Please tell us a little about yourself.
I have a Ph.D. in Sensory Science with a minor in Computer Science. I’ve been writing off and on for 40 years, however, Rome's Revolution is my first complete science fiction series, depicting the enduring love between a man from the 21st century and a woman from the 35th century. Between the two of them, they fend off various threats to mankind with lots of action and adventure in between. I have spent a tremendous amount of time reaching the science behind the science fiction. It is my hope that people will find it so realistic, they will believe that these stories are true, they just haven't happened yet. I have two children and live in Cherry Hill, NJ with my beautiful and talented wife Denise. 

Tell us about your latest book.
My upcoming novel, entitled The Milk Run, continues in the 35th century world of the Vuduri originally created in my Rome’s Revolution trilogy. It follows the adventures of young Aason Bierak as he tries to rescue his sister who was kidnapped by creatures made only of light during a test flight of a new star-drive. Aason travels to the ice-cold world of Hades then on to the steamy planet of Ay’den, home to talking plants and living crystals. From there, he boards the largest starship in the galaxy and travels beyond our universe to a place that could only be called Heaven, trying to find his sister.

What do you have coming out in the future?
I will be releasing a second volume of my daily blog (Tales of the Vuduri) as a compilation entitled Tales of the Vuduri: Year Two in January of 2015.

Mid-year I will be releasing a compendium of short stories, deleted scenes, the original manuscripts for VIRUS 5 (the original name of Rome’s Revolution) and so on. This volume will be called The Vuduri Companion.

Finally, I will be recording my first sci-fi novel Rome’s Revolution as an audio book. I hope to release it next summer as well.

What genre do you enjoy writing the most and why?
I only want to write hard science fiction. However, oddly, my first full-length novel entitled Future Past is a romantic novel (as opposed to a romance novel) that takes place right around now. No science fiction element at all. 

To me, science fiction is the purest way to examine the human condition because it lets you strip away the distractions of the world we know and put people on a fresh, new stage. It allows us to isolate what makes us human and predict how we’d react to new and previously unthinkable realms.

From where do you draw your inspiration?
This is going to sound bizarre but my claim is these stories are true, they just haven’t happened yet. As such, the stories more or less write themselves. Other than the original idea of star-crossed lovers finding each other across a gulf of 28 light years and 14 centuries, I just followed their adventures like a reader. So the answer is the stories are the stories and I cannot explain my inspiration. I just love science fiction. You build a world, put people in it and things happen all by themselves.

Do you ever base your characters on real people in your life?
Sure but mostly for peripheral characters. My main characters are their own people although I do throw in my experiences when relevant. However it is harder to come up with believable secondary characters so I do find myself using real life people as inspiration. For example, I based the personality of one of my most popular characters, MINIMCOM, an auto-pilot computer that became a starship, upon my brother Bruce. I know it sounds strange but it’s true. My two newest characters, Aason and Lupe Bierak, are very loosely based upon my two children. Mostly physical characteristics, not so much personality.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I have a day job which keeps me pretty busy. I am not a sports fan but I love my Phillies and Eagles and spend far too much time watching them and obsessing about them.

How did you come up with the title of your book?
Analogous to how I write my books, the titles just seem to create themselves. My original novel, VIRUS 5, evolved from a story about nanobots to a love story between a man named Rei and a woman named Rome. Rome comes of age in the book and changes her society so fundamentally I had to name the book Rome’s Revolution. A lot of people ask me if it is about the Roman Empire and that’s when I have to tell them it is science fiction about the 35th century. I cannot say I’ve ever had trouble coming up with a title.

Is your book a stand alone or a series?
Rome’s Revolution was originally a trilogy but after spending many years trying to find an agent, I finally gave up and compressed the three books into a single 167,000 word novel. I sat back and figured I was done. But then there were some loose ends that were nagging at me and one day I had an epiphany that became The Ark Lords. I had planned on writing a novella called Rome’s Evolution but right in the middle, I realized I had stumbled across a much deeper plot that turned what was going to be a short piece into an 84,000 word novel. So now I just tell people the whole series is a trilogy.

What celebrity would you chose to play the main character(s) in the movie rendition of your book?
So far the only celebrity that I have picked out is the British model Kelly Brook to play my heroine Rome’s mother whose name is Binoda. Odd character to cast, huh?

Have you joined any writer’s groups?
No. But I did join the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society (PSFS) to mingle with fans of the genre. I’m in my second year and while some of the meetings are a little slow, many are fascinating. This group puts on the fan convention Philcon and I got myself a vendor’s booth to sell books. It was an interesting experience.

Have you won any awards for your writing?
Not yet. Maybe some day.

What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Remembering that people have to wear clothes. No, not like that. I’m so anxious to get on with the action and adventure that I forget to describe what people are wearing, what they are seeing and so forth. At one point, my brother Bruce told me that everyone in the future must be running around bare foot because I never once described anyone’s shoes. I have worked very hard to improve the descriptions of the surroundings, sounds, shapes, smells and so on so that people can form a better picture in their mind.

What is the easiest part of the writing process for you?
Dialog. I hear the characters talking and just transcribe. Sometimes my characters are so blabby that I have to tell them to pipe down because I need to move the story along. I have been told that other authors experience this but when I describe the phenomenon to non-writers, they look at me like I am crazy.

Which of your characters is your favorite and why?
That’s a good question. How do you pick one of your children as your favorite? As mentioned above, almost everybody loves MINIMCOM, the starship. He has a very dry sense of humor but you can always count on him to be there for you when you really need him. My main male character Rei, a man from our century, has a lot of me in him. He is easy-going, has a good sense of humor and can think his way out of jams. But I guess my favorite character is my heroine, Rome. She is literally reborn before our eyes and spends the next three (or is it five?) books growing emotionally and intellectually. As a man, trying to write a woman’s part realistically is very challenging. Rome has always come through for me and guided me through the process.

What is your preferred writing environment?
Complete silence and no pictures on the walls. Just my keyboard and monitor. The books are written in my mind and I don’t like anything that takes away my attention. Writing on a computer is very useful if you had to do a quick check of the facts but other than that, my writing area is very spartan. No stuffed animals, no windows, nothing.

How would you describe your writing style?
I like to write around a 10th grade level but I’m not a big fan of using florid language. I like action and adventure. This comes from a reviewer: Michael Brachman has developed quite a lot as an author since the first two books. He now writes more fluently than before. His prose is accessible and easy to read (this kind of prose suits the story arc of this series well, because there are plenty of action and adventure elements in these books). In the first books his prose felt a bit awkward and unfinished, but now he writes much better and more fluent prose. It was nice to see that he has developed so much, because he has brilliant ideas and he isn't afraid of writing about them. I especially enjoy the way he writes about science and scientific inventions. 

Do you have a careful plan when plotting your stories or do you just go with the flow?
It isn’t quite that simple. I do have a semi-detailed outline of how the story is to proceed and I do have certain scenes and plot points I need to make. I know how long the story needs to be. But the filler and the conversations between characters just arises out of the story without having to do much work. The characters provide the dialog which I think is the strong point of my novels.

With many publishing routes available today, which felt the most reliable to you when it came to the many choices? 
The only route that has produced for me is self-publishing. I am a computer programmer by day so producing the electronic versions is well within my comfort zone. I use CreateSpace to print paperbacks and publish on Amazon, B&N, iTunes, Kobo and Smashwords pretty much all at the same time. My brother Bruce is incredibly talented and he creates my amazing covers. He even creates separate covers for the paperbacks and ebook versions because of their differing requirements.

I'm happy to introduce you to, Elle Klass. another wonderful. I hop you enjoy getting to know a bit about her and her work.

Please tell us a little about yourself.
Elle was born into this world in Redwood City, California and spent her childhood growing in and around the San Francisco Bay Area. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a bachelor’s degree in education. For fun she reads, spends time at the beach, travels, and enjoys time with her favorite friends, and family. She is a night-owl known to be a hermit during rainy days, as she has a love for sun, and is mostly found poolside over the hot, humid summer months. 

Tell us about your latest book.
My latest book Eye of the Storm Eilida’s Tragedy is a suspense thriller with a distinct touch of the paranormal. Eilida observes something so intensely horrific it sends her fleeing through the mountainous woods during a heavy thunderstorm. She awakes to no memories of her past. Sunshine, a receptionist at the local paper, upon hearing of Eilida’s tragedy becomes engrossed and seeks to find the answers. She finds a whole lot more.

What do you have coming out in the future?
This year I plan on releasing Baby Girl Book 4 Bite the Big Apple and in the fall Calm Before the Storm Evan’s Sins the prequel to Eye of the Storm. 

From where do you draw your inspiration?
Inspiration is a funny thing. I feel as though I have lived different lives and in those lives have experienced a multitude of frightful events, people, and places as well as happiness and serenity. My inspiration comes from all of that and sometimes it is a simple smell or sound that triggers my subconscious and a story ensues.

Do you ever base your characters on real people in your life?
Occasionally, but not too much my characters have a way of designing and naming themselves. My job is merely to put their thoughts, action, and words in written form.

What was your road to publishing like?  Tell us about it.
My road to publishing was a rocky one. I have been writing for years and have rough drafts upon rough drafts that may one day come to fruition in a novel or series of novels. My spark to finally publish was the loss of a wonderful friend. When he passed away I buried myself into publishing As Snow Falls but then I couldn’t stop. Cleo kept edging at my mind and the Baby Girl series began. 

Is your book a stand alone or a series?
Eye of the Storm Eilida’s Tragedy is volume 1 in a the Ruthless Storm Trilogy. The next book will be a prequel and the third book is the story from an outsider (who becomes an insider) story.

Do you read the genre you write for or do you prefer other genres?
I love to read and enjoy a variety of genres from romance to horror and everything in between. My favorite genres are probably paranormal, mystery, and gothic- horror.


Have you joined any writer’s groups?
Tons! I mean tons and have met some wonderful authors and colleagues. I don’t think I would have made it through the first year as an indie author if it wasn’t for the wonderful, supportive people I’ve met in these groups. They are full of innovative minds. We share and learn from one another. I suggest for any author writer groups are an important tool and an invaluable resource.

Have you won any awards for your writing?
I have won an award two years in a row for NaNoWriMo. I wrote Eye of the Storm Eilida’s Tragedy for NaNoWriMo 2013 and in 2014 I wrote Baby Girl 4 and beyond. The beyond was writing Baby Girl 5 and half of the 6th book. Baby Girl Book 1 In the Beginning won IBD (Indie Book of the Day) June 10th 2014.

Which of your characters is your favorite and why?
That’s a toughie but I would have to say Cleo from my Baby Girl series. We have completed 5 and a half books together bringing us very close. Sometimes its difficult to shut her out of my mind so I can go about my day.

What is your preferred writing environment?
This is an interesting question. Some people prefer music or background noise, smells may trigger ideas in authors, even sights and travelling. For me, I like a quiet place where I can become one with all my characters. I tend to be a little ADD and am distracted by irrelevant noises such as TV. I have spent hours writing with the TY muted but on. Music is Ok so long as it’s quiet.

Do you have a careful plan when plotting your stories or do you just go with the flow?
I go with the flow. I have tried to plan, but my characters have other ideas. Sometimes characters pop out of nowhere or characters that haven’t been seen in a book or two popping up without warning and interject themselves into the story. I do start with a rough plan and let the voices in my head take over after that.

I'd like to introduce you to Lucinda E. Clarke.

Please tell us a little about yourself.
Born in Dublin, raised in England, then after marriage, crofted in Scotland,  traveled to Africa and spent time in Kenya, Libya, Botswana, and South Africa. Now retired and living in Spain. Although I trained to educate unwilling youngsters, I have also indulged in many other occupations, such as running the worst riding school in the world, announcing on radio, and dashing around the countryside behind a video camera.

Tell us about your latest book.
‘Truth, Lies and Propaganda’ follows my writing career from the beginning when I sort of ‘fell’ into it, through to the time I left Durban, South Africa and returned to London. Lots of hilarious anecdotes [well they made me laugh], it sheds light on what goes on behind the scenes in the media world. How do you audition a rat? The joys of filming in outside toilets. Why we couldn’t use a shot of the smiling children. What the choir were really singing at the water blessing ceremony. Just a few of the incidents I’ve included.

What do you have coming out in the future?
‘More Truth, Lies and Propaganda’ continues my life behind the camera as we traveled all over South Africa recording what ordinary people were doing – or rather supposed to be doing! The first book was getting longer and longer and longer, it made sense to split it into two.

What genre do you enjoy writing the most and why?
That’s a tricky one to answer as two of my three books so far are memoirs and they are easy to write as I already know what happens! ‘Amie an African Adventure’ was more of a challenge. If you’ve been writing radio and television scripts, magazine articles and speeches for your local Mayor for over 30 years it takes a while to ‘snap into’ another genre.  I believe writers are born, and it doesn’t matter what I write as long as I can write. It’s like a drug, and I’m hooked and it’s too late for me to do anything about that.

From where do you draw your inspiration?
I haven’t the faintest idea. Ideas just drop into my head, and I type them up [very badly, my eyes are still glued to the keyboard].

Do you ever base your characters on real people in your life?
Yes, as two of them are memoirs, but ‘Amie’ had a lot of experiences I had living in Africa.

What authors inspire your writing?
OK, let’s go for it!  Would you believe Enid Blyton?  I remember while reading under the bedclothes at the age of 6, thinking that’s what I want to do when I grow up.  As I got older I enjoyed William Harrison Ainsworth, probably out of print now. He wrote historical novels 150 years ago and inspired my love of history as well. Besides that people like Peter James, David Baldacci and Wilbur Smith, oh and Alexander McCall Smith. I wrote radio scripts on the classics and I got to appreciate good, really great writers I can only worship from afar.

What kind of books do you like to read?
All kinds as long as they flow, and I don’t have to re-read passages to get the sense. Mysteries, thrillers, memoirs, travel books. I don’t like subjects such as vampires, way-out fantasy and erotica.

How have your real life experiences influenced your writing?
Oh yes, most definitely! One reason for writing ‘Walking over Eggshells’ was to document my life while I could still remember it. Then, when I am in my rocking chair in the old folks’ home I can read about myself  and get to know who I am and what I have done.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Sleeping comes high on the list.  I’m ashamed to admit that since I have started writing books, I think of little else than writing, reading and marketing. I am very driven, which is not necessarily a good thing.

What was your road to publishing like?  Tell us about it.
I was first published in the 1980s, with two of the big 5, and the end result, apart from the large advance, was a royalty cheque for £4.10.  So, this time I decided to self publish and it has been a steep learning curve. It’s not hard to get the books out there, Amazon and CreateSpace make it as easy as possible, but the marketing side is another matter entirely. I published ‘Walking over Eggshells’ 15 months ago and in the first year I think I sold 12 copies on line as no one told me you had to market your books!

How did you come up with the title of your book?
Ah, there is a story about this. I couldn’t decide what to call it so I had a competition to choose a title and I gave a free ebook for all entrants. No one actually won, because none of the suggestions seemed quite right to me and I was beginning to panic as the last 24 hour deadline for announcing the winner approached. Then – and this is quite true – I was out and had a text message on my phone from a friend who doesn’t twitter or FB and had only heard me talking about choosing a title, and they sent through 4 words – Truth, Lies and Propaganda.  It all fell into place. Had to think carefully about awarding them the prize, but she had not followed the rules and she always buys my books anyway!

Is your book a stand alone or a series?
The first in a series of two, then the public really won’t want to read more about my life I am sure! Three memoirs altogether is quite enough.

What celebrity would you chose to play the main character(s) in the movie rendition of your book?
I haven’t the faintest idea, despite working in television.  I could write the screen play, would be happy to direct, but I don’t follow the actors and actresses well enough to know who to choose.

Have you joined any writer’s groups?
If you mean Facebook groups, only about 56 of them.

Have you won any awards for your writing?
Languishing under the bed are 21 awards from the National Television and Video Association in South Africa for scripts, concepts and programme production. For my books? Zilch!  But I’ve not entered them in anything, I’m not even sure if you can enter your own books into competitions. Not had time to look.

What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Getting peace and quiet. And the first editing.

What is the easiest part of the writing process for you?
Writing dialogue.

Which of your characters is your favorite and why?
Me? No I really shouldn’t say that should I?  But I prefer me to ‘Amie’ who took over the whole book after she lost her wimpiness  and started to flex her muscles. But I shall get my revenge next year when I continue her story, I’ve yet to decide what I will put her through this time. If she thought it was tough stuck up a tree with a lion lying below, she’s not seen anything yet.

Who or what are your inspirations/influences?
The Dalai Lama.

What is your preferred writing environment?
Silence, warmth and sunshine.

How would you describe your writing style?
Chatty.

Do you have a careful plan when plotting your stories or do you just go with the flow?
None whatsoever. Go with the flow.

When did you know you truly wanted to give writing a shot?
When I was 6 years old.

Thanks for taking the time to fill out the questions!
Thank you for the invitation!

I'd like to introduce you to Becca Mann a wonderful fantasy author.

Please tell us a little about yourself.
I’m 17 and the middle child.  I have an older sister, Rachel, and a younger sister, Julia.  My eldest sister and I are elite athletes in different sports.  I’m also home schooled.  I lived in Florida for three years and I recently moved to Baltimore.  I also spend a lot of time in Colorado Springs at the Olympic Training Center.  I guess I’m a nomad!

Tell us about your latest book.
Here’s an interesting fact that I haven’t told anyone: I wrote the first three chapters and prologue of my book on my phone when I was eleven while driving to swim practice.  I remember just typing away in the notes app.  I rewrote the first few chapters about a year ago, but I’ve kept the prologue the same.  Note to parents: it’s not bad to give your kids a phone at a young age!

In Quanx, there is no hiding who you are....
In a land of tribes where people are defined by the color of their eyes, disaster is ready to strike. With peace barely hanging by a thread, the King of Vitchreonyo makes a risky decision. What he doesn't know is that his plan may not end how he thinks.... 
Then Kale, a fisherman's daughter, is trapped in a tunnel where she makes a shocking discovery. And that discovery may very well lead to the destruction of her entire world. Kale takes up a challenge of following a path forbidden to her in a race to save Quanx from a tribe of conniving dragons. With the help of three uncooperative companions, Kale must steal a dragon egg or die trying. The Stolen Dragon of Quanx is the first novel in The Eyes Trilogy, a compelling new series that will pull you into a fascinating world...and leave you breathlessly waiting for the sequel!

What do you have coming out in the future?
I just published the first installment of The Eyes Trilogy: The Stolen Dragon of Quanx.  Right now I’m working on the second one!

From where do you draw your inspiration?
I read all the time.  I have read thousands of books.  I thought it would be really interesting to look at a book from a creator’s perspective instead of a reader’s!

Do you ever base your characters on real people in your life?
My life experiences are reflected in all that I do.  So yes, there are some experiences that are based on people I know.  Interestingly, everyone I know is certain they are in the book and tell me which character they think they are!

What authors inspire your writing?
Jennifer Nielson and J.K. Rowling

What kind of books do you like to read?
I have read so many books as I have grown up – some over and over again.  I have loved and hated books and both types have influenced me greatly.  I think the fantasy fiction books influence me most because they are an escape into an adventurous world.

How have your real life experiences influenced your writing?
My life experiences are reflected in all that I do.  So yes, there are definitely scenes and characters in the book that are based off of my life.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Swim.  I’m a member of the USA National Team.

What was your road to publishing like?  Tell us about it.
The publishing was unbelievably difficult.  I never expected it to be so hard or to be so involved.  I was really naïve.  The editing was torture.  I read my book so many times I think I memorized it!  I caught even more issues after it was printed.  Currently, my second edition is being printed to fix the edits I missed.  Wow!

How did you come up with the title of your book?
I was originally stuck between two titles: The Stolen Dragon and Quanx.  I couldn’t make a decision, so I just mashed them together!

Is your book a stand alone or a series?
My book is the first installment of The Eyes Trilogy.  I’m super excited to finish the next one!

Do you read the genre you write for or do you prefer other genres?
Yes.  I love reading fantasy, fiction, action/adventure, and mystery.  You can find all these genres in my story.

What celebrity would you chose to play the main character(s) in the movie rendition of your book?
Shailene Woodley.

What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
The publishing and the editing were much harder than any of the writing was!


What is the easiest part of the writing process for you?
I really enjoy creating new characters and writing the climax.  Since I enjoy it so much, it’s very easy to write.

Which of your characters is your favorite and why?
I think that Paka is my favorite character.  I really love writing about her because, just like all the other characters in the book, I honestly have no idea what her backstory is.  I’ve been trying to figure it out, but nothing seems right to me.  So Paka is a mystery to me.  Despite everything that she’s been through, she still has a great sense of humor and a good sense of right and wrong, which is a rare quality in my story.

Who or what are your inspirations/influences?
I love to write, but I write only for myself.  I enjoy it so much.  My friends who would read chapters and excerpts really wanted to know the ending. It was so fun.  Then the publishing came, which was a lot less enjoyable than the first stage.  Now it’s marketing which is definitely interesting, but I would still rather write. I never thought about the fact that people wouldn’t just buy my book and read it! I pictured them falling in love with my story like my friends did. I pictured starting a forum where readers would come to discuss the plot and characters.  I think that was part of what really inspired me.

How would you describe your writing style?
My novel is written creatively from the mindset of various characters.  This is my favorite way to write.

Do you have a careful plan when plotting your stories or do you just go with the flow?
I usually have an outline of where I want the story to go before I start writing, but it’s not very detailed and I don’t follow it all the time.  I’ll have a few scenes that I know need to happen, so I make sure that I get those in there, but I don’t stress out about any of it.  I find that once I start writing, the characters take hold of the story.  I feel like I’m just watching it happen, not actually writing it.

When did you know you truly wanted to give writing a shot?
I started writing young, so I’m not exactly sure.  I think I was just born with it!

I'm happy to introduce you to author P.J. Fiala. She has quite the story to tell us today. I'll leave her to it. Enjoy.

Please tell us a little about yourself.
I have been married for 30 years this year and have four children and three grandchildren.  I have always wanted to write and am just now realizing this dream by writing every chance I get.  My husband and I live just outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin and are empty nesters.  We bike whenever we get the chance and where ever we can go.

Tell us about your latest book.
My latest book, which just came out January 9, 2015 is titled Rydin’ the Storm Out.  It is the second book in the Rolling Thunder series.  Ryder is a shy veteran, a biker with a heart and loving.  When he meets Molly at his dad’s wedding, he is smitten, but can’t ask her out.  Molly thinks he isn’t interested, especially when she walks into a local bar and finds Ryder there with another woman.  

What do you have coming out in the future?
Later this spring I will release Danny’s War, the third book in the Rolling Thunder series.  I will also be re-releasing my first book, Second Chances and in late summer I will be releasing Gunnin’ for You, the fourth book in the Rolling Thunder series.

What genre do you enjoy writing the most and why?
I enjoy contemporary romance.  I love love.  But after the Rolling Thunder series is finished, I am going to dip my toe in paranormal romance.

From where do you draw your inspiration?
People.  People are very interesting.  I work in a law office and I see some of the quirky things people do, which never ceases to amaze me.  Truth truly is stranger than fiction.

Do you ever base your characters on real people in your life?
All the time.  Maybe not the whole character, but I take bits and pieces of people I know or situations I have heard of and weave them into my stories.

What authors inspire your writing?
Sylvia Day is a big inspiration for me.  So is Joanna Wylde and Loren Dane.

What kind of books do you like to read?
I love all romance.  Cozy Mysterys, Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance.  I’ve also read some fabulous women’s fiction recently, that I enjoyed so much more than I thought I would.

How have your real life experiences influenced your writing?
Well, as bikers we get around a bit.  We are also in groups of people on a regular basis.  So, these experiences usually turn up all kinds of fabulous fodder for my stories.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I mentioned I’m a biker, so we do that every chance we get.  We take a very large trip each year on the bikes and we take many weekenders during the summer here.  During the winter, we spend time with family and plan our next big adventure.

What was your road to publishing like?  Tell us about it.
Ahh, well, anytime you step into an arena you have never been in before can be scary and fraught with unpleasantness.  Developing social media accounts and twitter accounts was the first big hurdle.  Then, I realized how big this ocean really is.  You can write the best book in the world, but if you don’t have people carry that message out there, no one will know about your book.  It’s amazing really, how many new books each year are published.

How did you come up with the title of your book?
Ryder Sheppard is the name of my H.  Because of the REO Speedwagon song of the same name, the title was a natural for me.

Is your book a stand alone or a series?
It’s part of a series but it is also a stand alone.

Have you joined any writer’s groups?
I’ve joined several writers groups and I love them.  I have met so many fabulous people and couldn’t have done this without their support.

I'd like to introduce you to Keith Mosher. Like all authors he has a story to tell and I'll let him tell you in his own words.

Please tell us a little about yourself.
I am a published article author, though I admit that was decades ago.  I have a Bachelor of Media Arts degree from the University of South Carolina (also decades ago).  I have been an Audio Producer / Engineer, a Law Office Manager, and I currently am a Martial Arts Instructor.
My first novel is On a Sphere's Edge, a sci-fi adventure / mystery.  I currently work on promoting it, while working on my coming novel, The Curmudgeon Code.

Tell us about your latest book.
My currently available work is titled, On a Sphere’s Edge.
It is the 24th century.  Humanity has spread out among the stars thanks to a 22nd century power system.
Lieutenant Commander Alexandria Novastra needs to determine if the legends about a powerful device that is supposed to guide humanity and civilization are merely myth or based on some reality.  Much to her surprise, she learns that the legends are based in truth.  It is only then she learns that the device is addictive.  She realizes that she cannot turn this device over to her commanders.  Military minds and all consuming, potentially destructive powers do not make a good match.  She reluctantly accepts that she needs to drop out of the system to protect the device and humanity, and to do that she enlists the aid of a crafty ex-con.

What do you have coming out in the future?
Slated for late 2015, I have The Curmudgeon Code.
Tag Line:  Our future draws upon our past.
Technology holds great promise and great risk.  What we ask computers to do today may be the force that controls us tomorrow.
Joshua has grown up in what many would call utopia.  There is no war, no hunger, and no disease.  There can even be no death if one wishes, all due to amazing technology.  However, is it really the Promised Land?  The future does not have to be dystopian for it to have great difficulties.  Evolution never rests.

What genre do you enjoy writing the most and why?
I prefer to write science fiction.  Science fiction often has positive effects on humanity.  From Jules Vern and H.G. Wells, to Clarke, Asimov, and beyond, there have been shining lights that you do not find in many other forms of writing.  I do not disregard the Angelous, Morrisons, and Ghandis of the writing world.  Every form of writing has its bright marks and values.  However, for me science fiction offers the possibility of hope and change, as opposed to retelling the woes of what has been, or the drama of everyday life, or playing on the fantasies of the impossible.

From where do you draw your inspiration?
I find inspiration in everyday life.  My first novel, On a Sphere’s Edge, grew out of a round-robin story that I started on my Bulletin Board System (that was an electronic message board before the days of the Internet).  Out of a tiny shred of that story, the story arch formed in my mind, based on the age-old game of “broken telephone,” a game where you whisper something into one person’s ear, and they into another ear, until, in the end, you see how the original message became broken.

The book I am writing now, The Curmudgeon Code, grows out of the realization that the Technological Singularity is inevitable, but what it will yield must be based on the things we build and create today.

Do you ever base your characters on real people in your life?
I frequently base my characters on real people in my life.  I often use some unique variants of their names; I may use their physiques, and at times use their mannerisms.  Some characters are fully imagined.  However, I do not believe you can really disconnect from the reality that surrounds you.  You are always affected in some way.

What authors inspire your writing?
There is a wide range of inspirational authors: J.R.R. Tolkien, Plato (at least his writings on Socrates), Asimov, Douglas Adams, Douglas Hofstadter, and others.

What kind of books do you like to read?
I enjoy reading science, science fiction, and philosophy works.

How have your real life experiences influenced your writing?
Our real life experiences unquestionably affect and effect the way we write.  What we write, how we write, and why we write.  I enjoy writing my blog, which is nothing but real life stories and events.  Nonetheless, when writing fictional works, such as my novels, my real experiences play some role, either in helping to craft small everyday events of character or in dialog, or in the overall message.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I must admit, I am a hermit of sorts.  I write during the day and teach martial arts classes in the evening.  I enjoy going to the movies, and do so often.  I enjoy swimming in the summer.  But, if I am not doing any of those things, I am either reading or writing.

What was your road to publishing like?  Tell us about it.
On a Sphere’s Edge went for a very long ride.  The writing of the story began in the 1980’s.  It was put to bed for a while.  In the 1990’s I picked it back up, not sure what I would do with it, I just knew I had to write it.  Again, it went to bed.  I picked it up again in late 2010.  I felt driven to complete it.  Originally, the structure was a rather basic A-B-A-B, protagonist, antagonist, back and forth.  I changed it to be almost solely protagonist.  What we do not see can be a little more unnerving.

Regardless, when I felt it was complete, I began the quest for publication, following an old-world approach.  I submitted to several publishers and received the customary, “We are not looking for something like this right now” notices.  Already having my second novel brewing in my mind, I elected to give self-publishing / independent publishing a try.  I felt that my first novel would be a good learning ground for the greater works that I knew would follow.

Overall, I have found self-publishing as daunting as old-world publishing.  Yes, you can get your work published in a flash.  Getting it out in the hands of the public, getting it reviewed and seen, that becomes the author’s responsibility.  Something they may not be well adapted to.  However, I am pleased enough with the process, and I keep plugging away at it.

How did you come up with the title of your book?
The title, On a Sphere’s Edge, was a flash of insight.  There is a primary spherical device in the story.  This sphere is steeped in legend, which holds a certain edge over some of the populations.  Part of the title refers to that edge – that leverage.  Part of the title is an odd look at the idea of a sphere having an edge.  Does a sphere have an edge?  (This one does.)  Interestingly enough, one can also glean out of the title the idea of living on a globe’s surface – on a sphere’s edge.  It all plays together so well.

Is your book a stand-alone or a series?
On a Sphere’s Edge is a stand-alone story.  At least, it was written that way, but I have had a request to consider a sequel, and have mapped one out.

The coming work, The Curmudgeon Code is also a stand-alone, though I have left open the possibility of a follow up.

Do you read the genre you write for or do you prefer other genres?
I enjoy reading science fiction, and do so regularly, but I also read other genres.

What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
The hardest part of writing is controlling the use of passive voice, and playing with tense.

What is the easiest part of the writing process for you?
The easiest part of writing is the typing.  If any other part of the writing is easy, you are not trying hard enough.

Which of your characters is your favorite and why?
My favorite character in On a Sphere’s Edge is Zeal Katz, one of the main characters, though I do have a fun fondness for a minor character, Evon Brad.  I have a very personal emotional attachment to a minor character, Eliza Beth.

Who or what are your inspirations/influences?
My inspirations are the problems and hopes that humanity faces.

What is your preferred writing environment?
My living room is my writing haven.

How would you describe your writing style?
My writing style varies.  On a Sphere’s Edge attempts at times to have some action.  However, I tend to present an omniscient view, often laden with passive voice (something I keep trying to reduce).

Do you have a careful plan when plotting your stories or do you just go with the flow?
I do not write story outlines, though I do write notes.  I do not write without a plan, but I find if I try to pre-fix the plan, such as writing an outline, I try to force characters and events toward the outline.  As such, I keep notes, while keeping the plan fluid in my thoughts.  For me, doing it in this way, I seem to be more in touch with the inner light that formulated the plan in the first place.  My characters and events seem to flow in that direction, at times in ways I could not have foreseen.  That fluid quality allows me to put more life in my characters, sometimes letting them dictate how events unfold, while keeping the goal on target.

With many publishing routes available today, which felt the most reliable to you when it came to the many choices?
Clearly self-publishing feels the most reliable if the desire is to have a work published.  Having your work read, reviewed, and received, requires something more.  What is the most reliable route?  Who can really say?

When did you know you truly wanted to give writing a shot?
When I was in my early teens, a favored aunt passed away.  I wrote a letter of condolence to my uncle, who was a very learned man.  At his passing I was told that he held that letter, above all the letters he had received over his entire life, with highest reverence.  It was in his pocket, years old and worn, on the day he passed.  He had told individuals near him how astounded he was at what I had written.  That sparked a small coal.  But life is life and presents many interruptions.  Years later, I created my Bulletin Board System, which required some writing.  That led to the On a Sphere’s Edge story, which rose and fell over decades.  In the middle of that, I wrote an article for a magazine, which was not only published, I was paid for it.  I knew I could write.