Today's Authtoberfest featured author is JAMES MORRIS!

James Morris is a cool guy. He has won two KindleScout campaigns this year! What an accomplishment. James has written some great reads, people. Check out his links below.

Let's see what James had to say about All Hallows' Eve!

1. It’s Halloween, pick 3 of your favorite writer buddies to paint the town read with and tell us why you chose them.
James says: I’m really not sure. Unlike the zombie apocalypse where survival is at stake, going to a party is a lot more personal. I’d want to know the writers as people first, which is a problem because really, I don’t want to know most writers. Not that they’re not nice people. But if I love a piece of work, and then I meet the writer, and he or she turns out to be an odious turd, then it’s forever going to impact how I read the book. And the book and the person, to me, are separate things. All that to say, I’d dress up in a costume, like maybe Darth Maul where no one would recognize me and let my id roam free.



2. You’re ready to head out with your pillowcase to collect loads of confections on All Hallows’ Eve, what’s your costume and why did you choose it?
James says: I used to love Halloween, but as people got older, there were fewer and fewer parties. I’m talking Halloween bashes where everyone is costumed (and not “as themselves” – seriously, why go to a Halloween party without a costume!) Having said that, my wife and I talked about going as Wonderwoman and Superman. But you know what? I can’t pull off that costume. I think I’d prefer to go as Hugh Hefner.



3. Old Mrs. Robinson opens her door and you’re holding open your pillowcase patiently waiting. “Oh deary,” she says in her frail, little old-lady voice. “I forgot it was Halloween. Don’t know why you kids go begging anyways. Let me go find something to give you.” She shuffles off and finally returns three and a half minutes later with 5 pennies, 2 peppermint candies that look like they went through the dryer, and her deceased husbands dentures. “Take what you like,” she offers, squinting at you.
What do you choose and why.
James says: Hilarious. (I will share, one year while trick-or-treating, a woman gave us peanuts. Like, 3 of them. With the shells on. I thought it was the worst treat ever.) As for Mrs. Robinson, I’d skip the 5 pennies, as well as the peppermint candies and take the dentures. Who knows when I might need them? Bwhahaha.



4. I really love reading Dean Koontz but some of his stuff scares the bejesus out of me. What’s the spookiest book you’ve ever read?
James says: The one most recent was Birdbox by Josh Malerman. I thought that was one of the most unique horror books ever, and I’m kinda jealous I didn’t think of it. The other one that stands out in memory is Stephen King’s “The Shining.” How he made the shrubbery maze – with its topiary animals – scary, was very cool because that idea could’ve gone very, very wrong.
Meredith says: Birdbox was an awesome read. Josh Malerman's interview is on 10/31, stay tuned!


5. You’re a writer by day and supernatural creature by night. (Shed that human skin you sack of bones) What are you and why?
James says: One of my cool elementary school teachers played us Danse Macabre by Saint-Saens during Halloween. And I always liked that story of the skeletons dancing with abandon during that one special night a year, and then returning to their graves during the day. I’m not sure what creature I would be – vampire, werewolf, ghost – they are all so interesting – but I love the idea of capturing the spirit of life, which we unfortunately only really appreciate in the face of, or in the wake of, a tragedy and death.





6. Every author has a bookshelf filled with his or her favorite reads. Run on over to yours and tell us the scariest book you have.
James says: I generally don’t keep books – I give to them Goodwill when I’m done; I just ran out of room one day and thought: will I ever re-read them all? So my shelf is limited. The scariest one right now is THE CHOCOLATE WAR by Robert Cormier because I think it speaks to the entrenched power structures that are in place no matter where you are, which is scary indeed. (My analogy for life is I often think I’m caught in a bureaucracy as a low-level employee, and there are decisions made way above my pay grade, and I have no idea what they are, but whose ramifications continue to trickle down.)



7. We don’t all write horror but there comes a time when you’ve got to surprise your readers and make sure their hearts are still beating. How do you prepare yourself to get in the spooky writing mood?
James says: Scary or sweet, it’s the same. It’s boring, I know, but I just sit. And then I think: what would surprise me? What would scare me? Of course, making sure that I don’t have happy music in the background helps!



8. Stephen King’s front porch light is on but there are no Halloween decorations.
Do you:
a) trick-or-treat and cross your fingers that he’s handing out the good stuff
b) run screaming
c) call your mom to bring your favorite King paperback and beg for an autograph
James says: I’d definitely trick-or-treat. His house during Halloween must be insane.



9. Congratulations, you just won the literary lottery and sold a million books at full price! The royalty check clears on October 28th. What are you buying for the neighborhood kids?
a) an assortment of mini candybars
b) an assortment of cheap, hard candies
c) full size Hershey bars
James says: None of the above. I’m buying them peanuts with the shells on, so that they can remember me years and years later as the guy who gave them the worst treat ever.
Meredith says: I just laughed out loud!



10. Your writer friend calls you with some frightening news. They’re giving up on writing, can’t take the pressure any longer. What do you tell them?
James says: Writing is very personal; it’s like religion or politics that way. I would say I understand why they’re stopping. I’ve said before that writing as a career is not pragmatic at all and filled with heartache. Why we continue to do it speaks to the crazy love we have for it. So, when that love starts to wane, I’d say, take a break. For now. And then see if the passion returns. It’s not a failure. You are not a failure.

Connect with James Morris!

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(This is James. I call him Jim 'cause we're best friends. He just doesn't know it yet.)

About this author:

James Morris is a former television writer who now works in digital media. When not writing, you can find him scoping out the latest sushi spot, watching 'House Hunters Renovation', or trying new recipes in the kitchen. He lives with his wife and dog in Los Angeles.

Today's Authtoberfest featured author is NICK COLE

1. It’s Halloween, pick 3 of your favorite writers to paint the town red with and tell us why you chose them.
Nick Says: Stephen King because the Dark Tower series is what it would be like if every day was Halloween and it was all Trick and not so much treat. Ray Bradbury because he just owned that awesome homespun weirdness meets future fantastic vibe of “all’s not right”. Martian Chronicles specifically (Side note: I appeared in a production of this as Spender the murderous astronaut who goes native. Mr. Bradbury showed up and after the show we talked and he kept calling me “Spender”. One of the best nights of my life.) And Charles Schultz. Because the older I get the more I long to be in that neighborhood on Halloween afternoon. Carving a pumpkin. Cutting the eyeholes in a sheet. Crawling through the trenches in no man’s land and hoisting a root beer with the world’s greatest flying ace. Midnite in the pumpkin patch talking about the meaning of life.



2. You’re ready to head out with your pillowcase to collect loads of confections on All Hallows’ Eve, what’s your costume and why did you choose it?
Nick Says: Pirate. Because I am, says I.



3. Old Mrs. Robinson opens her door and you’re holding open your pillowcase patiently waiting. “Oh deary,” she says in her frail, little old-lady voice. “I forgot it was Halloween. Don’t know why you kids go begging anyways. Let me go find something to give you.” She shuffles off and finally returns three and a half minutes later with 5 pennies, 2 peppermint candies that look like they went through the dryer, and her deceased husbands dentures. “Take what you like,” she offers, squinting at you.
What do you choose and why.
Nick Says:  I tell her to get a big bowl and I empty all my candy into it. I’ll be back later with more.



4. I really love reading Dean Koontz but some of his stuff scares the bejesus out of me. What’s the spookiest book you’ve ever read?
Nick Says: The Spookiest? Probably the Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Inside you find The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, The Man in the shadows. Scary stuff.



5. You’re a writer by day and supernatural creature by night. (Shed that human skin you sack of bones) What are you and why?
Nick Says: An Edward Gorey Ghost. Haunting the nights looking for the lost road that leads to yesterday and WhatMightHaveBeen. Wandering the night for all those long lost good times. Not threatening in any other way that an over-consuming melancholy for all the good that once was.



6. Every author has a bookshelf filled with his or her favorite reads. Run on over to yours and tell us the scariest book you have.
Nick Says: I guess, in a way William Forstchen’s One Second After is pretty scary. In a “Wow! I hope this doesn’t happen but it’s probably gonna sort of way!”



7. We don’t all write horror but there comes a time when you’ve got to surprise your readers and make sure their hearts are still beating. How do you prepare yourself to get in the spooky writing mood?
Nick Says:  I like looking at Edward Gorey pictures and listening to 80’s goth music.



8. Stephen King’s front porch light is on but there are no Halloween decorations.
Do you:
a) trick-or-treat and cross your fingers that he’s handing out the good stuff
b) run screaming
c) call your mom to bring your favorite King paperback and beg for an autograph
Nick Says:  I’ll go with “a” and tell him that I don’t like anything he’s handing out. Instead I’ll take a one minute story off the top of his head for a “treat”, or, I get out my Big Book of very Bad Tricks. Your call, Stevey, but I’d pick the story.



9. Congratulations, you just won the literary lottery and sold a million books at full price! The royalty check clears on October 28th. What are you buying for the neighborhood kids?
a) an assortment of mini candybars
b) an assortment of cheap, hard candies
c) full size Hershey bars
Nick Says:  Full size Hershey’s with almonds. Memory. Basic Training. I hadn’t had a candy bar in six weeks. One day a guy smuggled in a few from the PX. It was heaven.



10. Your writer friend calls you with some frightening news. They’re giving up on writing, can’t take the pressure any longer. What do you tell them?
Nick Says:  Probably for the best. It doesn’t sound like they were doing it for the love. Because in the end, that’s the only reason you do it. The more successful you become the more people hate you. If you can’t take the pressure now you don’t want to know what it’s like when you actually make it. Just write for fun. You’ll be happier that way.

Connect with Nick Cole

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("I drink your Milkshake. I drink it down!")

_______________________________________

Nick Cole is a former soldier and working actor living in Southern California. When he is not auditioning for commercials, going out for sitcoms or being shot, kicked, stabbed or beaten by the students of various film schools for their projects, he can be found writing books for Harper Collins.

Today's Authtoberfest featured author is, the prince of darkness, ERNIE LINDSEY!

1. It’s the zombie apocalypse and writers have got to stick together to survive. Pick 3 authors to be on your zombie apocalypse killing team and tell us why you’d choose them.
Ernie says: First, Chuck Wendig. I only know of him through his Twitter feed, but he seems perfectly badass enough (can I say ‘badass’ on your blog?) to be like Ash from Army of Darkness. I can see him cocking a shotgun and saying, “Come get some.” Second, after reading The Martian, I’d have to go with Andy Weir, because he’s brilliant enough to rig whatever we’d need to stay alive. And maybe build a spaceship too so we could get away from the zombies. Third…while I don’t think he’s written any fiction, I’d have David Sedaris along. Why? Because laughter would be necessary in a post-apocalyptic zombie world.



2. If Stephen King and J. K. Rowling were drowning in a river, who would you save first? And now you have to tell us why.
Ernie says: Hah! Well, at least you didn’t ask me to pick only one. Supposing they can both be saved, I’d go with J. K. Rowling first, because anyone wealthier than the Queen of England likely has monetary access to excellent hitmen. I wouldn’t want her angry with me for not picking her first.



3. We authors are voracious readers. My TBR list is approximately 8 miles long. What are you currently reading?
Ernie says: I just finished reading The Martian again for the second time, in preparation for the movie release. Prior to that, I absolutely devoured Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven. Brilliant, melancholy, and full of gorgeous writing that made me jealous of her talent.



4. What is the one book that you could read a million times and never get bored with?
Ernie says: Tomcat in Love, by Tim O’Brien. I’ve been recommending that book for years. Some of the things O’Brien does with language in that story are astounding.



5. Last year my favorite read was The Martian by Andy Weir. What was your best read of 2014?
Ernie says: It’s for sure a tossup between The Martian and Eleanor by Jason Gurley. The interesting thing is, both were originally indie-published works, and both went on to get picked up by Crown Publishing, a division of Random House. A refined version of Eleanor is due out in January 2016. Take note: I’m positive that Gurley will be one of our future literary giants.



6. This year my favorite read has been The Dog Stars by Peter Heller. What’s the best book you’ve read so far in 2015?
Ernie says: This has been the year of little reading, for a variety of reasons, so my choices are limited. But, I’d have to go with Station Eleven. I didn’t want it to end. Ever.



7. You’re a writer by day and a superhero by night. (Take off those geeky glasses Superman) What’s your superpower?
Ernie says: Telekinesis. Mostly I’d just like to be able to flick a finger and pick up all of the toddler toys, fling the laundry on hangers and in drawers, put the dishes away, and pour a glass of wine without having to get up from the couch. Forget fighting evil villains. I just want the chores to be done.



8. I have writing spots all over my house: my desk, my couch, the patio, and my bed. Where’s your favorite spot to write?
Ernie says: I’m such a creature of habit that I have to be tucked away in my little office, sitting at my cluttered desk. Trying to write anywhere else throws off the balance.



9. We’re supposed to love all of our children equally, but there are some scenes I’ve written that really stick out in my mind. Tell us your favorite scene from one of your books.
Ernie says: The climax/ending to Sara’s Game. My former agents felt the original ending could be quite a bit stronger and asked me to revamp it. I waffled with ideas for two or three days until the perfect resolution hit me. I’m convinced it contributed to the success that title has seen, and likely allowed me to keep doing this as a career.



10. Sometimes a little too much of myself slips into my characters. Which one of your characters most resembles you?
Ernie says: Wow. Um. All of them? Not counting the kidnappers and killers? The closest would probably be Chris (a.k.a. “Brick”) in Going Shogun. The witty everyman.



11. I’ve always got tunes rocking while I’m writing. Tell us five songs that are on your playlist.
Ernie says: I can’t actually write to music. At least not music with words. I’ve learned to manage most aspects of my ADD, but being able to write while someone else says words isn’t one of them. So, for me, it’s the soothing sounds of rain, ocean waves, or waterfalls in a jungle, with binaural beats in the background that are supposed to enhance creativity or concentration.



12. If you could tell an aspiring author one tiny tidbit of information, what would you say?
Ernie says: Use your adverbs sparingly, he said, conspiratorially.

Connect with ERNIE LINDSEY!

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USA Today bestselling author Ernie Lindsey grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia, working on the family farm and reading, and has spent his life telling stories to anyone that will listen. He is the author of thirteen mystery, thriller, and suspense books, along with numerous short stories. When he's not writing or reading the works of other thriller writers, you can find him chasing a toddler, feeding a toddler, or cleaning up after a toddler. He remembers non-toddler things, but they're flimsy, gauzy mysteries.
Ernie and his family live in Oregon, along with a multi-fingered Hemingway cat named Luna.
Head over to ErnieLindsey.com for more information, or join him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ErnieLindseyFiction

Today's Authtoberfest featured author is Vincent Robert Annunziato!

Let's see what Vincent had to say about reading, writing and All Hallows' Eve!

1. It’s Halloween, pick 3 of your favorite writers to paint the town red with and tell us why you chose them.
VRA says:

a. Frankenstein – Mary Shelley
b. Dracula – Bram Stoker
c. Exorcist – William Blatty



2. You’re ready to head out with your pillowcase to collect loads of confections on All Hallows’ Eve, what’s your costume and why did you choose it?
VRA says: Well I’d say I don’t really need one. I’m pretty scary. But I would love to choose the Hulk. He’s a massive beast who nobody messes with when he’s angry.


3. Old Mrs. Robinson opens her door and you’re holding open your pillowcase patiently waiting. “Oh deary,” she says in her frail, little old-lady voice. “I forgot it was Halloween. Don’t know why you kids go begging anyways. Let me go find something to give you.” She shuffles off and finally returns three and a half minutes later with 5 pennies, 2 peppermint candies that look like they went through the dryer, and her deceased husbands dentures. “Take what you like,” she offers, squinting at you. What do you choose and why.
VRA says: 5 pennies. I can still buy gum with it.


4. I really love reading Dean Koontz but some of his stuff scares the bejesus out of me. What’s the spookiest book you’ve ever read?
VRA says: The Exorcist


5. You’re a writer by day and supernatural creature by night. (Shed that human skin you sack of bones) What are you?
VRA says: I’ll take Angel of Light for $500 Meredith.


6. Every author has a bookshelf filled with his or her favorite reads. Run on over to yours and tell us the scariest book you have.
VRA says: Exorcist – William Blatty


7. We don’t all write horror but there comes a time when you’ve got to surprise your readers and make sure their hearts are still beating. How do you prepare yourself to get in the spooky writing mood?
VRA says: For me the characters become real. So, it’s not a mood it’s a forced motive. As I am searching the plotlines and moving the characters through them, the potential for physical, emotional and spiritual dilemmas are always present.


8. Stephen King’s front porch light is on but there are no Halloween decorations.
Do you:
a. trick-or-treat and cross your fingers that he’s handing out the good stuff
b. run screaming
c. call your mom to bring your favorite King paperback and beg for an autograph
VRA says: I’m all in on calling mom to get the autograph.


9. Congratulations, you just won the literary lottery and sold a million books at full price! The royalty check clears on October 28th. What are you buying for the neighborhood kids?
a. an assortment of mini candybars
b. an assortment of cheap, hard candies
c. full size Hershey bars
VRA says: Definitely C, but I don’t know if there would be any left to hand out!


10. Your writer friend calls you with some frightening news. They’re giving up on writing, can’t take the pressure any longer. What do you tell them?
VRA says: Take a chill pill. Order up a Gran Marnier on the rocks and have a very long discussion.

Connect with Vincent Robert Annunziatio!

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Author bio:

33 Degrees was selected as a Kindle Scout winner for publication. Thank you to all my fans who voted and helped get 33 noticed!
Vincent Robert Annunziato is a native Long Islander who currently resides with his wife and family in Virginia. He graduated Sachem High School and received a B.S. Degree from Hofstra University in Television Science. Vincent spent several years in Hollywood working for various production companies. He eventually wound up landing a job with the government, marrying a wonderful woman and raising three beautiful children. After thinking the dream of becoming a writer had passed him by, Vincent wrote his first novel on an Amazon Kindle HD tablet while commuting to work 2 hours each way.

Today's Authtoberfest featured author is the multitalented Fiona Quinn!

1. It’s Halloween, pick 3 of your favorite writer buddies to paint the town read with and tell us why you chose them.
Fiona says: I would pick Donna White Glaser, author of Scrying Shame, Jill Nojack, author of The familiar, and you, Meredith Pritchard, author of Let Her Go. Each of you has a very interesting and very different take on a “haunting” story. I bet if we hung out with a blood orange martini or two, we’d be cackling.
Meredith says: OMG! Someone finally picked me! I no longer feel like the last kid standing during dodgeball team pickings. I love martinis!



2. You’re ready to head out with your pillowcase to collect loads of confections on All Hallows’ Eve, what’s your costume and why did you choose it?
Fiona says: I am traditionally a witch all day long. Each year, I change my garb (sometimes my hair color) depending on my mood, but you can usually find me, besom (broom) in hand, turning heads with my floor length cape.

As a matter of fact, my house is something of a holiday attraction. I get hundreds of people ringing my doorbell on Halloween. I am extra horribly mean to them, and they seem to love it. I have adults, whose kids grew up in the neighborhood and are now out of the nest, and now the adults dress up in a costume to come to my house so I will yell at them.

No costume? No candy – also, at my house it’s “you do a trick then you get a treat”. I’ve had kids sing songs, tell jokes, recite poems, and bust-a-move. It’s pretty entertaining. So if you want someone to scream at you (I used to be a professional screamer – but that’s another story for another day), just head on over – but have a class-A trick up your sleeve.



3. Old Mrs. Robinson opens her door and you’re holding open your pillowcase patiently waiting. “Oh deary,” she says in her frail, little old-lady voice. “I forgot it was Halloween. Don’t know why you kids go begging anyways. Let me go find something to give you.” She shuffles off and finally returns three and a half minutes later with 5 pennies, 2 peppermint candies that look like they went through the dryer, and her deceased husband’s dentures. “Take what you like,” she offers, squinting at you.
What do you choose and why.
Fiona says: The deceased husband’s dentures. It’ll make a great story and decoration (bleach first) for later.



3. I really love reading Dean Koontz but some of his stuff scares the bejesus out of me. What’s the spookiest book you’ve ever read?
Fiona says: Holy moly – The Behrg’s HOUSEBROKEN – not spooky as much as oh so creepy, nightmare inducing, that voice, argh!



4. You’re a writer by day and supernatural creature by night. (Shed that human skin you sack of bones) What are you and why?
Fiona says: An owl – amazing speed, stealth capabilities, nocturnal eyesight and hunting abilities, incredibly strong clawed feet, muscular wings. The owl is a formidable night creature. I’d like to feel that kind of power.
Meredith says: I love owls!


6. Every author has a bookshelf filled with his or her favorite reads. Run on over to yours and tell us the scariest book you have.
Fiona says: True Ghost Stories of Ireland – I bought it when I was visiting Limerick with my grandmother and have never been able to finish it for fear that the ghosts came home with the book and by reading it, I would release them.



7. We don’t all write horror but there comes a time when you’ve got to surprise your readers and make sure their hearts are still beating. How do you prepare yourself to get in the spooky writing mood?
Fiona says: I have a few of them in my books, I wasn’t prepared for them; they came out of nowhere. I thought the scene would go in one direction, and as the words formed on the screen, they went in a very different direction, taking me by surprise.



8. Stephen King’s front porch light is on but there are no Halloween decorations.
Do you:
a) trick-or-treat and cross your fingers that he’s handing out the good stuff
b) run screaming
c) call your mom to bring your favorite King paperback and beg for an autograph
Fiona says: A. I’m not a big Stephen King fan. I am a fan of chocolate; I’d take my chances.



9. Congratulations, you just won the literary lottery and sold a million books at full price! The royalty check clears on October 28th. What are you buying for the neighborhood kids?
a) an assortment of mini candybars
b) an assortment of cheap, hard candies
c) full size Hershey bars
Fiona says: A million books full price? Okay, I’d splurge for the full sized chocolate bars, but I’m not kidding about the number of people we have come by the house. One year we counted almost 500. We did a lot more decorating back when that happened (I had teens to help out) but still, there will be hundreds… a million books you say? If you cast your magic wand about and bring that to fruition, I’ll spring for Godiva.



10. Your writer friend calls you with some frightening news. They’re giving up on writing, can’t take the pressure any longer. What do you tell them?
Fiona says: “That’ll last about an hour. Writers have to write like they have to breathe. They have to write like they need water to survive. So, have a glass of wine. Eat some really good chocolate. Turn on a good sappy movie so you can have a good cry. And tomorrow morning put your butt in front of your screen and start hammering out those words.”

Connect with Fiona!

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Canadian born, Fiona Quinn is now rooted in the Old Dominion outside of D.C. with her husband and four children. There, she homeschools, pops chocolates, devours books, and taps continuously on her laptop.

Today's Authtoberfest featured author is Rob Blackwell!

1. It’s the zombie apocalypse and writers have got to stick together to survive. Pick 3 authors to be on your zombie apocalypse killing team and tell us why you’d choose them.
Rob says: Stephen King – He wrote a truly great zombie book called “Cell,” so he knows how to fight the undead.
Neil Gaiman – I’ve never seen a more creative writer. He’ll think up new ways to slice and dice the zombie horde.
Suzanne Collins – Have you read the Hunger Games series? Collins has spent a LOT of time thinking about ways to kill people. She’d be the perfect ally.



2. If Stephen King and J. K. Rowling were drowning in a river, who would you save first? And now you have to tell us why.
Rob says: Stephen King, cause I worship the man. J.K. Rowling gave me 7 amazing books, King has given me 50+. It’s a game of numbers. Sorry, Jo!



3. We authors are voracious readers. My TBR list is approximately 8 miles long. What are you currently reading?
Rob says: “Boundary Lines” by Melissa F. Olson and “You” by Karoline Kepnes.



4. What is the one book that you could read a million times and never get bored with?
Rob says: “Lord of the Rings” by Tolkien. Such a great epic adventure



5. Last year my favorite read was The Martian by Andy Weir. What was your best read of 2014?
Rob says: “Joyland” by Stephen King. What I loved about it is that it really wasn’t supposed to be scary. Instead, it was a coming of age novel not unlike “The Body,” which was turned into the movie Stand by Me. I thought Joyland was very moving and I had a hard time putting it down.



6. This year my favorite read has been The Dog Stars by Peter Heller. What’s the best book you’ve read so far in 2015?
Rob says: “Bone Clocks” by David Mitchell. The man’s ability to merge genres – historical fiction, urban fantasy, post-apocalyptic sci-fi – into a cohesive narrative is fantastic. I’m in absolute awe of Mitchell’s writing ability.



7. You’re a writer by day and a superhero by night. (Take off those geeky glasses Superman) What’s your superpower?
Rob says: I can summon monsters to do my will (so maybe this makes me a supervillain).



8. I have writing spots all over my house: my desk, my couch, the patio, and my bed. Where’s your favorite spot to write?
Rob says: I will write anywhere at any time. I wrote my first novel on a Palm Pilot while commuting on the subway. But I will break out the laptop or Kindle anywhere I can get a spare five minutes.



9. We’re supposed to love all of our children equally, but there are some scenes I’ve written that really stick out in my mind. Tell us your favorite scene from one of your books.
Rob says: My favorite scene that I’ve ever written was probably in Give the Devil His Due, the third book in my Sanheim Chronicles trilogy. The book has a lot of action, including a war between mythical creatures in the finale. But the best scene for me was a relatively small one in which a major character had to sacrifice himself to help the protagonists. In the scene, he gets to see his life in reverse as if he’s watching a movie. As the movie rewinds to the beginning of his life, the character slowly dies. I like the scene largely because it was a surprise even to me. I knew the character was going to die, but I didn’t know how until I sat down to write it.



10. Sometimes a little too much of myself slips into my characters. Which one of your characters most resembles you?
Rob says: Quinn O’Brion, the protagonist from the Sanheim Chronicles. He’s a reporter like me, falls in love with a beautiful woman (who looks a little like my wife) and generally responds to the world in a similar way that I do.



11. I’ve always got tunes rocking while I’m writing. Tell us five songs that are on your playlist.
Rob says: I write to music, but it has to be instrumental otherwise lyrics from songs end up in my writing. As a result, I listen to a lot of movie and video game soundtracks or “epic trailer” music by groups like Two Steps from Hell and Audiomachine. Some of my favorites at the moment are: “Victory” and “Flight of the Silverbird” by Two Steps, “Between Heaven and Earth” by Audiomachine, “Bynn the Breaker” by Darren Korb and “Zealous Champion” by Tom Salta.



12. If you could tell an aspiring author one tiny tidbit of information, what would you say?
Rob says: Just do it. Stop thinking about writing and write. Finish what you write, edit what you finish, publish what you edit. Rinse and repeat.

Connect with Rob!

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Amazon Author Page

Rob is an award-winning journalist with 15 years' experience and the author of The Sanheim Chronicles and The Soren Chase novels, two series that combine urban fantasy, mystery and suspense.
His first novel, A Soul to Steal, was featured on USA Today and praised by book bloggers and readers alike for its great plot and "fantastic ending." Many of his other books have been Kindle bestsellers in the Dark Fantasy category.
As a journalist, Rob has won several Virginia Press Association awards and was co-winner of the Jesse H. Neal Award for Business Journalism. He has appeared several times on other media outlets, including NPR, BBC, CNBC and C-Span.
You can find out more about him on his Facebook page, at www.facebook.com\asoultosteal or on Twitter at @abwashbureau.
Rob lives in Virginia with his wife and two children.

Today's Authtoberfest featured author is M. Lauryl Lewis!

1. It’s the zombie apocalypse and writers have got to stick together to survive. Pick 3 authors to be on your zombie apocalypse killing team and tell us why you’d choose them.
M. Lauryl Lewis says: Hands down, it'd be these three kick-butt women: Shana Festa, Rhiannon Frater, and Bijou Hunter! Shana because she has a wickedly awesome sense of humor and the ability to be creative when it comes to getting out of sticky (bloody) situations. Rhiannon, honestly, because she is one of my all-time favorite zompoc authors. She was a major inspiration for me to become an author. Bijou writes dark romance. She's also one of the strongest women and mothers I know. She has helped me through some tough times in my personal life, has always been "real" with me, and her writing is awesome.



2. If Stephen King and J. K. Rowling were drowning in a river, who would you save first? And now you have to tell us why.
M. Lauryl Lewis says: Hmm. I'm going to take the graceful way out in this and say Stephen King, because he was closer to the edge of the river. :-) On a more serious note, I see "celebrities" as "just people." Yes, both are extremely accomplished authors who have given us so much in the way of dreaming and entertainment. That being said, I honestly would have to chose based on who I could get to first since I see us all as equals.



3. We authors are voracious readers. My TBR list is approximately 8 miles long. What are you currently reading?
M. Lauryl Lewis says: I actually just began the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.



4. What is the one book that you could read a million times and never get bored with?
M. Lauryl Lewis says: Neanderthal by John Darnton. I have a paperback copy that I first read when I was well, younger. I re-read it every few years. I highly recommend it.



5. Last year my favorite read was The Martian by Andy Weir. What was your best read of 2014?
M. Lauryl Lewis says: Oh - without a doubt TIME of DEATH: Induction, by Shana Festa. She's a newer zompoc author and she is hot in the genre! I admit, once I was finished with book one I stalked her down and begged for an ARC to read & review for the sequel.



6. This year my favorite read has been The Dog Stars by Peter Heller. What’s the best book you’ve read so far in 2015?
M. Lauryl Lewis says: I've had a hard time finding a good book so far this year. I've started so many and given up. My head hasn't been in a very good place with personal issues going on (one of my little boys is fighting cancer). Of all the attempts I've made to get lost in a great book, the one I found myself craving more of is The Complex by J. Rudolph.



7. You’re a writer by day and a superhero by night. (Take off those geeky glasses Superman) What’s your superpower?
M. Lauryl Lewis says: My super power is the ability to take a nap whenever given the chance! It's one of my favorite activities and I strive to be super at it. My love of naps began when I worked night shift as an RN for years. I would come home to my family, which includes a husband, three little boys, dogs, and cats. It's forced me to become super at looking awake and not always being. Most of my writing happens late at night when the kids are in bed and the husband is at work. I nap when I can to make up for the long hours of being a mother and an author.



8. I have writing spots all over my house: my desk, my couch, the patio, and my bed. Where’s your favorite spot to write?
M. Lauryl Lewis says: I have an easy chair and ottoman in our living room. Most of my writing takes place there. I also keep a TV-tray (those folding tables we used as children to eat frozen dinners for TV night) that I take with me as a portable office. I spend a lot of hours with my son at the local children's hospital, so the TV tray has become a 2nd favorite. I attempted to hang a hammock in the back yard for summer writing, but my four dogs decided it was fun to try to drool me to death and my English Mastiff tries to lay on me.



9. We’re supposed to love all of our children equally, but there are some scenes I’ve written that really stick out in my mind. Tell us your favorite scene from your book GRACE LOST.
M. Lauryl Lewis says: Grace Lost follows a small group of survivors as they try to survive during the zombie apocalypse. One of my favorite scenes is a really emotionally draining one. A pregnant character goes into early labor and delivers a living (but tiny) baby. Both mother and baby die. Twice.
Why on earth would that be my favorite scene? I know, it sounds horrible. The scene, though, well...I put so much of my own emotions into that scene. It was difficult to write. It's difficult to read. Many readers say it's a tear-jerker.



10. Sometimes a little too much of myself slips into my characters. Which one of your characters most resembles you?
M. Lauryl Lewis says: Ha ha - love this question! There is so much of myself in my protagonist, Zoe. The funny thing about that is that so many reviews have mentioned how much they HATE Zoe! She is 20 years old, naive, very inexperienced in life, a bit clueless, and very whiny. I strive to make all of my characters realistic. Unlike my super power of napping, none of my characters have super power abilities. They are not expert weapon-wielders. They make some bad decisions. They are very intentionally flawed. I do this in order to make the story realistic. So, yes, Zoe has a lot of me within her. I make her react how I imagine I would if the living dead were trying to eat me. She cries. She vomits. She asks a lot of questions. She allows the bigger, stronger men in the story protect her.



11. I’ve always got tunes rocking while I’m writing. Tell us five songs that are on your playlist.
M. Lauryl Lewis says: 

What Does the Fox Say
Hallelujah
Last Kiss
Home
Dollhouse



12. If you could tell an aspiring author one tiny tidbit of information, what would you say?
M. Lauryl Lewis says: If you want to write, do it!

Connect with M. Lauryl Lewis!

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Website

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

M. Lauryl was born in Portland, Oregon, but grew up near Seattle, Washington. She lives near the Cascade Foothills with her husband and their three young sons, their dogs, and cats. She recently retired after an eighteen year career as a registered nurse in order to write full time while being at home with her children.
She has learned recently, after almost losing one of her children, to enjoy each and every day for what it is, savoring the good along with the bad. She can be found camping, fishing, reading, writing, or enjoying simple pleasures like cooking dinner or staring at the Cascade mountain range from her front porch. Her favorite places to vacation are polar opposites, Alaska and Hawaii. She is a huge lover of Mike 'N Ikes and hot-tubbing!
Ever since young childhood, she has enjoyed the horror genre. The scarier the better!
She loves to connect with readers! Reach her at:
www.facebook.com/mlauryllewis
@mlauryllewis
http://www.zombieauthor.com