AUTHOR
INTERVIEWS
More interviews with Authors from all over the world and with different backgrounds. Also some authors are independent published and also traditionally published.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH
MICHAEL SIDDALL
I personally have only known of Michael and his book over the last six months, but I have read two of them so far and really enjoyed them, and I hope you will too.
Author Name
MICHAEL JOHN SIDDALL
Author Email
Author’s social media links (Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter etc.) Amazon. Goodreads. Bookbub. Facebook. Twitter.
Authors Series and list of books.
A Violent Man.
A force of Nature.
A Killer on the Loose.
All the Time in the World.
Time and Time again.
Challenge of the Gods.
The Weird, the Whacky and the Wonderful.
The Book, the Wand, the Magic.
Stoppin’ Smokin’ the Easy Way.
Tell me a little about yourself, where do you live, family, hobbies!
I was born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England and my aspirations to become a novel writer began after devising the board game: 'Challenge of the Gods'. Educated at Newfield School in Sheffield I left with exemplary grades in my final exams and went on to Granville College where I studied Art and Design, Literature and History. Times were hard and I left to become a carpet fitter even though I wrote every single day when I got home. Challenge of the Gods was my first serious attempt at fantasy novel writing after completing a Creative Writing course.
My other pastimes are ice skating. I used to play ice hockey. I’ve boxed at amateur level too and then I moved into the mixed martial arts forum. I jog a few miles each morning, then visit a local gym to let off steam before going home to cook dinner. I am a good cook and enjoy it. I even wash the pots and pans as and when I use them. I’ll make someone a good wife one day!
Finally, I have to say I can spend hours creating New Worlds on paper, and I have to admit that I do it for the love of it and not for the money. Money has never been a consideration, And my one downside is that I hate Tech and find it difficult to absorb the knowledge needed to get me where I need to be. I wish we could have had computers and laptops when I was at school. We didn’t even have calculators!
What got you into writing?
I wanted to write a time travel novel as good as The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. And I have written All the Time in the World which is a murder mystery in time. I’ll leave it for history to judge whether I made the grade.
What’s the main thing you love and hate about writing?
Words are so powerful. The pen truly is mightier than the sword and can crumble empires. But in the right hands they can immortalise you. Because unless there is a book burning like there was in Germany I will live on forever through my novels.
How do you select the names of your characters?
Usually I just pluck them out of the air or make them up.
What is next on your list to write/publish?
A Creative Novel Writing Course for novice writers.
What is your favorite childhood book?
Wide Awake Jake by Hellen Young. And I still have a copy that I read to my two grandchildren.
Who is your favourite author, and why?
The late, great, David Gemmell inspired me to write my historical fiction novel A Violent Man.
Who encouraged you the most to write?
Myself really. I started when I was nine. I was hospitalised for a whole year in the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield with Rheumatic Fever, misdiagnosed as Polio, so there was nothing else to do. I was laid flat on my back for six months and strapped in a wheelchair for the following six so I read a lot and wrote poetry and short stories.
Are you as avid a reader as a writer?
Yes. So are my two children. And Elijah co-wrote The Book, the Wand, the Magic with me and did a great job.
What’s your favorite genre?
Fantasy! But I could probably write most genre.
Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what type? Or can’t you stand background noise when writing?
I sometimes listen to music.
What is your writing Kryptonite? Technology!
I find it difficult learning computer programming. I don’t even have a Smart Phone. Just an old brick!
Tell me a secret that none of your fans know! Do you like to cook or perhaps only wear a certain colour sock! I entered a Tom Selleck lookalike competition and came first.
Tell me what your main character would say about you!
“He’s stronger than a bull. Faster than the wind. And fearless!”
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
8 novels, 1 self help book published and I’m now writing my own Creative Writing Course for novice writers.
What is your motto in life?
Health, Wealth and Freedom Forever.
Does your family support your career as a writer?
My family are all gone except for my two children, but all my family did support me and my children still do.
Finally, any words of advice?
If you want to write a novel, take a Creative Novel Writing course.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH
AMANDA SHERIDAN
Amanda has become a good friend recently and I had the opportunity to read her first book Rapid Eye Movement. To be fair, I actually wished I had thought about a storyline like this because it had me gripped from the beginning to the end.
Author Name MICHAEL JOHN SIDDALL
Author Website None
Author Email (Do you want this showing on the interview? If not, leave this blank.)
Author’s social media links (Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter etc.) Amazon. Goodreads. Bookbub. Facebook. Twitter.
Authors Series and list of books. A Violent Man. A force of Nature. A Killer on the Loose. All the Time in the World. Time and Time again. Challenge of the Gods. The Weird, the Whacky and the Wonderful. The Book, the Wand, the Magic. Stoppin’ Smokin’ the Easy Way.
Tell me a little about yourself, where do you live, family, hobbies! I was born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England and my aspirations to become a novel writer began after devising the board game: 'Challenge of the Gods'. Educated at Newfield School in Sheffield I left with exemplary grades in my final exams and went on to Granville College where I studied Art and Design, Literature and History. Times were hard and I left to become a carpet fitter even though I wrote every single day when I got home. Challenge of the Gods was my first serious attempt at fantasy novel writing after completing a Creative Writing course.
My other pastimes are ice skating. I used to play ice hockey. I’ve boxed at amateur level too and then I moved into the mixed martial arts forum. I jog a few miles each morning, then visit a local gym to let off steam before going home to cook dinner. I am a good cook and enjoy it. I even wash the pots and pans as and when I use them. I’ll make someone a good wife one day!
Finally, I have to say I can spend hours creating New Worlds on paper, and I have to admit that I do it for the love of it and not for the money. Money has never been a consideration, And my one downside is that I hate Tech and find it difficult to absorb the knowledge needed to get me where I need to be. I wish we could have had computers and laptops when I was at school. We didn’t even have calculators!
What got you into writing? I wanted to write a time travel novel as good as The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. And I have written All the Time in the World which is a murder mystery in time. I’ll leave it for history to judge whether I made the grade.
What’s the main thing you love and hate about writing? Words are so powerful. The pen truly is mightier than the sword and can crumble empires. But in the right hands they can immortalise you. Because unless there is a book burning like there was in Germany I will live on forever through my novels.
How do you select the names of your characters? Usually I just pluck them out of the air or make them up.
What is next on your list to write/publish? A Creative Novel Writing Course for novice writers.
What is your favorite childhood book? Wide Awake Jake by Hellen Young. And I still have a copy that I read to my two grandchildren.
Who is your favourite author, and why? The late, great, David Gemmell inspired me to write my historical fiction novel A Violent Man.
Who encouraged you the most to write? Myself really. I started when I was nine. I was hospitalised for a whole year in the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield with Rheumatic Fever, misdiagnosed as Polio, so there was nothing else to do. I was laid flat on my back for six months and strapped in a wheelchair for the following six so I read a lot and wrote poetry and short stories.
Are you as avid a reader as a writer? Yes. So are my two children. And Elijah co-wrote The Book, the Wand, the Magic with me and did a great job.
What’s your favorite genre? Fantasy! But I could probably write most genre.
Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what type? Or can’t you stand background noise when writing? I sometimes listen to music.
What is your writing Kryptonite? Technology! I find it difficult learning computer programming. I don’t even have a Smart Phone. Just an old brick!
Tell me a secret that none of your fans know! Do you like to cook or perhaps only wear a certain colour sock! I entered a Tom Selleck lookalike competition and came first.
Tell me what your main character would say about you! “He’s stronger than a bull. Faster than the wind. And fearless!”
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? 8 novels, 1 self help book published and I’m now writing my own Creative Writing Course for novice writers.
What is your motto in life? Health, Wealth and Freedom Forever.
Does your family support your career as a writer? My family are all gone except for my two children, but all my family did support me and my children still do.
Finally, any words of advice? If you want to write a novel, take a Creative Novel Writing course.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH
SAMUEL DAVEL
Samuel is a brand knew author to me and I, like you, is interested to learn more about him and his books.
Author Name: Simon Davel
Author’s social media links (Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter etc.)
Twitter:
Instagram:
instagram.com/samdavel
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20694577.Samuel_Davel
Authors Series and list of books.
"Dear Monica" as of now but coming in 2021 is "Hey Dad" and "Little Red Card"
Tell me a little about yourself, where do you live, family, hobbies!
I grew up in Wisconsin but left home at 18 for the Army. I spent 4 years in Army Special Operations or Ranger Regiment and then moved to NYC to pursue acting. While pursuing acting I found a love for writing and script analysis. While continuing to act I started writing and really enjoyed it eventually publishing my book "Dear Monica" and starting other projects.
What got you into writing?
When the covid pandemic started I was really lost. Acting had stopped and the world had kind of paused. I felt like all the work and momentum I had built for acting had been lost and I didn't have a purpose while waiting for the world to turn back on. So I had been talking about writing a book for years and never actually doing it and one day I sat down and said it's enough talking.
What’s the main thing you love and hate about writing?
I love writing about relationships, love, friend, any relationship really. they're so complex and confusing but also so simple. In reality, it's just who you choose to spend time with, that sounds simple, but in reality, there are a million different factors that go into that decision because time is the one thing we never have enough of. I hate writing dialogue. it never feels natural to me and it's something I have to edit numerous times before I feel confident about it.
How do you select the names of your characters?
The names usually just come to me, what flows and sounds good. I do have a few characters that are significant names to me and I try to use the same names for characters in novels. In my first book, Charlie and Monica are the main characters, in my second they make an appearance just as different characters, my mom's name was Arlie, and she used to say "it's Charlie, without the CH" so that name will always be special to me.
What is next on your list to write/publish?
My next book "Hey Dad" is in the editing phase. It's a novel about a father who leaves to head to war only to realize that war isn't what he thought and what he needs in this world is back home, his wife and child.
What is your favorite childhood book?
My favorite childhood book was anything magic tree house. there were so many of them and each book felt like I was transported to another world or life.
Who encouraged you the most to write?
My family and friends really encouraged me to write. As well as my girlfriend. I would write her little poems and she would tell me how good they were.
Are you as avid a reader as a writer?
I enjoy reading but since falling in love with writing I would definitely say I'm a writer rather than a reader.
What’s your favorite genre?
my favorite genre to write is romance, to read it's a mystery though, I love a good crime story.
Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what type? Or can’t you stand background noise when writing?
I do listen to music, I'm a huge country fan, I know we get a lot of smack for the loving country but I usually always have it playing. I like to be in the mood of the characters when I write and music often is my go-to for getting there.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
social media and negative thoughts are my writing kryptonite. I always tell myself to write my stories for myself, I can't get everyone to like a story but if I like the story, then someone likes it.
Tell me a secret that none of your fans know! Do you like to cook or perhaps only wear a certain colour sock!
I'm a huge sports fan. I write romance and have a sports podcast, I don't know how those two go together but they do!
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I have two unfinished books, they're close to publishing but not there. And I have probably 12 outlines done.
Does your family support your career as a writer?
My family does support my career, I think they don't always understand it. but they have my back no matter what.
Finally, any words of advice?
My advice would really just be you can do anything. Anything is achievable. You just need to work really hard.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH
DONNA GLASS
This author has recently became a good friend. Donna is also a children book author and I look forward to seeing more from her in the near future.
Author Name: Donna Glass
Author Website: https://superherointhekitchen.com
Author’s social media links (Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter etc.)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/superchefseries
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superherointhekitchen/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/donna_glass
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperHeroInTheKitchen/
Authors Series and list of books.
Be a Superhero in the Kitchen: Super Chef series
(Just this one for now, working on more)
Tell me a little about yourself, where do you live, family, hobbies!
I am a wife, mother of two kids, a lover of comic books, and a home cook. I have two furbabies and looking to adopt another kitty real soon. I live in Illinois and, since it’s cold outside right now, I venture out as little as possible. But when spring comes, I love to ride scooters, play basketball, or simply take walks.
What got you into writing?
For the past twenty years, I’ve posted a weekly menu. When my kids became old enough to help out with the menu, we started making the menu board a game. We’d play Pictionary to guess the meal. Sometimes, we would draw different flags to symbolize the cuisine for the night. The menu board was a hit even with people not living in my house. They were curious what we were fixing and eating each night. It was my idea to write a children’s cookbook; however, my husband suggested making it superhero themed since we are humungous comic book fans.
What’s the main thing you love and hate about writing?
I love creating and eating the recipes. I will say marketing is the hardest part of the process. This past year with covid and book signing being cancelled, it has been difficult connecting with potential readers/chefs.
How do you select the names of your characters?
My characters do not have names, but a few characters are fashioned after members of my family. The super kitty is actually my furbaby Patrice. The little boy with the chef’s hat over his face is my son, and the girl with the cat ear’s headband is my daughter. The grandma was inspired my mom aka Nana.
What is next on your list to write/publish?
I plan on having 3-5 cookbooks in the Super Chef series.
What is your favorite childhood book?
We read a lot of Disney books growing up. I still have them today.
Who encouraged you the most to write?
My husband has supported me every step of the way. He is my biggest cheerleader.
Are you as avid a reader as a writer?
Oh yes! I read every day for fun. You should see my library. :D
What’s your favorite genre?
Probably romance comedy. I do love to laugh.
Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what type? Or can’t you stand background noise when writing?
Music is a staple in my house. A single playlist can go from Eminem to Elvis to Godsmack.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Lack of ingredients. Sometimes my daughter or I will think of something to make and won’t have all the ingredients. With covid, we don’t just hop in the car and shop on a whim anymore.
Tell me a secret that none of your fans know! Do you like to cook or perhaps only wear a certain colour sock!
My socks never match. :D
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Be a Superhero in the Kitchen was published last year, but I have drafts for 4 more books on my desktop. Cross your fingers they make it to print!
Does your family support your career as a writer?
Yes, and I appreciate it/them immensely.
Finally, any words of advice?
This is what I tell my kids --- You never know if you can if you don’t try. It’s okay not to be perfect as long as you tried your best.
Every cook, professional or not, fail and that’s how we learn. It’s how a person gets better. So, don’t worry about failing, focus on what you learned and how you can fix your mistake for next time.
EXTRA LINKS
Purchase Links
Amazon Hardcover: https://amzn.to/38Py6zx
Amazon Kindle: https://amzn.to/2TGrRaj
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2TE7ESG
Target: https://bit.ly/39FDxjq
Walmart: https://bit.ly/2UC0TSS
Book Depository: http://bit.ly/2wu7iWI
Indigo: http://bit.ly/2xdqh8o
BAM!: http://bit.ly/2Ip2S6m
iBooks: https://apple.co/3cxwFHN
Mascot Books: bit.ly/3cxYboy
Signed Copies: https://superherointhekitchen.com/purchasinginformation/
This link has photos of the recipes made by Super Kid Chefs.
https://superherointhekitchen.com/super-chefs-in-action/
A Video of the chefs in action
AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH
ARGYRO GRAPHY
This author came to my attention maybe a year or two ago when her first children's book came out. If I remember correctly, I read it as an ARC. I was really impressed with the message and the lesson she was trying to teach children through the her books.
Author Name
Argyro Graphy
Author Website
Bentleythehippo.com
Author Email
argyro@bentleythehippo.com
Author’s social media links (Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter etc.)
Instagram and twitter is bentleyhippo1
Facebook is argyrography1 and Facebook page bentleyhippo1.
Authors Series and list of books.
Inspiring Children’s Book Series includes:
The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to Share
The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Kind
The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to Never Give Up
Also
ABC Empower Me: Inspiring Children’s Alphabet Book
And upcoming release of:
You Can Do It: 30-Day Appreciation Journal & Diary for Kids (in 7 languages)
Tell me a little about yourself, where do you live, family, hobbies!
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario Canada, divorced and moved back home while undergoing surgery, which after complications, dad got sick and passed away, so live with my mom. I have a brother.
I was a victim of childhood bullying, abuse, discrimination from a young age the scarred me. I always wanted to be involved in Children’s books but more so drawing as I am very artistic and creative. I turned to humor to mask away pain and as the years passed and more abuse and more obstacles and traumas, I gave up on writing as I convinced myself that nobody would read or be interested in my stories because I did not have a university degree in journal/creative writing.
What got you into writing?
I worked in a school and started to notice that kids felt this sense of entitlement, superior to others and bullying was becoming the norm. This bothered me because the bullies had no idea the scars they are embedding on the victim. I actually cried for one child knowing what she was feeling, and the Principal of the School told me to “not get involved.”
What’s the main thing you love and hate about writing?
I love writing about experiences, since that’s where my inspiration comes from, but I need to remember these need illustrations and cost a lot of money. What I hate about writing is that I sometimes have difficulties scaling down word count for children.
How do you select the names of your characters?
Truthfully I go through the alphabet as I stare at the images. Bentley started off as a doodle looking like a cow, but I kept fine tuning until he was a bubbly hippo. He was named Bentley when I decided I was going to approach the Bentley Corporation for a car. (that they would gift me – haha)
What is next on your list to write/publish?
The last 2 books of the Inspiring Children's Series are at illustrations now, I have 5 character books that describe each characters “challenge” plus some fun facts that introduce kids to the characters, plus a Bentley Kids Cookbook in the works. (My kids Journals are being formatted and launching Jan 10th in 7 languages)
What is your favorite childhood book?
Loved Curious George but overall I would have to say Dr Suess.
Who is your favourite author, and why?
I randomly selected a book by Erik Daniel Shein (Thunder: An Elephant’s Journey) and really enjoyed it, when I reached out to the author to express my thoughts of the book, he sent me a few others and each was equally as good as the previous if not better, so I would have to say that although I am not a true die hard fan of any particular author, he is one of my preferred choices.
Who encouraged you the most to write?
Witnessing the behaviors of children that appalled me. When I decided to face my own fears to write, I was hit with another life-altering trauma, where I had a routine eye procedure done and woke up 100% legally blind in one eye. Feeling victimized again, after 3 surgeries with no success, I had to stop working and if I didn’t do something, my life would be meaningless, so I had the biggest lesson to teach….No matter what Never Give Up.
Are you as avid a reader as a writer?
Not as much anymore, as I try to limit my time staring at words and screens etc. Most is used to work on my books, then I try to support authors as best as I can without further damaging my good eye.
What’s your favorite genre?
I use to read all genres except horrors, however, since losing my vision completely in left eye, my right eye tires quickly and to avoid eye strain, I read children’s books, middle grade, and some shorter novels, as those still take longer to finish.
Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what type? Or can’t you stand background noise when writing?
I have TV in the background but don’t pay attention to it….it’s just to have some noise otherwise I listen to music, mainly Greek music, instrumentals or nature – waterfalls, birds chirping etc.
Tell me a secret that none of your fans know! Do you like to cook or perhaps only wear a certain color sock!
I have a few of my silk paintings hanging in a library today (these were painted in 1987…almost 34 years ago) and I HATE pants and socks….
Tell me what your main character would say about you!
“You did it…No matter what anyone says, You faced your fears and fulfilled the dream that was crushed years ago, even if it took 40 years to get here.”
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
OMG! I have 15 stories ready for illustrations, and there are another dozen I have been asked to rewrite. (co author)
What is your motto in life?
Life is precious, count your blessings and enjoy the ride because the carpet can be taken from underneath you at any time.
Does your family support your career as a writer? My mother does now, but in the beginning family and friends mocked me claiming “I don’t know much or don’t have the education” and those words bothered me, so I changed my name and wrote and nobody had a clue the first few months.
Finally, any words of advice?
Don’t let anyone say you can’t do something, follow your own path and your heart regardless if others want to walk that path with you - and everyone needs to stop trying to feel superior to others, and start accepting and respecting each other.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH
ARLENE MARRON
This author I haven't know for long, but I have read one of her books and look forward to reading more in the future. Her book Beneath A Blanket of Snow was one of the best books i had read last year and highly suggest that you read it too. Please enjoy!
