Author Spotlight Interview: Bentley Turner
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on January 3, 2023
Being able to have a candid one on one conversation with an author is an absolute honor and for our first published interview of 2023, we had the opportunity to get to know mystery and thriller author Bentley Turner. Having written for most of his adult life, Mr. Turner shared with us details about his writing career and life outside of writing. If this is a new-to-you author, we hope you’ll consider checking out his stories. And if you’re already a fan, we hope you enjoy learning a bit more about the author! HG: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Let’s start with the basics. How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? BT: I write short stories and primarily mysteries or thrillers. So far, I have written The File on Thomas Marks, a police procedural; The Prize Winners and… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Rene Astle
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on December 20, 2022
Today’s interview is with the sci-fi, fantasy and urban fantasy author who writes as Rene Astle and C. Rene Astle. It was an honor to learn more about her publishing journey, approach to writing and life outside of all that. We hope you enjoy learning more about Astle’s books and consider adding one or more to your TBR! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? RA: I write what I love to read: scifi and fantasy books driven by outsiders, the odd ones, trying to make their way in the universe. Add to the mix a dash of action and a kiss of romance. I love dashes and hate semi-colons. And I’ve been known to use conjunctions at the beginning of sentences. I write in Canadian English – I have a whole blog post about. HG: What inspires your stories and why… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Ashley Bostock
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on December 6, 2022
Today’s interview is with USA Today Bestselling author of seductive, addicting, thigh-clenching romance, Ashley Bostock. It was a pleasure getting to learn more about her writing, publishing journey and life outside of that! We hope you enjoy learning more about Ashley and consider picking up one of her books as your next read. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? AB: I would say that my writing style is lighthearted, with some humor and I have no problems writing explicit sex scenes or cussing. I tend to write close-knit friends or family and most of the time there is always a grandma. HG: We all love a grandma figure! That’s fantastic. Tell us a bit about your publishing journey. How did you know you were ready to take on the “author” title? AB: Unlike a lot of authors who do their research… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Karina McRoberts
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 22, 2022
Today’s interview is with Australian author, illustrator, musician, and theatre producer Karina McRoberts. She shared her writing process, passions and details about projects that are in the works. It was an honor getting to know more about Karina’s writing style, and life outside of writing! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? KM: If you want different, try me. Example: “Dargo, Eco Hero! by Karina McRoberts is by far one of the most unique books I have ever read” (editorial review from Readers’ Favorite). I’m eclectic and write in several genres. I mainly write what I call Intelligent Fiction. Stories that entertain, of course, but also give pause for thought ̶ on a whole bunch of fascinating topics! I want to involve readers in some magic, not just “talk at them”. We need magic! It’s a constant challenge to create words that… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Beth Barany
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 8, 2022
Today’s interview is with award-winning author Beth Barany. We learned more about her journey to publication, how she switches between genres and her interests outside of writing. It was an honor getting to know a talented writer like Beth. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? BB: I write popular fiction in science fiction and fantasy, with adventure, mystery, and romance. HG: You also write non-fiction, is that correct? Which did you publish first? BB: I published in non-fiction first, my e-book Overcome Writer’s Block. I used these tips and techniques to be the prolific writer I am today. More about the book: From a writing teacher who has taught hundreds of students in writing classes in-person and online! Do you have writers block? Do you wish you could get writing now? Are you looking for writing prompts and story ideas to… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Jacky Gray
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on October 25, 2022
Today’s interview is with prolific multi-genre author Jacky Gray. We learned a lot about her writing style, things that interest her and the obstacles she has faced in her publication journey. It was lovely getting to know more about Jacky’s novels, and life outside of writing! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? JAG: I write the kind of stories I enjoy reading, so they’re completely character-led with bags of (very British) humour, adventure and a dirty great dollop of romance. My prose takes few prisoners, assuming the reader is fully invested and paying attention. I always imagine my readers are way more intelligent than me and don’t like to be spoon-fed lots of unnecessary detail. Lee Child and Stephen King are my role models in this – every word has to earn its place on the page. HG: Excellent. You write… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Jo de-Lancey
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on October 11, 2022
Today’s interview is with debut fantasy author Jo de-Lancey. She shared with us her journey to publication and the challenges she has overcome. It was a pleasure getting to know more about Jo’s writing style, and life outside of writing! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? JD: I write swashbuckling fantasy, littered with morally grey characters. With my books, I want to take my readers on an adventure to new and different lands, surrounded by characters they love (or hate) and feel for. I have strong female characters who don’t conform to the usual tropes, as well as male characters who I’m not afraid to show as kind and sensitive. I’m very character-driven and I have run the Myers-Briggs test on my main characters. My writing style is bold, vivid and sensory. Readers will be able to smell, touch and hear… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Nalini Warriar
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on September 27, 2022
Today’s interview is with award winning author Nalini Warriar. Nalini writes steamy interracial and cross-cultural contemporary romances. It was our honor getting to know more about her publication journey, writing style, and life outside of writing! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? NW: I’m an extrovert with hidden depths I only reveal to those very close to me and so I come off as this la-di-da person who’s always laughing and having fun. This fits very well with my persona as a writer. I slip into my characters with obsessive and relative ease. I open up easily and everyone is good until they are proven wrong. And if they are, boy am I pissed. I speak five languages and have travelled quite a bit, an aspect often reflected in my writing as I love to weave stories about diverse people. HG:… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Teresa Roman
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on September 13, 2022
Today’s interview is with contemporary and paranormal romance author Teresa Roman. Teresa writes both YA and adult fiction. It was an absolute pleasure to get to know more about her writing style, life outside of writing and upcoming projects! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? TR: I am an introvert and shy in social situations, especially when I’m around people I don’t know well. I think that’s why reading and writing appeal to me so much. I love a good romance, but I am not necessarily drawn to the typical romance novel, though I do enjoy some of them. For example, I loved the Hunger Games series, not only because the story was so captivating, but also because of the romantic subplot. I like to write heroes who are generally good guys. They don’t have to be perfect, but they’ll never… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Gabrielle Dahms
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on August 30, 2022
Today’s interview is with author and real estate professional Gabrielle Dahms. Gabrielle’s passion and extensive expertise about real estate comes through in her writing meant to inspire and provide tips and insight for novices and veteran investors alike. We were honored to chat with her about her background, publication journey and inspirations. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with you and your writing yet? GD: I love life and people. Laughter, good food and travel connect them both. I also love to solve problems and to learn. My long real estate career led me to share what I learned in the last two decades in book form. Interestingly, my Masters in History sharpened my research and writing skills. HG: What inspired you to write your first book? GD: The inspiration for my first book came from the desire to apply my real estate knowledge and… Read More >
