and provoke thought.

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Penny Hobbs: Do you prefer more smut or plot?

Angelina Kerner: Plot. I’ve always been fascinated by how authors create their story worlds and characters. I enjoy reading plots that focus on depth rather than just explicit scenes. For me, a good story is one where the characters and their adventures are the main focus, not just the smut. It’s like unwrapping a beautiful gift with each page turned, discovering new things as the plot unfolds.

In a world where smut is big, I appreciate the slow burn of a well-crafted narrative, where every part of the story has a purpose and makes the reading experience more enjoyable.

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Penny Hobbs: Do you enjoy world building in your stories?

Angelina Kerner: Yes, indeed!

When it comes to my books, I like to keep things organized by taking notes for each chapter. I call them “Chapter Summaries”.

Drawing characters and making maps is another thing I enjoy. These maps help me visualize where my characters go and how they get there. Sometimes, they even inspire magical elements in my stories.

For example, while writing “Lily’s Rebirth”, I sketched a map of the town where Lily lives. But as I wrote, I realized some things on the map didn’t fit the story, so I had to change them. Thanks to my map, I came up with the idea of an island Lily sees from her window, adding a cool detail to the story.

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Penny Hobbs: I don’t know if this counts but. Favorite color?

Angelina Kerner: Green!!

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Penny Hobbs: Do you have an area where you write your books?

Angelina Kerner: I usually write either at the dining room table or in bed, surrounded by two notebooks next to my laptop and plenty of pens.

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Penny Hobbs: How do you come up with your characters?

Angelina Kerner: Well, most of the time, my characters sort of speak for themselves. It’s like they have their own ideas, and I just go along with it. For example, in one of my works-in-progress, a little boy insisted he wanted to be in the story as the main character’s brother.

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Penny Hobbs: After this book ‘Into the Flames’ do you plan on a book depicting her reign as Queen?

Angelina Kerner: I’m honestly not sure.

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Penny Hobbs: Do you have a favorite author?

Angelina Kerner: James Clemens.

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Penny Hobbs: What inspired you to become an author?

Angelina Kerner: “The Godfather” was a book that one of my professors assigned to our class, and initially, nobody seemed enthusiastic about discussing books. However, once we delved into “The Godfather,” the atmosphere changed completely. The entire class came alive, eagerly discussing the book and its various elements. It made me realize the power of storytelling to captivate and engage readers. It’s my aspiration to have a similar impact on readers with my own writing.

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Penny Hobbs: How do you get out of a writers block?

Angelina Kerner: Umm, I try changing focus onto another WIP. According to Tiffany, I have 13242353563008987878 WIP’s. Plenty to choose from.

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Penny Hobbs: Do you have any advice for new authors?

Angelina Kerner: Whatever you do, don’t give up.

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Penny Hobbs: When you came up with the MMC did you have an idea of what his personality would be?

Angelina Kerner: No, not really. The male characters usually change and develop as I work on each draft leading up to the final version. So, I’ve learned not to worry too much about whether they’ll stay the same or transform along the way.

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Penny Hobbs: What is one thing you want readers to know about you?

Angelina Kerner: Umm, well…. Umm. I have 20 published works…

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Penny Hobbs: Would you ever like your book to become a movie?

Angelina Kerner: Yes!! One of my dreams.

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Penny Hobbs: When you came up with your FMCs, how did you get ideas?

Angelina Kerner: I simply begin writing, and as the main character, the girl, begins her journey in my book, she gradually takes on her own unique characteristics. Sometimes, these traits align with what I initially envisioned and what the story demands. Other times, I find that the main character adopts qualities inspired by my friends.

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Thank you for both for participating in Support An Author event!!!