Q: Tell us about your latest single, Teenage RockStarr. Besides me singing on the track, it features Fredro Starr, iconic Hip Hop artist and actor from the legendary group Onyx. Additionally, it features Dave Moreno who plays drums for Puddle of Mudd. I’m grateful for being on Triumphant T.M.E. Records. They’re allowing me to express myself... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you get started in writing poetry? I started writing poetry when at the cottage on my off time. I worked in an infirmary taking care of the elderly. Q: What inspired you to publish your poetry collection, Wounded Hearts Take A Chance? It has been a very difficult few years for everyone around... Continue Reading →
Q: Describe your experience as a traditionally published writer. I feel very lucky that my traditional publishing experience has been a phenomenal one thus far. When I started my journey, I knew that the style of rom com I write is quirky and hard to categorize–contemporary rom com that deals with bigger themes–so finding an... Continue Reading →
ULM: Can you briefly tell us, readers, what your novel, Charmed by the Best, is about? JS: The Charmed by the Best series is a contemporary African American romance series. The series is filled with its share of drama and passion, however, the core of the story revolves around the concepts that true love and romance, are... Continue Reading →
ULM: Can you briefly tell us, readers, what your novel, Reverie, is about? LR: Reverie is the story of Julia James, a survivor of child abuse who has grown into a brilliant young cellist at one of the most elite conservatories on the planet. When she finds herself a contender in a high stakes international competition, she also... Continue Reading →
ULM: What inspired you to write Hot Mess? MR: Young adult romance novels have been my inspiration for as long as I can remember. I enjoy watching romantic storylines play out in movies and on TV and I found it interesting how I would get attached to two characters who seemed in love and then to... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you begin writing the story for Dollybird? This edition of Dollybird came out in January of this year with ShadowPaw Press (shout out to their Reprise imprint that takes on previously published work). The first edition of the novel was published in 2013. Obviously, I wrote the novel quite a number of years... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you begin writing the story for Teddy Loves Spaghetti? I thought of the title for this book about 1 year before I actually wrote it. When I decided that the Teddy books should be a series, it only made sense to keep them chronologically accurate since the stories are non-fiction. Before I learned... Continue Reading →
Q: You mentioned you write both as a traditional and indie published writer. Tell us, readers, about your experiences as both. Writing for one of the big publishing houses is like taking a meal order from Meg Ryan’s character in When Harry Met Sally – you need to write what they want and edit to their preferences.... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you decide to become a writer?Well, unofficially I decided to become a writer in the seventh grade when I realized that no one else was going to write the love story between me and Ralph Tresvant. So, I had to take care ofthat myself. Officially, I decided to pursue becoming an author... Continue Reading →
Q: Can you please provide readers with a brief description of The Orchard?Set in the early 1970s, the novel focuses on the aftermath of stunned disbelief and heartache that protagonist Ellie Hostetler and her Old Order Amish community experience when her twin brother, Evan, turns his back on their Plain upbringing, refuses conscientious objector status,... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you first begin writing stories? I’m pretty sure I was born with a pen in one hand and a notebook in the other. Since my earliest days, I loved making up stories and writing them down. The passion followed me into adulthood. And after many twists and turns along the path, I’ve... Continue Reading →
Q: How did you get started in writing contemporary romance novels?I trained as a nurse, and started writing medical romance for Harlequin, then shifted toHarlequin Presents and from there to contemporary romance novels. I’m fascinated byrelationships, whether its romance, friendship or family, and I love writing uplifting fiction. Q: How would you describe your writing... Continue Reading →
Q: What inspired you to write the sister duo thriller series? I wanted my heroine to have a family, a full background which allows for family drama. There was The Hardy Boys series with brothers. I thought there should be a sister series. With my heroine Jade Thyme, she may not always agree with her... Continue Reading →
Q&A with Author Anna J Stewart Q: You mentioned you write romantic suspense for Harlequin. Tell us, readers, about one of your books with them. I'm currently getting ready to release the sixth book in my Honor Bound series for Harlequin romantic suspense. This series was originally only supposed to be three books, but new... Continue Reading →
Q: What inspired you to write debut novel Between February and November? I’ve always created stories about people I've come across, and what I think is happening in their life, but I kept them to myself. I would make up scenarios and conversations with and about them, but I never wrote anything down. Then one day in... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you begin writing Her Sister's Death?I first began writing the book in the second half of 2019. After a few drafts (and Covid time), I began the search for a publisher and was thrilled when CamCat chose it in late 2021. I’m very excited to see Her Sister’s Death out in the... Continue Reading →
Secrets of the Gold by Baer Charlton November 7 - December 2, 2022 Virtual Book Tour Synopsis: Concealed in his jacket are ingots of gold; he just doesn't remember why. A young girl running from an abusive foster home kidnaps the older biker with a mystery for a past. Leaving the mining town in Colorado... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you decide to become a writer?I can honestly say that even as a small child, listening to my parents reading me bedtime stories, I always knew I wanted to be a storyteller. If I had to put ma pin into the very time that I knew that’s what I wanted to do... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you decide to write your book?Long Lost Elvis is the fourth book in the “Boomer’s Tales” chapter book series for children ages 7-12. The first two books were published in 2021; both books were named Finalist in two national book awards competitions. The other two books in the series were published in... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you decide to write your book? The idea for Ghost Mark struck when I was writing the first book in the Dark Dreams series. I knew there was more than one book right away because the concept of a woman who can see into the past has so many possibilities. I also... Continue Reading →
Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills October 31 - November 25, 2022 Virtual Book Tour Synopsis: On the family’s Brazos River Ranch in Texas, Avery Elliott helps run her grandfather’s commercial construction business. Raised by Senator Elliott, Avery has never doubted her grandfather is the man of integrity and faith she’s always believed him to be... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you decide to become a writer? I've always loved to read and writing grew from that. When I was twelve I sent a children's book to a publisher, it didn't get picked up surprisingly, but I suppose that would be the moment where I made a conscious decision to write. Q: What... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you decide to become a writer? I have loved literature, both stories and poetry, from a very young age. Over twenty years ago I felt a strong urge to write. I started writing “cowboy” poems and performed with my husband, Alf Epp, at the Maple Creek Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Alf would sing... Continue Reading →
Q: Which do you enjoy doing more: writing books, singing, or songwriting? Singing is my first love and being able to share a heartfelt story that could possibly make the difference for someone in their life, is my path and purpose. Writing my book was an outgrowth of my years of performing, touring and just... Continue Reading →
I love characters, I often start a new story based solely on an idea for a character that I wouldlike to see developed. For me it's really all about how a character acts and interacts with theirenvironment and the other people around them and scenarios of misfortune that I can cook up. This iswhat I... Continue Reading →
The Counterfeit Wife by Mally Becker September 19 - October 14, 2022 Virtual Book Tour Synopsis: Philadelphia, June 1780. George Washington’s two least likely spies return, masquerading as husband and wife as they search for traitors in Philadelphia. Months have passed since young widow Becca Parcell and former printer Daniel Alloway foiled a plot that... Continue Reading →
Q: What were some of your favorite books when you were a kid? Oh boy. I can barely remember what I had for lunch yesterday, but lemme think... I've always been drawn to books that make me FEEL. When I was in grade school, I read Where the Red Fern Grows, and that ending gutted... Continue Reading →
Q: How did you get started in writing thriller suspense novels? I’ve always loved the horror genre, and suspense goes hand in hand with horrors and thrillers. My first novel was a thriller, and it helped me learn what works and doesn’t work when telling a story. Ever since I was 12, I’ve known I wanted to... Continue Reading →
Q: What were some of your favorite songs growing up? One of the main artists I’ve been influenced by since growing up is the very quirky Kate Bush and her song ‘Hounds of Love’. Her lyrics and music always tell a theatrical story filled with emotion. I feel her performances are always captivating which always makes... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you begin writing your novel, Christmas in Blue Dog Valley?Annie: During the height of the pandemic. It was such a stress relief for me to be able to sit down at my computer and write about a world I could control! Q: Where do you find inspiration for your writing?Annie: Everywhere. That’s... Continue Reading →
Q: What were some of the tales you were told by your family that were your favorite?The story of my grandfather bringing home his first horseless carriage. The last roundup and cattle drive from the family ranch. The day my grandfather turned on the first electricity at the ranch house. Q: When did you begin... Continue Reading →
Q: How did you get started in writing contemporary romance novels?Once upon a time I wrote historical novels. I finally decided I’m better at writing stories set in my own time period. I still enjoy reading historical romance, but I also really enjoy stories in a contemporary setting. Q: How would you describe your writing... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you begin writing stories? I dabbled here and there when I was in high school. This never amounted to more than a collection of unfinished meandering thoughts that I attribute to a combination of ADD which, at the time was unheard of, and a total lack of life experience. It wasn’t until... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you first begin writing stories?I wrote my first book in my twenties, when I learned I might lose my job. I thought I’d make some quick cash and be done with it, but instead, I fell into a wonderful longtime career. Q: What was the name of your first book?Mountain Home, under... Continue Reading →
River of Ashes by Alexandrea Weis & Lucas Astor August 1-31, 2022 Virtual Book Tour Synopsis: *Apple’s Most Anticipated Books for Summer in Mysteries & Thrillers* SOME TRUTHS ARE BETTER KEPT SECRET. SOME SECRETS ARE BETTER OFF DEAD. Along the banks of the Bogue Falaya River, sits the abandoned St. Francis Seminary. Beneath a canopy... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you begin writing The Jackrabbit Junction Mystery series? A long, long time ago, back in 2001, I wrote the manuscript for Dance of the Winnebagos (Book 1). However, then I ended up rewriting a different book and didn’t get back to the Book 1 until around 2004. I started shipping the manuscript to agents... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you begin writing “The Phoenix Career Principles”?It’s basically a re-vision of my first book, “The Corporate Phoenix”, which was published in 2019. The response was gratifyingly positive, and because so many asked and encouraged me to expand and update the message of the book, in June 2021 I decided to add more depth and... Continue Reading →
Q: What themes can be found in your latest release, Second Chance Christmas? As the title suggests, the main theme is second chances, but there’s also a strong theme of redemption running throughout the book. Q: How would you describe the heroine?Quirky Jana is tough as nails but has a heart of gold that she’s afraid to... Continue Reading →
https://www.karenschaler.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Karen-Schaler-Headshot-310px-TINY.jpg Writer of Netflix Hit A Christmas Prince Karen Schaler shares her holiday survival tipsinspired by her latest Hallmark Christmas movie Christmas Camp and her new novelFinding Christmas. Ready or not, Christmas movie marathons are starting up earlier than ever this year, evenbefore Halloween. The same thing is happening in stores across the country where... Continue Reading →
How did you get your nickname “Christmas Karen?” After I wrote my first movie, the Netflix original ‘A Christmas Prince’ that became an instant holiday hit with two sequels, I went on to write three more Christmas movies for Hallmark and Lifetime, and three Christmas books for HarperCollins Publishers in 18 months. I also trademarked... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you begin writing your novel, When Sparks Fly?This book had a more interesting writing timeline than usual! I began writing it in the spring of 2021 for a late winter release. Then my 95-year-old mom fell ill, and after a brief illness, passed away last June. My writing ground to a halt,... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you begin writing The Legend of Sarah Press? About 1986 or 7, when my son was still in high school. Q: What inspired you to write the novel? I could see that there were two distinct groups in the school, the "nerds", and everybody else, and the two groups didn't interact very... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you decide to write novels? Around turning 30, I was working at the local newspaper and starting to itch for a bigger challenge, but I knew that national journalism didn't really interest me either. After playing around with a Bridget Jones spoof for an advertising supplement, something clicked, and I realized I wanted... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you first begin writing stories? I’ve always written stories—even before I knew how to write! I used to dictate stories to my mom and have her write them down for me. And then I never stopped…although now I write them myself instead of asking my mom to do it. Q: What was... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you first begin writing stories?I wrote my first story for a Young Author’s contest in the fourth grade, at age nine. It wascalled ‘Every Step of the Way’ and dealt with the loss of a pet. But I started for realabout 11 years ago. Q: What was the name of your first... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you first begin writing stories?I wrote my first story when I was in first grade, at the ripe old age of 6. It was about aliens trying to steal the character's skin, and she outwitted them by giving them a piece of colored paper instead. My mom still has it somewhere. For... Continue Reading →
Q: Where do you find inspiration for your writing? GS: For Ruthless, I drew several places. The feral cats on our property, plus, a tad bit from Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast (only the beast is also the beauty). Q: Tell us, readers, what your novel, Ruthless, is about. GS: The heroine is... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you first begin writing stories?Almost as early as I can remember holding a pen. I remember storytelling being a thing for me extremely early on. My mom was always an avid reader, so we read a lot of books. She would buy me journals and that was where I would start writing... Continue Reading →
Q: When did you begin writing your book? June 2018 Q:How did your careers help shape your writing? Writing is a gift. Creating poetry was my first love. I have enjoyed writing since a young child. I can't say that my careers have particularly assisted in my writing career, it's just something I have always been fond of. ... Continue Reading →
Urban Book Reviews 
