Interview with Carolyn Mathews, author of The Zookeeper’s Dragon

Today, we’re talking with Carolyn Mathews about her book, The Zookeeper’s Dragon

 

Carolyn MathewsTell us something unexpected about yourself!

My birth certificate states Carol Ann Mathews.
My baptismal certificate states Caroline Mathews.
There’s a Romance writer called Carole Matthews, so when I first started writing I didn’t want the two of us to be confused, so I settled on Carolyn Mathews as a pen name. Apparently the letter ‘y’ is a spiritual letter and I’m a sucker for anything with a mind, body and spirit vibe.

 

Why do you write?

The Zookeepers DragonI used to be a teacher of English as a Foreign Language and first got published by Prentice Hall Macmillan. Those books and tapes were aimed at language learners and the vocabulary had to be carefully chosen to be suited to the student’s level. Later on, I went on a writing course at Birkbeck College, London, where I relished the freedom of writing without restraints and started my first novel, ‘Transforming Pandora’. This turned into a trilogy, after which I wrote ‘Temple of Dreams’, set partly in ancient Greece. Writing for me is many things: a way of passing the time; a way to stretch my brain by researching areas featured in the story; a way to experience emotion through my characters; a way to move my readers – to engender emotions in them that take them out of themselves and into a different world.

 

Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?

Having already written four novels, in 2021 I consulted a psychic to see what might come next. He told me I was to write ‘a beautiful work of wonder’ and it would be ‘wrapped round Dragon Energy’. I had no idea then, that this book would take me so long to finish, but becoming widowed and moving house were just two of several distractions along the way.

By the time the book was ready, my usual publisher had changed hands, and my former imprint was now favouring thrillers. My son, who has had a lot of success with his own books published with KDP Amazon, offered to supervise the birthing of ‘The Zookeeper’s Dragon’. Et voila.

 

What do you enjoy the most about your genre?

My book is known as a ‘genre buster’, as it has elements of magic, fantasy, the supernatural, romance, danger – set in a real world scenario. I have always been a big fan of the mind, body, spirit holistic movement and as a result, all five of my books feature angels, mystery, jeopardy and the arcane. I enjoy the wide palette that allows me.

 

How would you describe your writing process?

I usually start with one or more interesting characters, not yet knowing how their stories will end. Sometimes I write by hand instead of typing – especially when I’m stuck; I enjoy the research; I stay up late when I’m on a roll.

 

What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?

A lot, as long as they have the time. Not all of us do.

 

What advice would you have for other writers?

First learn the rules – there are plenty of books on the subject. And then break them if you prefer it your way. I used to be so careful about whose viewpoint was being expressed: whose ‘eyes’ the reader was seeing through; whether an omnipotent narrator could ever step in, etc. But, for the first time, in this book I put all that aside and simply let the story flow.

 

How do you select your books’ titles and covers?

My previous books were published traditionally, so I liaised with the publishing staff. Unfortunately, they’ve since been taken over, so this is my first book where the decisions were made with a family member who had previously published with KDP Amazon. We used his cover designer. It was difficult to show a young dragon without it looking like a children’s book. As it’s a magical mystical fantasy tale for grown-ups, I made sure this subtitle was evident on its Amazon page.

 

What’s your next step?

I’m happy to watch how baby dragon Rhodri gets on. If readers fall in love with him the way I did, and tell their friends, he should find his wings and fly!

 

What book do you wish you had written?

‘The Alchemist’ by Paolo Coelho

 

How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?

With deep gratitude!

 

FIND CAROLYN’S BOOK ON AMAZON

 

The Book of Chaos by Ray Strong

ray strongIn The Book of Chaos, readers are plunged into a richly imagined world of epic fantasy where political machinations, wartime strategy, and personal sacrifice collide. At the heart of this sweeping narrative is Diana, a fierce and multifaceted heroine whose journey is as emotionally resonant as it is action-packed. With its intricate world-building, layered intrigue, and relentless pace, The Book of Chaos delivers a gripping saga of resilience, loyalty, and transformation. For fans of epic fantasy seeking depth, drama, and a protagonist who earns every inch of her growth, this novel is a compelling must-read.

 

Which line stood out from all the others in the book?

“Never surrender.”

 

General Summary for Context:

Diana and her mother are on the run from assassins. Just as they’re about to escape, an arrow strikes her mother. Consumed by grief, Diana only has her father to lean on, but solace is short-lived, as he is soon called away to war once again.

 

With her country constantly under threat from the Sulerian Empire, Diana sets out on a quest across the land to find a book, The Book of Chaos, believed to hold the key to changing the course of the war. Her journey is long, filled with countless obstacles, battles, and painful losses. Along the way, she transforms into a skilled warrior. But the greatest challenge still awaits her at the journey’s end—a final battle that will test everything she has become.

 

Concise Review:

Diana and her mother are on the run from ruthless assassins. Just as they near safety, an arrow claims her mother’s life. Looking at the flames, as they take her mother, Diana makes a vow—to find the one book that might turn the tide in the war against the Sulerians. But her journey doesn’t begin right away. Her father doesn’t believe in magic, and doesn’t let her go. What follows is a difficult period in Diana’s life—a time of grief, growth, and intense training. She learns to fight, to survive, and grows stronger with each day.

 

Later, now a princess, Diana finally gets her chance. She embarks on a long journey across the land to retrieve The Book of Chaos—a book that could change the course of the war. Along the way, she faces danger, betrayal, and challenges beyond anything she could imagine before.

 

Although part of a larger series, The Book of Chaos can stand powerfully on its own. It’s an epic fantasy filled with political intrigue, war plans, and a journey of a young woman fighting for her people. Diana’s character development is one of the highlights of the book—watching her grow from a grieving daughter to a fearless warrior was truly inspiring. She works through pride, overcomes many challenges thrown her way, and earns her place in the world.

 

I liked worldbuilding, and loved getting lost in the strange, magical lands alongside Diana.  Even though this is the third installment, it feels like we’ve only begun to scratch the surface of what this world holds.

 

One of my favorite parts was watching Diana’s growth—and that epilogue brought the story full circle. You know the fantasy book is going to be a good one when it starts with a gorgeous map – it adds so much to the experience.

 

I highly recommend The Book of Chaos to anyone who loves epic fantasy with an interesting world, layered political drama, and a fierce, complex heroine at its heart. It’s a thrilling ride from start to finish—and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

 

618HU0qp7TL. SL1074General Thoughts on the Novel:

It’s an emotional journey for Diana—one of growth, perseverance, and resilience. However, the emotional struggles in the early chapters felt more told than shown. It made it a bit harder to connect with her at first.

 

The story itself is incredibly vast, with many moving parts—from political intrigue and wartime strategies to espionage, adventure, and personal struggle. Because of this complexity, I felt the main storyline got a bit buried in the first quarter of the book.

 

But once the story found its footing, it got very good, very fast. I was completely hooked by the adventure and couldn’t wait to see where the plot would take me next. The pacing picked up, the stakes rose, and every chapter pulled me in deeper.

 

Overall, I really enjoyed the story. The writing is strong, but where the book truly shines is in its character development. Diana’s transformation is compelling and believable, and watching her grow into her strength—emotionally and physically—was the best part!

 

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Excerpt: A Sunny Day in Largos City

 

 

 

Largos City

 

… Nowhere to go now.

Maybe he should just drown, or maybe an obliging shark might chew him up. Better that than the Zorne Police. The Correctors’ elite Inquisitors were renowned for their imaginative chastisements.

 

Ruffburn made for the open water, the choppiness causing him to snort and thrash. But the tide was coming in, so he felt himself being washed back to the other side of the harbor. He glimpsed a small group of men running that way to help him out of the water.

 

The good fellows must have sniffed the offer of reward.

 

81t2DYUNCML. SL1500Ruffburn gasped and choked as he cut the other way. The nearest boats were closing in. The fishers had their nets and tridents out. One overly enthusiastic type was whirling a weighted bola over his head.

 

Ruffburn ducked under water and forced his bony hide to dive as low as he could. Bolts zinged past him as he held his breath and chiseled deeper. Then he saw a shadow appear from above and spied a net sinking down. No avoiding that.

 

He darted sideways, but the lead-weighted net quickly closed around him like a crab claw on a minnow. The next moment, he felt his body being heaved up and trussed like a captured snapper.

 

Rough hands reached down and hauled him higher. As he spewed up seawater, he heard someone laugh.

 

A face loomed down at him: scarred, red, and ugly with half the right ear missing. Then it was replaced with another. This one wore a grin. Ruffburn took in the blond ponytail, pale ironic eyes, and the large gold earring in the left lobe.

 

“You could be useful, old mucker,” Ponytail said.

 

Ruffburn stared at him.

 

“Hmm . . . sure. Nowhere else to be.”

 

He turned his head, the only part of him that could move. There were three of them: the cheerful lazy-eyed blond, Half Ear, and a huge, lumpy fellow with a square black beard. The latter’s broad blue face seemed to be stitched together with intricate spiraling tattoos.

 

Ruffburn grinned at the three of them. These seemed like good lads.

 

“Where are we going?” he asked.

 

The blond grinned and looked at the giant with the tattoos. “How we doing, Stank?”

 

“They’re gaining. And the fucking Correctors have the entire harbor on lockdown.”

 

“Best get in the open water,” the blond said.

 

“Fishers’ll cut us off,” Half Ear grumbled.

 

“Not if you row harder, Scit.”

 

“I’m fucking pulling my arms out as it is.”

 

“Can you row?” The blond stared at Ruffburn.

 

“I’m an expert rower,” Ruffburn said.

 

“Good. You’ll need to be. Cut him loose, Stanky.”

 

“Why?” The tattooed monster glared at Ruffburn. “We can hand him over to the watch all trussed up nicely. They won’t mind none––save them the time.”

 

“We’re not handing this shithead over to the watch.”

 

“We’re not?” Both Tattoo Face and Half Ear gawped at the blond.

 

“You’re not,” Ruffburn added, deciding to chime in with some input.

 

They looked at him.

 

“Why?” Tattoo Face asked.

 

“Because this boy could be pretty useful, Stank. We’ve been watching him since he arrived in town, Slider and me. Got potential, so he has. Shame to waste that kind of talent to get a bit of reward coin.”

 

“I had that reward money spent in the Dozy-Eyed Mare tonight already,” Tattoo Face muttered.

 

“I’ll treat you,” Ruffburn said.

 

“Gobshite, little twat,” Half Ear said.

 

“Nice to meet you too.” Ruffburn grinned.

 

The blond ignored them as he sliced the net, allowing Ruffburn to spill out and untangle himself. He lay belly-down in the wet strakes before he shifted over and looked up at a clear blue sky. Gulls weaved and cried. Tattoo and Ear were working the oars.

 

Ruffburn saw soldiers on the harbor waving their spears. Others lined the far side. The docks seemed completely ringed by steel. Off to the left, three fishing vessels were clipping toward them to cut off their escape. The occupants seemed determined to seize the prisoner and get their reward. It seemed pretty hopeless, even when Ruffburn grabbed the third oar and helped.

 

The blond watched the fishers.

 

Half Ear scratched his good one. “We won’t make it, Trell. They’re closing in.”

 

Ponytail yawned. “I can see that, Scit. Maybe we’ll let the nearest one catch up.” He winked at Ruffburn.

 

“He’ll be on us in minutes,” the blond said and kicked Half Ear in the shin.

 

“Bollocks. What was that for?” Half Ear missed his stroke and crashed into Tattoo Face’s side. Ruffburn flailed and tried to cover.

 

“Make ’em think we’re panicking.” Ponytail grinned.

 

“We sort of are,” Ruffburn said.

 

The nearest ketch was quickly closing in. Ruffburn could see the greedy, filthy faces of the fishers as they leaned out from the prow. They carried nets and spears. One had a bow and was fumbling with an arrow.

 

The ketch crashed alongside, and the skipper yelled down. “Hand that tosser up, and you boys can bugger off. It’s not you we want.”

 

“Happy to help.” The blond grinned up at them. “Here lads, grab the prisoner.”

 

“What?” Ruffburn stared at the blond. “You said . . .”

 

“Sorry, mate. Plans changed.”

 

His companions stowed their oars and, at the blond’s command, grabbed Ruffburn by the ears. Tattoo Face heaved him up, and the skipper ordered two of his sailors to reach down.

 

“Help ’em, lads,” the blond said, and the other two clambered up behind Ruffburn.

 

“We’ve got this. Don’t need you boys up here.”

 

“Want to make sure the handoff is smooth,” Ponytail said, smiling as he turned and stared at Ruffburn.

 

“Piss off,” the skipper told the blond and turned away to yell at his men.

 

The words died in his throat as Ponytail rammed a curved blade into his right kidney. He pushed the dying skipper into the arms of one of the man’s startled mates. Then Tattoo Face and Half Ear leaped onto the rest of the crew, brandishing long knives, slicing and stabbing.

 

Ruffburn nodded, noting the efficiency of the attack. Excellent.

 

Within five minutes the ketch was bouncing, rudderless, with the sails hanging limp. Ponytail signaled, and the two others jumped about, readying the craft.

 

Ruffburn saw the other two ketches veer off, the occupants unsure about what had just transpired. He grinned with satisfaction as they slipped back toward the harbor entrance.

 

The blond grinned at him.

 

“I’m Trelaney. Welcome to the crew, old son. Time for an ale, hey lads?”

 

I hope you enjoyed that excerpt. Archer’s Moon will be available in three weeks. You can pre-order your copy here.

For updates and announcements, visit our website here.

Or why not join our fun Facebook Group on all things fantasy, myth and magic here.

5 Book Recommendations for Father’s Day by Scott T. Barnes

SF fantasy Image Banner

 

If your father is a sci-fi bookworm like me, these science fiction book recommendations will help you knock it out of the park.

It can be tough to find something for someone who has everything.

Nothing compares to escaping into another world. Here are my five top science fiction classics and new releases.

 

814CsV1vJL. SL1389Battlefield Earth by L. Ron Hubbard

 

In the far future, Earth has been taken over by an alien race known as the Psychlos who are stripping the Earth of its mineral wealth. The Psychlos dominate both by their advanced technology and by their physical form, standing nine feet tall and weighing over a thousand pounds. The few human survivors live in scattered, primitive tribes.

 

In a chance encounter, the chief of security of a mine (Terl) encounters human Jonny Goodboy Tyler and takes him captive. It so happens that Terl plots to mine gold from the Rockies to fund an escape from this backwater world, but his plot requires human miners. Thus Tyler and his small crew begin to learn how to use the Psychlos technology, and more importantly, how to turn it against the aliens in an effort to retake the planet.

 

Battlefield Earth is a massive book, with as many adventures and close scrapes as intellectual ponderings. For example, late in the story a consortium of intergalactic bankers seeks to repossess the Earth for unpaid debts. They cannot be destroyed by battle the way the Psychlos can, and thus must be outsmarted.

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Watch Book Trailer

 

Under Heaven Guy Gavriel KayUnder Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay

 

Believe it or not, I first heard about this fantasy novel an announcer on NPR—the only fantasy recommendation I’ve ever heard there.

 

In a fictionalized China called Kitai, General Shen Tai has just won an impressive victory against invaders. Filled with remorse at the needless death, the general asks for and receives permission to retire. He takes his freedom to move to the site of the now-haunted battlefield and begins burying the dead. He buries Kitai soldiers and their enemies without prejudice. Every time he buries someone, a voice haunting the battlefield falls silent.

 

Hearing of this honorable deed, a princess gifts General Tai two hundred fifty of her finest horses. He regards this as a death sentence. The horses are so valuable that people will come from hundreds of miles to steal them. But if he refuses the gift or turns the horses loose, he will insult the princess—also a death sentence.

 

General Tai decides the only way to survive is to drive the horses several hundred miles and present them as a gift to the Kitai emperor. But with only a female warrior as bodyguard, that is a long way to survive.

 

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The Mercenary by Jerry Pournelle

 

The Mercenary Jerry Pournelle

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If you are a science fiction fan, you have probably heard of Pournelle’s The Mote in God’s Eye. This prequel gives us the background of the formidable ex-Marine turned mercenary John Christian Falkenberg.

 

Imagine a United Federation of Planets-type government happily and peacefully managing a backwater world—until the planet’s resources run low and bureaucracy abandons the planet to its own devices. War ensues, faction against faction, brother against brother, as rival groups vie for dominance. One faction appears to have won power—except that the losers scrape together enough coin to hire the ex-marine turned mercenary John Christian Falkenberg and his men. Making a quick assessment, Falkenberg determines he can win if he strikes hard and fast—and if he manages to convince his opponents he’s landed with overwhelming force when in fact he’s short of about everything.

 

What I loved about The Mercenary is that Falkenberg is facing overwhelming odds—but he keeps on winning. Modern writing theory dictates that the hero must be beaten down, down, down, nearly to the point of giving up, until in the final scenes he orchestrates a reversal. But some classic works show the hero winning over and over; the joy is in trying to anticipate how he will pull it off. TV shows like Columbo use this technique, as do the Sherlock Homes stories, and the excellent tales of Ole Doc Methuselah from L. Ron Hubbard.

 

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Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy  by Douglass Adams

 

Hitchhiker Guide CoverThis is probably the funniest book ever written. Aliens plan to demolish the Earth in order to make way for an intergalactic superhighway. The only thing standing in their way is Authur Dent, an Englishman who is far, far from being heroic. Dent carries a Babel Fish to translate languages, and a Electronic Thumb with which he can hitch a ride on just about any spacecraft that flies near—spacecraft that might be powered by an improbability drive.

 

Adams’ humor is dry, ironic, and full of surprises. If dad hasn’t already read this, he should.

 

(For those of you under thirty, hitchhikers were people who used to stand by the side of the road holding a thumb out. Automobile drivers, not driven paranoid by the internet, would stop and give them a lift.)

 

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Silver in the Bone  by Alexandra Bracken

 

Silver in the Bone CoverI wanted to include a modern novel in my recommendations. I’ve always loved the Arthurian legends, and this purports to take the Author Pendragon—Merlin stories and move them into modern times. Really, these are new adventures with new characters, while the Arthurian references create resonance and depth.

 

Teenager Tamsin Lark lives in present-day Boston, a town full of sorcerers and Hollowers—those who can see and hunt ancient magic. Unfortunately for Tamsin, she has no such ability. Without power herself, Lark is viewed as something of a joke by most Hollowers, including (she thinks) her own crew. When rumors begin swirling that Lark’s missing guardian discovered a powerful magic ring, rivals and enemies begin circling. Lark discovers she must find a way to Avalon to unravel both modern and ancient mysteries to have any chance of finding the magic ring—not to mention having to defeat the Wild Hunt and Lord Death himself.

 

This two-book series has adventure, romance, heartbreak, and most importantly, mystery galore.

 

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Bonus entry: Writers of the Future Volume 41

 

WotF 41 Cover 250122 frontBy Award Winning Debut Authors, and L. Ron Hubbard, Tim Powers, and Sean Williams

 

This collection of fantasy and science fiction short stories—most in the vein of adventure—can’t be beat. Several of the stories feature time travel, although that is not its official theme. As the collection is by debut authors, you are guaranteed to read something fresh and new. I’ve read most of the entries, and Volume 41 is one of the strongest.

 

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Conclusion

 

If you are looking for a book recommendation that your father will love, these stories will not disappoint.

 

I’d love to hear if you have read any of them, and how it goes.

 

Guest Blogger

Scott T. Barnes Headshot IMG 5909copy 1Scott T. Barnes

 

Scott T. Barnes has taught EAFL in France and wrangled cattle in Oregon. He is also a certified kenjutsu instructor. His novel Memories of Lucinda Eco has garnered rave reviews, including a coveted Editor’s Pick from BookLife. His short story “Insect Sculptor” won the L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Award.  Author Site: https://www.scotttbarnes.com/

 

Zephyr’s Flight by Ray Strong

lipfs8rkum1elclem52t4kum5b. SX450 CR00450450Zephyr’s Flight by Ray Strong is perfect for readers who love a fantasy series that masterfully weaves together themes of sacrifice, defiance, and survival. With richly drawn characters and high-stakes conflict, it explores the harrowing choices made in the face of destiny—where even love becomes a perilous gamble. A gripping saga that promises both emotional depth and thrilling adventure.

 

Which line stood out from all the others in the book?

 

Astria realizes that Fynn cares for no one but himself, and certainly not her, when she says “ Was it too hard to visit me when you knew I was struggling to survive?”

 

81nTDXITL. SL1500General Summary for Context:

 

Embark on a journey into a magical land that is both fraught with perils at every turn, yet flourishing with status and power.

 

Astria longs to become a Rider, the highest order of the Council. She can then continue in the search for her father, who disappeared years ago, never to be seen again. She feels strongly (and perhaps irrationally) that he is alive and well out there, but she needs a dragon to ride on and accompany her on the search. Enter Zephyr, an adorable, loyal and devoted dragon who stays by Astria’s side through thick and thin. However, there is one major problem with the cute little dragon. He is unable to fly, and without possessing that particular skill, Astria cannot use him to become a Rider. She also requires permission from the Council, which she has not yet obtained (and may never, as they consider her to be a Rogue).

 

In plain English, she is a problem to them, and they don’t want to afford her any privileges or advantages that may make her more valuable and important to others. But she is persistent, strong, and clever, and she works on a concoction to give her dragon that will enable him to grow strong and fly. She embarks on her voyage to protect her land from their enemies, and ends up falling in love with Lance, a gentleman of the highest order. He reciprocates her feelings but tells her he has to join the battle to do his duty, and she, although fearful for his safety, understands his responsibility to serve.

 

Concise Review:

 

It’s a real page turner. What’s enticing is, weaved into the fantasy of dragons and villains and supernatural powers, the sweet and enduring romance that blossoms between Astria and Lance.  Like a love from a gothic novel, he protects her from the clutches of someone evil, and she falls hard for him (as he does for her).  So you have, in the midst of all the gore and fighting and unendurable actions within the environment, a love that is pure and true. The lovers’ fate as well as the bond between dragon and Rider shapes this novel well.

 

General Thoughts on the Novel:

 

Combining both fantasyland, evil, and romance, the novel takes off and never stops. You will chuckle at Zephyr’s antics but also be astounded at his strength and bravery as he protects his mistress. You will feel anger and frustration at the unfairness with which Astria is judged, and sigh when she meets her true love. It’s a compelling story that merges all the above elements into one comprehensive novel, and if you are one who enjoys plots that go off in a myriad of different directions that add greatly to the original storyline, then this is a book you will not want to miss out on.

 

READ RAY’S BOOK ON AMAZON

Interview with M. A. Torres, author of Kevin Martinez and the Crimson Knights

Today, we’re talking with M. A. Torres about his book, Kevin Martinez and the Crimson Knights

3lcgojtsqft89egssj7vpekpu3. SX450 CR00450450Tell us something unexpected about yourself!

My playlist consists of some non-manly music, *cough, Taylor Swift, *cough.

 

Why do you write?

I write to create—to craft stories that will be enjoyed long after I’m gone, to transform the fruits of my daydreams into something tangible on the page.

 

Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?

The inspiration to write “Kevin Martinez and the Crimson Knights” struck in the summer of 2018. The catalyst was witnessing my sons’ newfound love for reading. I aimed to create a story that blended various genres they enjoyed, hoping to captivate their imaginations and touch their hearts.

 

What do you enjoy the most about your genre?

What I love about the Middle Grade genre is how it captures kids on the brink of discovery—standing at the threshold of finding themselves, exploring their strengths and confronting their weaknesses as they take their first steps along life’s path, encountering both its wonders and challenges. I cherish the innocence of youthful love and infatuation, and the thrilling excitement these feelings evoke.

 

How would you describe your writing process?

I would describe my writing process as a sputtering Ferrari. I don’t put pen to paper until I’ve gathered enough ideas, and those ideas emerge only after prolonged periods of brainstorming. Sometimes these periods stretch into months, other times just days—but once I find the next story arc that truly excites me, my fingers fly across the keyboard at a furious pace. Eventually, I hit another uncertain section, and the cycle begins anew.

 

What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?

I believe authors greatly benefit from social media because it allows them to form personal connections with their readers. They can engage directly with their audience, share behind-the-scenes insights into their writing processes, and gain personalized feedback about their work. This fosters a deeper relationship between authors and their readers and can transform casual readers into lifelong fans, which is every writer’s goal.

 

71uRfaCldyL. SL1350What advice would you have for other writers?

My best and only advice for writers is this: Write your story. Write even if you think your words aren’t good enough. Keep writing, and don’t stop until you’ve reached the end. You’ll find that as you push forward, new ideas will bloom, and soon you’ll have created a complete story—something uniquely yours, which no one can ever take away. You can always revisit your work to polish and perfect it later, but by writing it down, you’ve given your ideas life in the world.

 

How do you select your books’ titles and covers?

I try to pinpoint the central arc of the book and highlight it clearly in the title. Similarly, I identify the key event or defining moment of the story and strive to capture its essence through the cover design, which has been executed flawlessly by the talented Swedish artist Isabel Westling.

 

What’s your next step?

I plan to complete the Kevin Martinez story within the next two novels, hopefully over the next three to five years. After that, I intend to return to working on Cravenlore, my vampire graphic novel.

 

What book do you wish you’d written?

A Game of Thrones; the detail, the mystery, the foreshadowing and subversion of expectations! I’m still yearning for The Winds of Winter. Hopefully sometime this century…

 

How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?

At the sight of a new review, my heart leaps, and adrenaline courses through my veins as I eagerly begin to read. Positive comments bring a smile, while negative ones chip a piece off my heart—but I’ve accepted that this simply comes with the territory. Luckily, negative feedback has been minimal so far, and I’ll use it as constructive criticism.

 

FIND M. A.’S BOOK ON AMAZON

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