Featured Authors

Kathryn Hardy Facebook Twitter Amazon Globe Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written. About The Author I graduated from Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia in 1977 with a B.F.A. in art education. Soon afterwards, while following my love for fashion, I found notoriety as a fashion designer during the late 70’s and early 80’s. My beautiful, unique designs were introduced and celebrated at the finale of the grand opening of the Atlanta Apparel Mart kick starting my career. It wasn’t long thereafter, that my designs were showcased in Palm Beach, Florida at Bonwit Teller and D. Kylene Boutique on Worth Avenue. There, my reputation grew, and I began to design Couture for private clients as well as being honored with a fashion show at the Breakers Hotel as the youngest designer to be recognized on Worth Avenue at the time. On many occasions, my designs were featured in New York’s Women’s Wear Daily and in Glamour Magazine. In 1984 I was nominated for the Dupont Designer Award at the Lincoln Center in New York City. After turning down an offer to work in New York, I met and fell in love with my husband, and successful businessman, Ronald Hardy, and moved to the Panhandle of Florida. I retired from my design business but continued my entrepreneurial spirit by developing a perfume line under the name, Vivian E. Inc., labeled, Tursiops Eau de Parfum. My perfume line took off and was at one time distributed not only in resorts across the USA but also in Japan, Mexico and throughout the Caribbean Islands. Upon the sale of my husband’s businesses, I sold my business. We began traveling the world together experiencing life through the eyes of many different people and cultures. Throughout the years, I began writing as an outlet for my continuous need to create. I successfully wrote several papers for the Emerald Coast Philosophical Group and published my first travel book, Twelve Days in Botswana Through the Eyes of a Traveler. After ten years of research and hundreds of hours of recorded interviews, I found inspiration and motivation to write Johnny and Jazzbo. Dr. Johnny Savage and Otis Ikner’s story of adventure, trials, and tribulations during the 60’s and 70’s while following the road to being poor no more, is a powerful story of friendship, compassion, and determination under the most difficult circumstances. This historical and adventurous true story told through the eyes of these two young southern men, one black, one white, will keep you in suspense all the way to the end. Johnny and Jazzbo has been well received across the United States and is now being considered by a Hollywood producer at this time. What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it? Johnny and Jazzbo a True Story Do you have any unusual writing habits? Like most authors I write when the moment strikes, many times in the middle of the night from a dream or after gaining inspiration while walking my dogs through the woods on our early morning walks. What authors, or books have influenced you? To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee White Oleander by Janet Fitch I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb Water For Elephants by Sarah Gruen The Help by Kathryn Stockett What are you working on now? A novel titled “River Run” And another novel titled “A Night at Cracker Barrel What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books? Right now, Amazon and the self-publishing company Archway Publishing, I am also doing book signings Which Websites you like most to promote your book Any website that promotes books at this time, especially book clubs Do you have any advice for new authors? As a new author myself, I find discipline is my greatest strength and inspiration to keep writing. What is the best advice you have ever heard? Never stop believing in yourself! What are you reading now? Cry of the Kalahari by Della Owens What’s next for you as a writer? Besides the two novels I am working on now, I have another non-fiction book to write called, Flowers For Lita…A true story about a very good friend of mine that was murdered, which changed my life and the direction I chose in search of love and happiness. If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring? Out of Africa by Karen Blixen Siddartha by Hermann Hesse, and honestly, problably my own books! LOL!

Katherin B. FitzPatrick Facebook Twitter Amazon Globe Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written. I had a background in television producing with a large Christian Network in California based in the SF Bay Area in the decade of the 1980’s and produced programs that appeared both nationally and internationally. In 1990, I moved with my family to Washington State and soon after that pursued a career as a Realtor. What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it? I am bringing back a book, “Whatever Happened to the Zodiac Killer?” based on my true encounter with this serial killer back in October of 1978 when we saw him about to gun down a couple at Vista Point. He saw us and was terrified. My husband who had seen the Police wanted Poster if his face said, “That’s the Zodiac . . .let’s get him!” We wound up in a high speed chase after him going north on the 101 freeway. We had panned to get his license pate number then go back downtown to one of the police stations and report the incident. It didn’t turn out that way. This episode marks the night the Zodiac disappeared forever. Do you have any unusual writing habits? Not really. I usually write late at night, though I am not a night owl. I like sipping on an iced drink when I work, or sometimes munch on chocolate. It opens up the brain. What authors, or books have influenced you? “His Present Darkness,” by Frank E. Peretti bears some resemblance to my style. However with the Zodiac encounter story, I mainly wrote about what really happened. What are you working on now? My newest book is a completely different genre. It’s entitled, “Achieving Greater Health and Beauty after Breast Cancer.” I survived 4th stage breast cancer and have been well for about 4 years. It’s my story and best tips for recovery afterwards. It should come out through Xulon Press around August of 2023. What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books? My site: kathiefitzpatrickauthorsfellowship.com suddenly disappeared, and I working on getting it back. Next best is Amazon. Which Websites you like most to promote your book Xulon Press, amazon or toutube.com Such as: https://youtu.be/91V4xnYPAIM Do you have any advice for new authors? Write about something you know really well or have lived through as a live experience.. What is the best advice you have ever heard? Let your manuscript freeze for awhile, then go through it, revise it and finish it. What are you reading now? “Destined for the Throne,” by Paul Billheimer What’s next for you as a writer? I will be promoting doing more media work such as an on-location documentary in San Francisco to demonstrate where everything happened leading to us breaking out in the chase after the Zodac Killer from Vista Point, to more sit down interviews/studio about the detail of that night and encounter. I can talk about it like no body can! On the health topic, I look forward to the prospect of doing live and studio TV interviews with that one, and zoom interviews for the TBN women’s shows! I potentially have a whole series for them. If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring? The Bible, Destined for the Throne, and a really good survival book about how to catch and prepare lots of fish!

Mary Dan Eades Facebook Twitter Goodreads-g Amazon Globe Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written. In the non-fiction realm I’ve authored or co-authored 14 books by mainstream publishers. I have not written and published 2 books in this romantic fiction genre and the 3rd book in that series is underway. What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it? Caddo Bend series was inspired in 1996 by a conversation with our literary agent who when I said I’d like to write fiction said ‘write a novel about a lady doctor in the rural South’ and that’s what I wrote. Starting in the late 90s, then shelved, then resurrected as a screenplay in the early 2000s and then turned into a novel in 2022-23. Which Websites you like most to promote your book I try to promote on booktok and instagram. I have my own website http://www.caddobendbooks.com. Do you have any advice for new authors? Write. Write every day. Even if it isn’t good. Even if you end up deleting some or all of it. Just write. A writer writes. Do it! What is the best advice you have ever heard? You’ll never make a shot you don’t take. What are you reading now? Outlander series A Breath of Snow and Ashes What’s next for you as a writer? I am working on Book 3 of my romantic fiction series, tentatively called A Rising Sun. If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring? Outlander, Lonesome Dove, Anna Karenina, and The Dead.

Ed Snyder Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Goodreads-g Amazon Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written. I have been in the people business for 40 plus years. In leadership training, Organizational Leadership (Teamwork) Emotional Intelligence, Self Helps, I was always the fat kind being bullied at school and made fun of. That made me into a very angry person with low self esteem. But with God and my wife I was able to overcome my past, rebuild my self esteem and manage my anger and then gave back by teaching and coaching on the subject. That is what brought me to write Control the Beast. I am a speaker, trainer and coach in leadership, personal growth and emotional intelligence. I have written one book and have two more in the works. What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it? Control The Beast A Guide to Managing Your Emotions Do you have any unusual writing habits? Not really, at least I don’t think so. I write out of experience and/or research What authors, or books have influenced you? Anything that has Dr. John C Maxwell’s name on it. The main book that has inspired me is the Bible What are you working on now? I am writing my second book, Heal America 714. Plus I am always developing my podcast What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books? So far, my best method in promoting my book is through Social Media, my podcast, True North Nation (TNN) and interviews on other peoples podcast. Which Websites you like most to promote your book I really don’t a favorite website I like to promote my book on. Amazon is where my book is listed and sold from. I am developing edsnyder.org I do promote on our podcast website truenorthdfw.org Do you have any advice for new authors? Stop waiting for the right time, just get started. What is the best advice you have ever heard? Just do it! What’s next for you as a writer? To keep writing! I want to produce more books that will help people become better and hit the best seller list. When I hit that list I know I am reaching massive amount of people that otherwise I will not be able to reach. If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring? The Bible, The Book of Virtues by William J Bennett, The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale, Winning With People by Dr. John C. Maxwell

Dossie M. H. Terrell Facebook Twitter Linkedin Amazon Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written. Including Purging to Thrive, I’ve published two books of poetry: Sincerely yours and Educating Pam that’s book written in verse. What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it? “Purging to Thrive” was written at the urging of the Holy Spirit. He awakened her one morning a few years back and told her to write such a book. Do you have any unusual writing habits? I try to write daily, but not always. I write better when I’m under the influence of my muse or inspiration. What authors, or books have influenced you? Liane Moriarty, Tara Westover, Toni Morrison, etc. I suppose Westover’s book influenced me most, because she acknowledges her life was narrated by others. This is a story with which many can identity as adult who believe they’ve lost their way. What are you working on now? Four short stories about dysfunctional relationships within families. What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books? I honestly don’t know. I have tried Facebook but haven’t had much success. Which Websites you like most to promote your book Perhaps Twitter and Instagram. Do you have any advice for new authors? Don’t give up, because there will be times they’ll wonder whether it’s worth the effort. What is the best advice you have ever heard? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. What are you reading now? Getting to Yes. What’s next for you as a writer? To have my writing recognized by a wider audience. If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring? Husbands Secrets, Lies we tell ourselves (Steena Holmes) and Someone to watch over me (Judith McNaught).

Shirley McLain Facebook Twitter Linkedin Goodreads-g Amazon Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written. I am a retired RN and have ten books of different genres selling on Amazon. I am a eclectic writer and enjoy the writing process. I am married to a wonderful man who spoils me and I love it. We live in the country with a large family of fur babies. What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it? My latest book is Shirley’s Compilation of short stories that entails everything from love to horror. There is something for everyone. Do you have any unusual writing habits? I don’t think I do. Nothing I do is unusual for me. What authors, or books have influenced you? My favorite authors are woman who wrote the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling and the Outlander series, by Diane Gabaldon. These to authors are outstanding in my view. lander series. What are you working on now? At this time I am concentrating on rewriting and promoting my work. What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books? I don’t have just one. I try to use different sources as I believe you can’t advertise your work in one place. Not everyone looks at one source for books, so you are missing out on potential buyers. Which Websites you like most to promote your book Amazon, Facebook, Twitter and any place that has people wanting books. Do you have any advice for new authors? I would tell any new author not to be afraid of writing. Start putting words down and let the story flow. What is the best advice you have ever heard? That is a hard one. I have received advice from many, so I can’t pinpoint the best. I appreciated any advice I received. What are you reading now? Right now I am reading a nonfiction by JD Jakes called, “Letting Go.” It is about forgiveness. What’s next for you as a writer? I don’t really know. I will just keep going forward. If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring? My Bible, and the two series I mentioned previously. It would be more than three or four books.

Peter Servidio Facebook Twitter Instagram Goodreads-g Amazon Globe Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written. My name is Peter Servidio and I have been writing for just over 2 years. To date I have about 20 short stories, novellas, and novels published. These titles range from fantasy to dystopian science fiction, and horror. What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it? I just completed “Dekker De La Mare: Book 2 of the Chronicles and it is in Beta Review. It is a non-linear continuation of the Archmage of Odious’ trials and adventures.. Which Websites you like most to promote your book Amazon; Facebook; and Instagram Do you have any advice for new authors? Keep writing and don’t pay attention to reviews. Your books will not be for everyone. What is the best advice you have ever heard? Do what you love. What are you reading now? The Lord of the Rings for the fifth time. What’s next for you as a writer? Continue writing and developing stories to bring enjoyment to this who read them. If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring? The Bible, The Hitch-hikers Guide to the Galaxy; and a blank notebook

Mark McNear Facebook Amazon Linkedin-in Globe Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written. Dr. Mark M. McNear is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, maintaining a private practice in New Jersey. Dr. McNear has over thirty years of experience in clinical work. He is a graduate of Northeastern Bible College, New York University, and Oxford Graduate School. In addition to his private practice, Dr. McNear has been a speaker to general audiences nationwide. He has also been a frequent guest on nationally syndicated radio broadcasts, authored articles for magazines, and been a co-host panelist for a video series dealing with Christianity and Mental Health. What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it? Finding My Words: A Ruthless Commitment to Healing Gently After Trauma . Trauma and Recovery in my own life. Do you have any unusual writing habits? no What are you working on now? Articles on trauma and recovery What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books? Amazon Which Websites you like most to promote your book Do you have any advice for new authors? Write for the love of people What is the best advice you have ever heard? Remember your greatest strengths can become your weakness and your weaknesses can become your greatest strengths What are you reading now? My books on trauma and recovery What’s next for you as a writer? Writing articles If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring? The Bible. The Body Keeps The Score. The Wounded Heart.

Ben Burgess Facebook Twitter Instagram Amazon Linkedin-in Goodreads-g Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written. My name is Ben Burgess Jr. I’ve written six novels. My goal with my books is to change the world. I use my writing to make people think and improve race relations. What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it? My latest book is titled “Mothers Vol. 1,” and I wrote it to honor all mothers and show their struggles. Do you have any unusual writing habits? I do my best writing at a diner near my house. I love the staff. I love the atmosphere and can write comfortably and at peace there. What authors, or books have influenced you? Richard Wright’s “Native Son” was the first book that made me love books. After reading that, I knew I wanted to create something that would affect people the way that book affected me. My favorite author of all time is Eric Jerome Dickey. After reading his books, I knew I wanted to be an author. I’ve met him in person, he’s mentored me, and I wouldn’t be the author I am today if it weren’t for him. What are you working on now? Now that I’ve completed “Mothers Vol. 1”, I’m working on “Mothers Vol. 2,” which will be a sort of sequel to my novel “A Father’s Sacrifice: Daddy’s Girl.” What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books? I usually use twitter to promote my novels. Which Websites you like most to promote your book I usually use twitter, Facebook and Goodreads to promote my novels. Do you have any advice for new authors? Develop thick skin. There will be some people who don’t like your book because they don’t like you. There will be some people that don’t like your book because it didn’t reach them the way you might’ve intended it to. Read all criticism. Put pride aside and look for areas where you can improve. Every book should show that you have evolved and have gotten stronger as a writer. What is the best advice you have ever heard? To be a great writer, you must be a great reader. You should be a student of your craft, and the best way to learn is to read different authors. It’s essential to see what you like and dislike from other authors to learn from them and develop your style. What are you reading now? When I’m writing a new novel, I try not to read anything because I don’t want to be influenced by what I’m reading so right now, nothing. What’s next for you as a writer? My goal is to adapt my novels into movies or a streaming service series. If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring? 1. Native Son- Richard Wright 2. Milk in my coffee- Eric Jerome Dickey 3. B-More Careful- Shannon Holmes 4. Who asked you- Terry McMillian

George T. Arnold Facebook Globe Amazon Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written. George T. Arnold, Ph.D. P.O. Box 983, Lancaster, SC 29721 1945 Hickory Drive, Lancaster, SC 29720  803/285-0404 Home 304/575-5224 Cell E-Mail: gtarnold@comporium.net    Background. Born and lived three years in Kimball, McDowell County, WV. Lived next three years in Mullens, WV. Grew up in Beckley, WV, and still consider Beckley my home town. Lived 41 years in Huntington, WV – five as a student and 36 as a journalism professor at Marshall University.  Moved to Lancaster, SC, in 2009 to be with retired siblings.    Education. Ph.D., Ohio University, mass communications/journalism. M.A., Marshall University, American and European history. A.B., Marshall University, English, social studies, and a minor in journalism  A.A., Beckley (WV) College.    Teaching experience. 36 years, from instructor to professor, W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Marshall University; one year as a graduate teaching assistant at Ohio University; three years as an English teacher at Stoco High School in Coal City, WV.    Professional media experience. Seven years as a reporter, copy editor and columnist for daily newspapers in Beckley and Huntington, WV, working full time while completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Advised student publications throughout teaching career.    Publications. Books: Media Writer’s Handbook: A Guide to Common Writing and Editing Problems, Published continuously through seven editions since 1995 and purchased at more than 300 colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. It serves as a textbook for students and as a fast-check resource for professionals. A student workbook and an Instructor’s Manual are offered free to teachers. They may be used used to supplement writing and editing courses or to provide a complete language skills course with lessons, exercises, and examinations. The first edition in 1995 was published by Brown and Benchmark. Editions two through six were published by McGraw-Hill. The seventh edition was self-published on Amazon by the author in late 2019 to significantly lower the price of the print book from McGraw-Hill’s sixth editon cost of $85.90 to $22 ($9.99 for the Ebook).    One Minute Past Christmas, a short story (self published in 2012); Wyandotte Bound, a western novel published in 2020 by Speaking Volumes; Old Mrs. Kimble’s Mansion, published by Speaking Volumes (2021); Serendipitous Hodgepodge & the Kitchen Sink (2021); The Heart Beneath the Badge (to be published in 2023}; and two short stories, Those Phone Calls and The Uniform (not yet submitted for publication).    Wyandotte Bound, first place Laramie Award winner for Best Western in the 2021 Chanticleer International Book Awards competition. Media Writer’s Handbook, a Guide to Common Writing and Editing Problems, 7th edition, first place Gold Medal winner in the nonfiction/education division of the 2021 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards competition. What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it? The Heart Beneath the Badge. At my publisher, Speaking Volumes now. To be published in 2023. Inspired by the critical success of my first western, Wyandotte Bound, which won a first place Laramie Best Western award in the Chanticleer International Book Awards competition. I grew up going to the movies every Saturday afternoon during the booming western films era of the late ’40s and ’50s. This is all explained in the dedication in Wyandotte Bound. Do you have any unusual writing habits? Because of my 46-year background as a journalist and as a journalism professor, I write short sentences, brief paragraphs, and use simple language. I try not to be overly descriptive (for example, getting carried away by the flowers on the hillside, cloud patterns, and the breeze blowing through the trees). I took up fiction writing at age 72, write for the pure fun of it, and do not sketch out stories. I get and idea, start writing, and then surprise myself about where the story goes. I am having a wonderful time writing without the deadline pressure of journalism and all the research involved in academic writing. What authors, or books have influenced you? None that I can cite. What are you working on now? For the first time, I am writing two novels at the same time. They are vastly different. One is a western about a sharpshooter; the other is set on a college campus in the 1960s and centers on a young professor whose extraordinary good looks clash with his ambition to be taken seriously as a great teacher.  What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books? I do not know. All of my books are available on Amazon, and I do self promotion on Facebook. I am depending on you to do better than that. Which Websites you like most to promote your book Leaving that up to you Do you have any advice for new Authors? Learn punctuation and grammar thoroughly. Write short sentences, use simple language, and keep paragraphs and chapters brief. Do not write about yourself and your own experiences unless there is something extraordinarily rare and interesting about them. Write simply. Do not try to be too poetic or philosophical. What is the best advice you have ever heard? I presume you mean about writing? I guess it would be to trust your own style. Learn from others but do not copy them. What are you reading now? The Stories of Breece D’J Pancake What’s next for you as a writer? Just to write whatever I feel like writing whenever I feel like writing. If I were young, I would have a different answer. If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring? A dog, an endless supply of food and drink, a working cell phone, and books by John Grisham, Joy Callaway, Leila Meacham, Jeanette Walls, Robert Parker, and Julia Keller.,