Author Spotlight

It’s a priceless feeling to get special attention from readers and other authors. Knowing this, IBP has decided to publicize authors under the author spotlight category. Check out who the ‘author of the week’ is, connect with them and enhance your marketing strategies.

January 11, 2021

Author interview with Daniel Mainwaring

Thirty years ago I cut my teeth in writing fiction and enjoyed both sci-fi and historical fiction. A strange combination right? I agree. As time went on I found myself drawn away from fiction and spent many years working on factual matters related to travel and business. It kept me very busy and I enjoyed the research and the writing. But in recent years, I’ve slowed down on the steady work of “fact” and slowly returned to my first love: fiction.

I must confess that I have a certain devilish very dry sense of humor. This manifests itself in my books. I don’t strive to write comedy — far from it — but if you’re seeking something absolutely dry and heavy on science then you’re looking in the wrong place. If you’re looking for something with an actual scientific basis, careful research and just a dash of dry humor then I may be your man.

I’m interested in concepts but fundamentally I am far more interested in people. If a volcano erupts, that is interesting. But I’m more interested in how people react to it. I’m fortunate in that I have travelled the world and seen the proverbial good, bad and ugly. That is what drives my stories.

Describe yourself in five words

Tall, funny, eccentric, irreverent, nutty

What fact about yourself would really surprise people? 

I am a licensed soccer coach and referee

How do you work through self-doubts and fear? 

Meditation, long walks, going to the gym

What scares you the most? 

Spiders

What makes you happiest? 

Spending fun times with friends and family

When Babel Floods

Why do you write? 

Fiction that draws heavily one people and places I have experienced

Have you always enjoyed writing? 

Always, since I was a very young kid I’ve had an active imagination

What motivates you to write? 

The idea of escaping from the monotony of life.

What writing are you most proud of? .

I have made a lot of money with finance publications but I much more enjoy writing fiction and that’s the work I am proud of.

What are you most proud of in your personal life? 

My daughter

What books did you love growing up? 

Science fiction books, and Charles Dickens classics.

What do you hope your obituary will say about you? 

We made a mistake, he’s actually just sleeping

Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live? 

I grew up in London, but I live in Texas now. Same language but different worlds in so many ways.

Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you? 

Mostly they are supportive but you always get that one cantankerous “friendly” reviewer.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? 

In a Bure in Tahiti

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?  

It’s been in the works for many years and I started it, stopped it, changed it over and over again while I finished many other projects. I finally got to the point in my life where I felt I could relate to each of the evolving characters and satisfactorily bring this book to a conclusion.

If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask? 

Charles Dickens, maybe someone like Stalin just to beat the crap out of him.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

Hopefully it’s real enough to connect with but unpredictable enough to offer them some joy.

January 11, 2021

An interview with author Hurricane

Memphis Ayoade

My name is Memphis Ayoade, I am currently a rising athlete. I have independently written and published my own book, which has entitled me to become an author. I am a CEO and founder of a ltd company, Hurricane Enterprise.

Where are you from?

My name is Memphis Ayoade. I am from the UK, and the Author of The Nature Of Hard work.

Why do you write?

I write to inspire people and help motivate the unmotivated.

What do you write about?

The Genre I write about is self-help and non-fiction.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I wouldn’t say I have a specific writing style I would class myself as versatile.

What are obstacles that come in the way of writing? 

When writing my first book, my schedule was very busy because I was still at school.

The Nature of Hard Work

What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?

The most memorable thing asked by a reader, I would say, is when people say I am inspiring because I’m the only author they know and youngest.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for just under a year.

How long does it take to write a book?

I independently published my first book at 17 years of age. My first took me I’d say over a week to write and publish.

Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?

If people want to write my suggestion to them is to find something they’re passionate about, this will help with their confidence when writing and prevent them from running out of things to write about.

What do you think makes a good story?

What makes a wonderful story? It’s simple. A start. Middle. And end. Your readers want to feel as if they’re in your shoes when reading, make it relate to them.

What does your family think of your writing? 

My family & friends were surprised when I told them I published my book, they questioned whether I really did because no one they knew especially at 17 wrote a book.

Do you see writing as a career?

For me, writing is a hobby not a career although if I makes money consistently from it, all glory to GOD but I do it when the occasion is written. I also write blogs for my website hurricaneaffiliates.com

January 6, 2021

An interview with author Paul G. Wright

Paul G. Wright
Paul G. Wright

Paul G. Wright is a native of Atlanta. He has worked as a newspaper journalist, freelance writer, and screenwriter. He studied acting at the Warehouse Actors Theater and earned his degree in filmmaking from Columbia College Hollywood, in Tarzana, CA. ‘A College Story’ is his first novel and is loosely based on his undergraduate experiences at a small North Georgia school. He continues to live in the Atlanta area with his wife, Tara, and their cat Dusty.

A College Story
  • Where are you from? Atlanta, GA.
  • Why do you write? I developed an interest in writing in grade school. My father worked as a newspaper reporter and I seem to have inherited his love of language.
  • What do you write about? I generally write about my own experiences and the people I know, but not always. Ideas come from many places and if it is a good one, I will explore it. 
  • Do you have a specific writing style? I think my style is influenced by journalism. I worked for a short time as a reporter myself and the desire to say what needs to be said, using the fewest words possible, is still there.
  • What are obstacles that come in the way of writing? Fleshing out the story. Having an idea for a story is the easy part. Working out who the characters are, what happens to them, what the story is actually about is the where the real work begins. I am writing a new book and am fast approaching what many authors call, ‘the muddy middle’. What happens between the beginning and the end.
  • What is the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work? I received a very nice review on Amazon by a current college student about my first book. The novel is based on my own undergraduate days and takes place in the late 1980s. In her review, she mentioned that she loved the book and that the journey of the protagonist mirrored much of her own experiences as a student. This was very rewarding because it validated something I’d believed while writing the book. That young people would still be able to relate to the story.
  • How long have you been writing? For at least twenty years.
  •  When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer? I read Judy Blume’s work when I was in grade school and something about her books connected with me. I remember thinking, ‘I think I can do this, too.’
  • What is your work schedule like when you are writing? I try to write between 5 and ten pages a day, as early as I can.
  • What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? I have music that goes with each story. A song, or songs, that I listen to before each writing session which helps me get into the story. Sometimes, it will take me a while to figure out what that song is. What that story ‘sounds like’.
  • How long does it take to write a book? (if you’ve written one -published or non) I wrote my first novel in just under three months. This is not typical for most writers and isn’t typical for me. The country was in the middle of the lockdown and I found myself with a great deal of spare time on my hands. Most books take longer to compose and successfully edit. The authors I follow often say that six months is not unusual to go from idea to finished manuscript. That being said, every story and every writer is different.
  • Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer? Read and write. I know that sounds simplistic, but it is true. Any coach will tell you that the best way to become a better athlete is to practice and every discipline is the same. The more you do it, the better you become and the more your confidence in your own abilities will grow. Read what others have written, take what you can learn from their work and create your own.
  • What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story? Often, finding the right name for a character can be difficult. The name has to convey the personality in some way, and it can be hard to hit on just the right one. There is a wonderful scene in the film ‘The Man Who Invented Christmas’, which depicts the struggle writers go through in this process. In the movie, Charles Dickens is composing ‘A Christmas Carol’ and is trying to find a name for his lead character. He finally utters the name ‘Scrooge’ and Mr. Scrooge literally appears in front of him and begins talking. Very often, that is how it feels when you find the right name. The character begins talking to you.
  • What do you think makes a good story? A story needs to be relatable and needs to say something worthwhile. We watch movies, TV and read books to be entertained but also to learn. To connect with other people and see how they handle things. An instructor I had once said that all good stories are built on a ‘truism’. Something that is timeless and true for every generation. I think working out what that is for your story, what it is that your story is trying to ‘say’, is a good place to start. That will be your foundation.
  • What does your family think of your writing? As I’ve been doing this since I was a kid, my family isn’t surprised. I’m lucky to have a wonderful, supportive wife who, realizes her husband has this odd need to pull words out of the air and type them on his computer several hours a day.
  • Do you see writing as a career? Writing is always going to be my ‘career’, despite what I do to make money. It is what I was built to do and makes me happy. So yes, in that sense, I do see it as a career. Whether I will ever be as financially successful at it as someone like Dan Brown remains to be seen.
  • Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers? I hope you enjoy my book and all books you read and for those of you who are aspiring to write your own books, you can. Don’t let anyone tell you it impossible because it isn’t. It simply takes time, effort and discipline.
  • When did you first consider yourself a writer? I first considered myself a writer when I wrote my first short story in grade school. The words on the pages in front of me were mine. I’d put them there.

December 27, 2020

Author Interview with Achal Kumar

Author Interview with Achal Kumar
Author Achal Kumar

Achal Kumar is an author, a creative writer, a global thinker and an engineer. His work “Success and Happiness” is in the midst of being published on Amazon at the moment. His book is expected to be available soon on Amazon and all other major platforms.

Tweets by Achal Kumar

• Where are you from?
India
• Why do you write?
To share my thoughts and long managerial experience. I believe this is my social responsibility towards the next generation.
• What do you write about?
Motivational quotes and stories. I believe everyone has right to get success and happiness. I am already working on it’s professional approach.
• Do you have a specific writing style?
Yes, I write in simple language and use simple words
• What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?
Nothing.
• What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?
Well said.
• How long have you been writing?
Last one year.
• When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
First I wrote a short story then wrote few poems, posted them on social media. They were liked by the peoples. After that I realized I should write.
• What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
I write in night
• What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Humanity
• Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?
Write in such a way that at any stage, reader should not feel bore.
• What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?
Nothing.
• What do you think makes a good story?
Stories based on healthy literature are the good stories.
• What does your family think of your writing?
They encouraged me for writing.
• Do you see writing as a career?
Yes
• Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
Read good books which entertain you and provide lessons of life. Good stories play major role in the development of a person, this is my personal experience.
• When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I wrote my first motivational short story.

December 22, 2020

Upcoming Author Live Chat with Fans: Fictionalizing real stories based on childhood with family

Author Live Chat with William A. Glass

Author William A. Glass Live Chat with Fans

Tuesdays: Your Next Page-Turner

22nd December 2020 8 PM CST on Facebook page (International Book Promotion)

Catch us on Facebook

– Fictionalizing real stories based on childhood with family –

Join us for the live show and ask him your questions on the comment section and we will answer them, or drop your questions below:

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

About the Author:

William A. Glass, formerly a VP at Gallup, now coaches soccer at a small college in South Carolina and writes. He lives with wife, Bettina, who is a high school German teacher. They have three sons who have all moved away to pursue careers.

His book, ‘As Good As Can Be’ draws on the author’s experiences growing up in an out-of-control military family during the 1950’s and his own military experience.

Learn more about his work here https://www.williamaglass.com/about and https://www.amazon.com/As-Good-Can-Be/dp/1946005347/ref

December 18, 2020

An Interview with Dale L. Roberts

Self-Publishing with Dale
Dale L. Roberts

Dale L. Roberts is an accomplished indie author and host of Self-Publishing with Dale on YouTube. Since 2014, Dale pursued a full-time career in self-publishing books and now shares his experience on his YouTube channel devoted to building a successful self-publishing business. His specialties include book publishing, video production, public speaking, and networking. Appearing on numerous YouTube channels and podcast interviews, Dale is always looking for ways to reach a broader audience to share the value of self-publishing books. He lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife Kelli and cat Izzie.

Q&A With Dale
  • Where are you from?
    Columbus, Ohio (U.S.)
  • Why do you write? 
    I’m a lifelong reader and simply wanted to scratch a creative itch when I was a kid. As an adult, I found it to be a natural high for me in helping other people succeed in life and in business.
  • What do you write about? 
    I used to write about health and fitness, but more recently pivoted to discussing the business of self-publishing. In 2016, I had my biggest breakthrough as an author, so I started helping other indie authors get their breakthroughs.
  • Do you have a specific writing style?
    I write much like a speak, so it reads as a casual conversation with a friend. My writing is informal while still remaining professional and informative.
  • What are obstacles that come in the way of writing? 
    Ooo, I tend to not let much impede my writing these days. The biggest obstacles I have are managing my YouTube channel (over 42,000 subscribers) and keeping my email inbox at zero.
  • Whats the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?
    It’s hard to cite any one reader since I see a lot of positive comments. More recently, I had readers say “Amazon Keywords for Books” was like their “Keywords Bible.” That made me chuckle and flattered me.
  • How long have you been writing?
    Truthfully, I haven’t seriously been writing very long. I started writing full-time in 2014.
  •  When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
    When I was a boy, I wanted to grow up to be a writer and even went to college to become a journalist. But, college wasn’t a good fit for me so I dropped out. Life got in the way and I stopped chasing my dream.
    It wasn’t until 2014 that someone challenged me to write a book about health and fitness. The rest is history!
  • What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
    I typically schedule chunks of time devoted to writing. Right now, it’s 4-hour blocks every Saturday. If I have a bigger manuscript I want to complete sooner, then I’ll write more often throughout the week.
  • What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
    I absolutely must have an outline. It’s not a big deal if I deviate slightly off the outline, but I cannot go without it. Otherwise, I write and write and write and it’s REALLY boring!
  • How long does it take to write a book? (if you’ve written one -published or non)
    I can complete a 20,000- to 40,000-word manuscript in a month. That’s simply the first draft and is a far cry from the finished product.
  • Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?
    If you want to be a better writer, study the craft, practice regularly and hire a good editor. Having an editor has been critical in my development.
  • What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?
    Since I write primarily nonfiction, I have little trouble at all. My biggest challenge would be in citing my sources and fact checking. Instead of hiring out for that task, I do it all myself. So, it tends to be a boring process, but helps in creating a credible publication.
  • What do you think makes a good story?
    A book that leads with a good hook and closes in a way that leaves the reader thinking for long after finishing. I believe a good story should impact a person’s life in some meaningful way.
  • What does your family think of your writing? 
    My family is extremely supportive of my career as an author, especially my wife. I couldn’t ask for better friends and family who’ve been with me every step of the way.
  • Do you see writing as a career?
    It is! Being a writer is only one avenue I express myself. I’m also a video content creator. So, I guess you could call me a creative entrepreneur since I’m both an author and video creator.
  • Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
    Never give up on your dreams! Follow your passions with relentless pursuit. It won’t always be great at first, but it’ll eventually all work out as it should.
  • When did you first consider yourself a writer?
    Since I was a boy. I took many years off between, but it all came full circle as it should have.

Do you have links that you’d like to share for others to read?

Yes, I’m promoting one of my latest releases, Promotional Strategies for Books which is available at https://dalelinks.com/promobook. Grab a copy to find out various ways to market and promote your book.

Also, you can follow me on my website at SelfPublishingWithDale.com.

November 20, 2020

Upcoming Author Live Chat with Author Terence K. Whitfield

Terence K. Whitfield

Author Live Chat with Fans

Fridays: Fresh From The Oven

27th November 2020 8 PM CST on Facebook page (International Book Promotion)

– Online Dating Over 50 –

Watch the live show using the link below and ask questions on the comment section. We’re happy to answer them. If you would like to appear on screen with us and ask questions, join us here If you’d like to appear on screen, join us here https://buff.ly/3m1y7ql

Join us for the live interview

Terence wrote this book after finding himself on the verge of divorce after 30 years of marriage. He never imagined he would be in this position at this stage of his life, but here he was fighting to save or salvage a marriage that had clearly been over for a long time. What Terence eventually realized was he really wasn’t fighting to save or salvage a marriage, but rather he was fighting to keep something familiar in his life. Letting go of something you’ve known for most of your adult life can a bit scary, or even overwhelming to some. So as a result, he decided despite his reluctance to dive headfirst into the world of online dating which he credits with being a key component in helping him get through one of the roughest periods of his life. He even says that online dating was therapeutic.

If you’d like to stay anonymous but would like to ask question pertaining to this interview topic, feel free to submit your questions to us.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.

Why do you write?

When I have a passionate thought and something to say. 

What do you write about?

Things that interest me enough to research it.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Online Dating Over 50

I don’t feel that I have a particular writing style.

What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?

Temptation to get to the fun part too quickly.

What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?

Someone said they wished my book had been around when they were going through their divorce.

How long have you been writing?

Since my late teens off and on.

When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

After writing this book.

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

For some reason I only get the passion to write late at night.

How long does it take to write a book? (if you’ve written one – published or non)

With me consistently writing something each day along with the research this book took me about 7 months

Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?

Continue to write consistently and become a student of writing.

What does your family think of your writing? 

My family is extremely supportive of my book. In fact, my mother came up with a key idea for my cover.

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, now I can see writing as a legitimate career.

Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?

Book 2 is in the works and this will be a part of an over 50 series.

November 19, 2020

An Interview with author Hosam Saeed

Hosam-Saeed-Pic

Describe yourself in five words

I consider myself as a creative, stubborn, hardworking, honest and good person.

What fact about yourself would really surprise people?

That I have Asperger

How do you work through self-doubts and fear? 

Listening to music videos, inspirational videos, and my family encourages me

Author Live Chat with Hosam Saeed

What scares you the most?

That I won’t succeed with my writings, and I won’t get acknowledged for my work

What makes you happiest?

Writing, playing video games, my cat, my ambitions for the future with the writing skills

Why do you write?

It relaxes me and I want to share my ideas with the world

Have you always enjoyed writing? 

Not always, there been days that I don’t feel like writing

What motivates you to write?

My cat and what happened to him, and my family that been keep pushing me with writing and dream big like reaching Hollywood

What writing are you most proud of?

To be honest, I am proud of all my writings because there’s always be something to learn from them

What are you most proud of in your personal life?

That I am too stubborn to give up, and very creative

What books did you love growing up?

Warriors by Erin Hunter

What do you hope your obituary will say about you?

I wrote, I struggled, I succeed

Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?

Well I live in Nazareth Israel at this moment, but in the past I used to live in Hifa when my parents weren’t separated but now I live with my mother in and siblings in Nazareth.

How did you develop your writing?

I developed my writing skills through role playing warriors from Erin Hunter

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?

Getting published

What marketing works for you?

Marketing that reaches kids’ parents

Do you find it hard to share your work?

No

Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?

I get a lot of support from my family, and from some of my friends

What else do you do, other than write?

I play video games

What other jobs have you had in your life?

I never had a stable job in my life

If you could study any subject at university what would you pick?

Theater, directing, script writing or game development

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

The USA because I would be closer to my friends and Hollywood

Tell us about your family?

I live with my mother and 2 brothers and a sister. My mother is jobless but always finds a way to provide our needs. My big brother finished his computers degree, I am proud of him. My sister had brain cancer and she defeated it. My brother started his own business

How do you write – laptop, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?

On a desk on a laptop

How much sleep do you need to be your best?

About 7 hours

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support?

My family and my cat that always been there for me in my darkest times

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?

A movie series or a game series

It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign?

I don’t really have a marketing campaign, but I am working on one

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it? 

My book is about a cat that will grab your attention and pluck your heart strings. It is a tale of a young kitten abandoned by his mother and how he struggles to find a place he can call home. A heartwarming tale of a lost cat and how his willingness to never give up helped him find the home he always wanted.

If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask?

Stan Lee, Beethoven, Albert Einstein, Vicky Holmes

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?

Playing video games, listen to music

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

To learn to give love and compassion to all living things from animals to humans and even plants

November 18, 2020

An Interview with Dr. Melissa Caudle

Dr. Melissa Caudle

Dr. Melissa Caudle is an American author best known for her psychological thriller series “The Keystroke Killer.” Other novels include “Never Stop Running” and “A.D.A.M. The Beginning of Life.”

BOOKS FOR AUTHORS
As a bestselling author, Dr. Caudle wrote the book “How to Launch and Market a Book: The Six Month Countdown” and “How to Write a Logline to Increase Sales: Everything an Author Should Know But Wasn’t Told about Loglines for Nonfiction and Fiction Books.”

HANDWRITING BOOKS
As an award-winning Principal of the Year, Dr. Caudle received recognition for her work with children and teens. She has authored several children’s books including “A Day at the Zoo,” and “The Creek Dweller.

She has several series of handwriting workbooks and coloring books for children including
* Book 1 – Tracing and Writing the Cursive Alphabet in Lower and Uppercase from A – Z
* Book 2 – Cursive Writing Numbers, Colors, Seasons, Months, & Names
* Book 3 – Writing Short Words and Sentences in Cursive
* Book 4 – Lined Cursive Writing Practice Book

Additionally, “The Cursive Beginning Writing Workbook for 2nd – 6th GRADE: The Big Coloring Book to Learn Upper and Lowercase Cursive Writing That Includes the … Numbers, Names, Short Words, & Sentences” and the companion practice lined paper workbook.

Dr. Caudle didn’t stop there as she as created cursive handwriting books for teens and young adults.

COLORING BOOKS
For adults she created a series of coloring books, “Abstract Faces” Volumes 1-6 is a collection of her drawings for the adult colorist.

TELEVISION AND FILM BOOKS
Dr. Mel is also a reality show creator and producer with more than two decades of experience in the film and television industry. She has worked on reality shows such as “The Girls Next Door” and “The Little Couple.” She has produced feature films including her latest project “Dark Blue.” “The Reality of Reality Tv: Reality Show Business Plans” is one book out of the series of books on reality show creation and production. Other books include “150 Ways to Fund a Reality Show,” “The Reality of Reality TV Workbook,” “The Reality Show Handbook,” and “EPK for Reality Shows.” Dr. Caudle is a screenwriter and producer of feature films. Visit her website at http://www.drmelcaudle.com for more information.

Where are you from? I am originally from Emory, Texas, a small town about two hours from Dallas, Texas. However, I have resided in New Orleans, Louisiana for the last 37 years.

Why do you write? I have always liked writing, and I wrote my first book when I was in seventh grade with my best friend. I’ve never stopped writing, I have over 90 books, and I am a bestselling author in both fiction and nonfiction.

What do you write about? As I referenced earlier, I have 90 books, and my genres vary. For instance, I have over 40 children’s books, and the most recent series is for children to learn cursive writing. This all came about after the Pandemic, and we were all locked-down. My grandchildren wanted to learn cursive handwriting. So, I tapped into my teaching experience and designed worksheets for them. The only problem, my grandchildren, range in ages from five to 18, so the worksheets had to be age appropriate. By the time we were finished, I had the cursive handbook. We also wrote a children’s story called “The Creek Dweller in the Bayou” together, which comes out on Thanksgiving. The grandkids gave me the ideas, the plot, and each of them has a character in the book. When it came time to illustrate it, we had fun hiring an illustrator who could capture the kid’s looks etc.

Do you have a specific writing style? I think after that last answer, I would have to say no. However, when writing fiction, I do have a style – I never use dialogue tags. I find them distracting. Also, I am a firm believer that if an author can’t present a character through their actions and dialogue, they haven’t done their job.

What are the obstacles that come in the way of writing? I don’t have impediments that divert me from my writing as I always set time for myself. However, I own Absolute Author Publishing House, where I publish books and provide an editing service, so this keeps me busy. I also own EZBOOKBLASTER.COM, a software that I designed to send organic traffic to any book’s URL or an author’s website. Between all of that, I stay focused and engaged.

What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work? One reader wanted to know where I get my inspiration for my characters. In this example, they asked me about the serial killer in my novel “The Keystroke Killer.” When I told them that my inspiration came from my oral surgeon, they couldn’t believe it. You see, I had oral cancer, and I had to have eight of my front teeth removed, the cancer removed, and my palate rebuilt. It took about two years to complete everything, including the bone grafts and teeth implants. Every time my oral surgeon put me under the gas to work on my mouth, I pretended he was the serial killer. All sorts of things came about in my overly active brain. To make that serial killer authentic, I also went to Death Row and interviewed three serial killers. Talk about an awakening; it was easy to find the inspiration.

What is your work schedule like when you are writing? I get up every morning at 6:30 a.m., drink my coffee and relax. By 7:00 a.m., I am at my desk reviewing my tasks for the day. Between 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., I work on my next book or books. Then, from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. I concentrate on running Absolute Author and Ezbookblaster as I edit other’s work, format it, promote them, or market them. I don’t work on Sundays.

How long does it take to write a book? I can write a book in weeks. However, editing it is the time-consuming part, and the beta reading part can take up to eight months. I never rush a publication.

Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer? Yes, practice and always improve your craft. Attend classes and seek out a writing coach, which I am one of the best, and offer one-to-one coaching services on Fiverr.

So, you offer services on Fiverr, what kind? I specialize in all things that have to do with writing, editing, publishing, and promoting a book. You can visit my seller dashboard here

I am proud to announce that I was selected by Fiverr as one of the top-rated sellers on Fiverr and was interviewed by their public relations representative about my journey on Fiverr as a seller. I felt incredibly honored.

What does your family think of your writing? At first, my family considered my passion for writing as a hobby. That all came to a halt when I became a bestseller, published ninety books, and have a readership topping 1.25 million on my blog, earning my living by writing. I can honestly say that I make a living by writing, and it is my career.

Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers? First, I’d like to that all of my readers. They support me relentlessly. Second, check out all of my books as I have a variety.

When did you first consider yourself a writer? I always knew I’d be a writer. I have kept a journal since I was five. In fact, just this week, my husband pulled a box down from the antic, and I found my journal from 1982, and it was filled with my dreams. I wrote them out back then, in long-hand, and in short story format. Now, I feel as if I hit gold as I am now writing a short story collection based on these. It is quite exciting to find these after all of these years.

My links:
www.drmelcaudle.com

Blog: www.drmelmessage.com/

www.absoluteauthor.com

www.Ezbookblaster.com

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrTwMI1gR2Ec1OR1IMhNqw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMelCaudle

November 13, 2020

An Interview with author Katie Fritsche

Katie Fritsche
Katie Fritsche

Hi, my name is Katie Fritsche. I am an English Major at Jacksonville University who is studying to be an English Professor. I enjoy writing and sharing my unique voice as an author with the world is one of my greatest wishes for sure. It is nice to meet all of you. I hope you enjoy my books in future.

Where are you from?

I am originally from Jacksonville; Florida and I have lived here for the entirety of my life.

Why do you write? 

I write because writing has always been a part of my life. I never wanted to be a writer. There are so many other things at which I excel that I could do in life and go far but writing is the one thing I do well with the least amount of effort. In fact, it is the reason why I was created on this Earth, to write for the people and to change their lives with the weight of my words. I started writing to explain the things that happened in my life that terrified me and the endless movements I have endured to become someone. I write simply because it’s a unique part of who I am that has been gifted to me by God and the Holy Spirit and its something that I will never give up on as its my passion and my gift to share my writing with the world.

Words and Consequence

What do you write about? 

I write mainly nonfiction and poetry and I write about the things that I see that make up my world, the people, etc. I have always been told that the greatest thing you can do is to tell the truth and to write them from what you know and who you are. So, I just simply write the truth about what I see.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Yes, Yes, I do. Every writer has their unique voice and way of writing their story. Read my work and you will find out how true my voice really is as an author.

What are obstacles that come in the way of writing? 

Distractions, life’s annoyances, just power through.

What is the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?

The most memorable thing that was ever said to me about my work was from an old teacher named Mrs. Brooks. On the last day I saw her, she told me to “Remember me when your famous”. Ill never forget the last time I saw her because she always supported my dreams and had a passion for writing unlike anyone id ever seen. I hope someday I can have that same moment again with another person who believes in me enough to read my work and support it.

How long have you been writing?

I’d say since Elementary school. I remember passing out my poems that I had written to the teachers in the bus lot as I waited for the bus to take me home. I cannot exactly remember the day I started but I can remember how I started. My passion for writing delved from all the literature I devoured as a child, library after library, in fact I used to get in trouble in school for reading because I loved it so much. As I read more and more, those words and ideas just poured into my head until finally I began writing and that is how I got my start as a writer.

When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

I did not. I have always known I had a gift for literature and writing beyond anyone I have ever met but originally, I did not want to become a writer. But still writing is who I am, and you cannot change who you are and what God gives you, you must be grateful for who you are.

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

My work schedule and life schedule are very busy as I am currently in my sophomore year of college. I usually find time at night to write or on the weekends when I am finished with schoolwork but I work a part time job as well so there is not a lot of time for me to write. It is amazing I have even published a book ha-ha!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

My most interesting writing quirk is to sound like I am speaking to the reader. I do not know why, but I just love having a good conversation with my reader through writing. I think its nice to talk back to the reader in your book because it is like you break the fourth wall and get to really talk to your reader. Everyone has writing quirks and I think its what makes us writers.

How long does it take to write a book? (if you have written one -published or non)

I have both written and published my first book recently. It took me about a year and a half to finish my book. I am very busy with college but I think it depends on how much time you have to write, and it also depends on your motivation. If your motivated and have God in your life you can do anything for sure such as write a book, just must work hard.

Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?

I would say read a lot to be honest. Get your hands-on good literature, read the stuff that inspires you to write, and when your working on a book of a certain genre, try to read only books of that genre. While working on my first book, I only played music that inspired me and read only nonfiction as that was the genre, I was writing in. I can say though its very helpful to read in the genre your writing in because you get the best ideas from reading other peoples writing too. Soon you know what is good and bad when it comes to that genre which is how you become a better writer. If you want to become a better writer, I suggest you just write, revise your work, and get feedback on it. That is the best way to improve oneself in writing by being involved in the process and realizing that writing is not the only thing in this life for sure. So, become a better writer.

What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?

As I mainly write nonfiction and poetry, the main challenge is focusing on what I want to write about in each chapter. I often find challenges with the way I want something to sound such as a sentence about a subject such as hope. Otherwise no challenges really. Writing just seems to come naturally, I never face any challenges with it because its who I am as a person and there are no challenges, I face with being who I am.

Check out Words and Consequences on Lulu

What do you think makes a good story?

I think a good story can come from anywhere. What makes a story good is that it makes other people relate to it, certain types of people like certain kinds of story. I think we all have a story to tell be it good or not. Sometimes the greatest stories come from places of deepest pain and yet it is still a good story, it’s a great lesson for my life. I think it all depends on what you think is a good story and that we must respect the hard work writers put into their stories no matter whether we consider them good or not. Just because you do not like a story does not mean someone else wont as well so respect the story, be it good or not. This is all I have to say about stories for now.

What does your family think of your writing? 

Somedays they support me, other days it is a challenge to live up to their expectation because every expectation they set I set it two times higher because I want to make them proud for sure. Half of my family supports it and another half I do not really know how they feel. I cannot read their minds so who knows. I do not care what they think of my writing or of me, my job is to protect them and honor my family. I do not have the time to worry about what people think of me, I am too busy trying to become the person I am meant to be. That is all I can say of my family for now. They can speak for themselves for sure.

Do you see writing as a career?

Until recently, no. I have always known I was going to be an English Professor and teach writing, but I have never tried to make money off my writing. It is a gift given to me by God and I do not want to tarnish the gift he gave me for the sake of profit. Its up to him to decide whether I will be doing this as a career. He leads and I just follow. I am not in this for the money or fame for sure.

Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?

Tell the readers I care about them. Tell them I wish I could be there for them too. I see so many people struggle, and I want to help them, but I am here trying to get an education. I hope they are given strength by my words and encouragement from God to keep moving forward and that they help others in the fight for this world too. After all we are all people trying to exist in this world and be who we are at the same time so do not change who you are to make someone happy if it makes you unhappy. This is all I have to say for now.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Always. I’ve tried denying it but it is the gift that doesn’t go away. I do not want it to go away and I accept it as a part of who I am. Besides its dead useful to be a writer and I am proud to be considered one. In all, writers unite.