J M Shaw has been writing for most of her life. ‘What began as a childhood hobby evolved into a passion that, at times, borders on obsession,’ she says. ‘My collection of early works has filled journals and hard drives, all shaped by my personal observations and imagination,’ she adds. Everything, nonetheless, changed in 2019 when the writer was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. After a lifetime of confusion during which she felt like ‘an alien dropped onto this planet without a script’, she finally had some clarity. ‘It was then that I understood that my intense focus, emotional depth, and ability to live inside fictional worlds were not flaws but gifts of a neurodivergent mind. In many ways, my fantasy series mirrors my own arc: navigating society through the lens of autism, embracing my differences, and discovering where I belong.’
Building Worlds of Magic and Belonging
The resident of southern Alberta, Canada, says that although her novels are filled with fantasy and adventure, at their heart, they explore learning to trust, making difficult choices, accepting who you are, and finding a sense of belonging.
‘The Ascension, for instance, is a dark fantasy adventure centred on Callum Walker, a young man with magical abilities who is thrust into a deadly conflict involving arcane masters and a hidden realm of magic,’ she explains. ‘As enemies close in from every side, Callum must either accept his fate and use his power to save the secret realm, or walk away, saving himself while condemning an entire world to destruction.’
The Convergence continues Callum’s story as he seeks peace but is drawn back into the magical realm, where ‘an ancient evil is stirring’, forcing him to confront betrayal, loss, and impossible dangers. In The Fractured Veil, the barrier between humanity and the magical realm is damaged, leaving Callum determined to set things right, while Forsaken Souls follows Callum and Jax Foster as they travel deeper into the magical realm.
Asked whether she is a pantser or a plotter, Shaw says she usually knows where a novel begins and ends, and roughly how to get there. ‘The rest is undecided,’ she reveals. ‘Beyond this loose plan, I usually have an overarching theme woven into my novels, typically in the form of a question. In fact, my Callum Walker series was prompted after asking myself, “What if fairy tales were more than stories, and monsters were flesh and blood?”‘
She adds that every story is built around an emotional core. ‘The overall tone of my fantasy adventure reflects our deeply human desire for acceptance and belonging, as expressed through Callum’s longing for friendship, family connections, and a place to call home. This process allows me the freedom to let my creative juices flow, and at times, the story feels as if it is writing itself while I am just along for the ride.’
Although she had written for most of her life, Shaw admits she was never brave enough to share her stories. ‘After being diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2019, I wondered if writing was my special interest. My diagnosis gave me the courage to send my rough manuscript for The Ascension to an editor. To my relief, my editor saw potential in my story and encouraged me to publish.’
A wife and mother of two busy boys, Shaw says balancing family life and writing means making use of quiet moments. ‘Often, that means writing for only a few minutes at a time, but progress is still progress,’ she tells us.
The author is currently writing the fifth novel in the Callum Walker series. ‘The stakes are higher, and Callum is facing decisions that could change everything,’ she states. Alongside it, she is working on a dystopian novel blending elements of Robin Hood, Romeo and Juliet, and The Hunger Games, which she describes as gritty, emotionally charged, and exploring what happens when rebellion clashes with loyalty and love.
For aspiring authors, Shaw has a simple message. ‘Not every story will succeed, but that does not mean they are worthless. Everything we write allows us to hone our skills and teaches us something about ourselves.’
She regrets only one thing. ‘I kept my work hidden for years… It was not until I finally published my first novel that I discovered my work had merit… As I look back, I regret only one thing: not sharing my work years sooner. It just goes to show that you will never know how far you can go or who you will reach unless you dare to try.’
Asked what she would change about the world, Shaw answers without hesitation: ‘The lack of understanding people often have toward those who think or experience life differently. As someone with autism and ADHD, I have seen firsthand how harmful assumptions can be when people are unwilling to listen or learn. I believe the world would be a much kinder place if more people approached one another with open-mindedness, empathy, and a genuine desire to understand perspectives beyond their own.’
As I look back, I regret only one thing: not sharing my work years sooner. It just goes to show that you will never know how far you can go or who you will reach unless you dare to try.
~ J M Shaw
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Trevor W Harrison wrote extensively as a teenager, focusing mainly on short stories and poetry. ‘I used to keep fulsome diaries whenever I travelled in my twenties. I later became a successful academic writer,’ he begins, speaking with Literary Harbinger in an exclusive interaction. ‘Now, in retirement, I have returned to other forms of writing—short stories and poetry once more—bringing with me the experiences that I gained through creative fiction,’ adds the 73-year-old writer, who holds a PhD in Sociology.
With another book due to be released shortly, Harrison now has fifteen books to his name. ‘Since retiring in 2023, I have written a book of memoirs and two poetry books. Next month, a memoir about travelling the Hippie Trail in the 1970s will be published by Athabasca University Press. Its title is Safarnameh: A Traveller’s Journey Along the Hippie Trail,’ he says.
‘I Find Inspiration in Doing Fairly Mundane Things’
As someone who prefers to give his characters room to breathe, Harrison admits that his recent creative works have evolved organically rather than according to a rigid plan. ‘My earliest influences were Hemingway, for his stripped-down writing; Kafka, for his unusual take on modernity; Orwell, for his insistence on truth; and Vonnegut, for his offbeat view of life—a rather mixed bag, to be sure. Most recently, I have been reading Ian McEwan because of the way he makes the commonplace seem uncommon,’ he tells us.
When asked whether he follows a fixed writing schedule, Harrison, who lives in Lethbridge, Canada, says that he does not. ‘I find inspiration while exercising or doing fairly mundane things. Whenever those moments arrive, I either rush to my study or hold on tightly to the ideas until I can write them down. Driving in the car is another opportunity during which my brain floats free and becomes creative,’ he explains.
Although Harrison eventually became an author, it was never something he consciously planned for in his life’s trajectory. ‘I simply couldn’t imagine doing anything else,’ he says, revealing that writing was less a career choice than an inevitable calling.
When he is not writing, Harrison enjoys travelling extensively and making time to stay physically active by working out at the gym three or four times a week. ‘I listen to music and give guest lectures on various topics, including politics, social issues, and writing. But I also enjoy doing mundane things around the house or outdoors because they provide me with the best opportunities to think,’ he lets us know.
At present, Harrison is working on a collection of fictional short stories, which he describes as a welcome challenge. ‘This is a bit of a stretch for me, but I’m enjoying it, and I think it is going well,’ he says.
When asked what advice he would offer aspiring writers, Harrison emphasises the importance of living fully as well as writing consistently. ‘Keep trying, but perhaps also take a break from writing. Good writing is what comes out of having a full and interesting life. Sitting in a room and thinking, “I must write [something],” is pointless. The point of life is life. Writing is an adjunct to this,’ shares Harrison, who also enjoys meeting fellow authors and appearing on podcasts.
Finally, when asked what he would change if he had the power, Harrison does not hesitate. ‘I would strip away the power that intellectual, financial, and political oligarchs wield to exploit people and suppress their individual creativity,’ he declares, signing off on a powerful note.
Keep trying, but perhaps also take a break from writing. Good writing is what comes out of having a full and interesting life. Sitting in a room and thinking, “I must write [something],” is pointless. The point of life is life. Writing is an adjunct to this.
~ TREVOR W HARRISON
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From sharing stories with family and friends to becoming a published author, Diann Floyd Boehm reflects on her literary journey and enduring belief in the power of storytelling
Author, educator, and speaker Diann Floyd Boehm began writing about twenty years ago while teaching computer classes. ‘At the time, I was not submitting my work for publication; I simply shared my stories with family and friends to gather their thoughts and feedback,’ she says, speaking with Literary Harbinger in an exclusive interaction. What began as a personal creative pursuit gradually developed into a publishing career that has seen her work with both hybrid and traditional publishers and produce books that are aimed at young readers.
From Storyteller to Published Author
Looking back on her publishing journey, Boehm describes the transition from unpublished storyteller to published author as a long one. ‘It is a story that could easily fill a book of its own,’ the writer jokes. ‘To keep it brief, I chose the hybrid publishing route, and through OC Publishing in Canada, I was able to hold my first published book in my hands.’
Boehm says that Anne O’Connell, the owner of OC Publishing, played an important role in that journey. ‘She not only believed in my stories but also guided me through the publishing world with generosity and insight. I truly would not be where I am today without her mentorship,’ she shares. Over time, the writer expanded her publishing experience and developed close professional associations with both OC Publishing and Plum Creek Press.
Boomer’s Latest Adventure
Boehm’s latest book, Boomer Hears the Forest: The Curious Bunny Book II, is scheduled for release on August 4. Introducing the book’s central character, she says, ‘Boomer is an inquisitive little bunny who loves discovering new things.’
‘In this story, he sets out to explore the many sounds of the forest, inviting young readers to experience curiosity and wonder alongside him,’ she adds. The forthcoming title follows the curious bunny as he explores the natural world and encounters the sounds that fill the forest around him.
A Creative Process That Evolves Naturally
Discussing her approach to writing, Boehm, who is based in Texas and whose academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Education from George Mason University, a Kindergarten Endorsement from the University of Texas at Austin, and a distance learning certificate from Texas A&M University, describes herself as a pantser. ‘I begin with an idea and allow the story to unfold naturally as I write,’ she explains.
‘Once the first draft is complete, I begin shaping the story until it is finished. You would call this the time I organised the story,’ she tells us. Rather than working from a rigid outline, she allows the narrative to develop before refining and organising it through revision.
Books That Left a Lasting Impression
Asked whether there are authors from whom she draws inspiration, Boehm says she does not follow any one writer. Instead, she is drawn to stories aligned with her current interests.
‘I enjoy both contemporary works and classics. Two that come to mind are The Far Pavilions and Beautiful Joe, each of which left a lasting impression on me,’ she shares. Boehm, who has also studied Spanish, French, and German, continues to read widely across a variety of literary traditions.
A Conscious Decision to Become an Author
Although storytelling has always been part of her life, Boehm says becoming an author was a deliberate decision. ‘There came a point when I made the conscious decision to put my stories into print,’ she says.
‘If you had asked me in high school whether I would become an author, I likely would have laughed. My teachers might have noted my creativity as well as my need to improve my grammar. I like to think they would be proud of the journey I have taken since then,’ she shares.
New Projects on the Horizon
Boehm says she enjoys writing during the quiet hours of the morning with birds cooing and singing in the background. She also notes that she tends to write when inspiration strikes and remains immersed in a project until it is complete. When she is not writing, she pursues a variety of creative and outdoor activities.
‘I enjoy singing, gardening, quilting, and sewing. I also like to travel with my husband, and when we can, we do some white-water rafting,’ she says. ‘I have gone rappelling, spelunking, and I have travelled by dogsled and snowmobile in the Arctic. These experiences free my mind, and before I know it, more stories are bubbling up, ready to come to life.’
Boehm currently has several projects underway, including a book for tween readers. ‘I am also revising two previously published works for future re-release,’ she reveals. ‘Besides Boomer Hears the Forest: The Curious Bunny Book II, I have another book titled Humphrey the Camel, which is scheduled for release later this year,’ she lets on. The projects add to a growing body of work that continues to span different themes and age groups.
Perspective on Writing and the World
Offering advice to aspiring authors, Boehm emphasises the importance of focusing on the stories themselves. ‘Not every author will become a bestseller or achieve financial success, and that is perfectly all right. What truly matters are the stories you have to share. There will always be readers who connect with your words and find meaning in them. Write for fulfilment. Write to give something of yourself to others. When you focus on that purpose, the motivation to continue becomes much stronger.’
She continues, ‘If you have a story within you and dream of becoming an author, I encourage you to pursue it. There can never be too many stories in the world, and there will always be someone who needs to hear yours.’
Asked what she would change in the world if given the opportunity, Boehm points to a single aspiration. ‘I would like to usher in an era of peace; it is disheartening to see how often conflict has shaped human history,’ she says. The desire for a more peaceful world is the change that Boehm identifies when reflecting on broader global concerns. With that thought, the author signs off, bringing to a close a conversation that touched upon her writing journey, creative process, forthcoming books, and advice for aspiring writers.
If you have a story within you and dream of becoming an author, I encourage you to pursue it. There can never be too many stories in the world, and there will always be someone who needs to hear yours.
~ DIANN FLOYD BOEHM
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‘I certainly never intended to become a full-time author; it just grew into that,’ Alan R Warren says, beginning his interaction with Literary Harbinger. What started with a few short newspaper and magazine articles gradually turned into a long journey through true crime, history, cults, and investigative storytelling. Today, the Canadian author has 39 published books to his name, released through a combination of traditional publishers and self-publishing.
Writing About Crime, History, and Cults
Warren began writing around sixteen years ago, though his first book was not published until 2016. Since then, all of his books have remained firmly rooted in the non-fiction genre, covering subjects such as true crime, historical events, and cults. Alongside books, he has also written articles for publications including Scoop Magazine and Serial Killer over the last decade.
‘Nine of these books are books of interviews that I did with people who were involved in a particular event,’ Warren explains. ‘These include interviews with several of the Charles Manson followers, journalists, and witnesses of events such as the JFK assassination. My work has consistently centred around people who experienced major events firsthand, allowing me to build narratives through direct conversations rather than distant observation,’ he adds.
Understanding the World Around Charles Manson
Warren’s latest book is titled Peace, Love, & Murder: The Charles Manson Story. Rather than focusing only on the murders themselves, the book explores the wider social and cultural atmosphere of the late 1960s. According to Warren, who holds a Master’s degree in Music and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, understanding Manson requires understanding the world around him.
‘It really tells the story of the late 1960s in San Francisco and what was going on in the city, country, and the world,’ he says. ‘Charles Manson was reactionary to everything that was going on around him.’
For Warren, the cultural environment of the time played a major role in shaping both Manson’s influence and the people who followed him. He believes the events connected to Manson could only have unfolded during that particular period in American history. ‘I believe that Manson could have only done what he did and got away with it during that time and in that place,’ he explains. ‘He would have never made it work today.’
Alongside writing books, Warren produces and hosts the House of Mystery radio show for several radio stations and podcast platforms. Through the programme, he interviews writers, publishers, producers, and others connected to the writing and entertainment industries. Between radio work, interviews, publishing, article writing, and books, his schedule remains consistently busy. ‘Between setting up, recording, and publishing those radio interviews, I usually write about five articles per month for different magazines and work on a book daily,’ he says.
Despite the workload, Warren continues approaching each project with careful preparation and detailed research. His process begins not simply with the crime or historical event itself, but with the people connected to it. ‘After deciding on a story, I have to be able to locate as many of the people who were part of the case as I can,’ he explains. ‘This would include survivors, victims’ families, detectives, doctors, and even the culprit.’
Without direct access to the people involved, he believes the work would remain incomplete. ‘Without the major players, the book would be second- or third-hand information and not complete,’ he tells us, adding, ‘So I would not write it in that case.’
Building Characters in Fiction
Although Warren mainly writes non-fiction, he also enjoys discussing fiction and character creation. According to him, fictional stories require the same emotional depth and understanding as real-life accounts. Character development, in particular, becomes central to the entire process. ‘This would mean that I have to create the main character and develop their own life story before I could put them into a plotted story,’ he says.
Sometimes, Warren explains, story ideas come long before the characters themselves. ‘Only after finding personalities that truly fit the narrative can the story fully come together,’ he asserts, adding that sometimes he has some different ideas for a story thought up way before any characters. ‘Only after I have some new characters, which I think would not only fit into the story but be great to watch as they handle the story, can I put it all together,’ he says.
Warren says he generally prefers both fiction and non-fiction historical books over modern stories. Among the works he particularly admires are Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Like many readers, he first encountered these stories through film adaptations before later reading the original novels. ‘It is really quite amazing how we grow up with these stories by watching movies that were made from the books,’ he says.
Be that as it may, Warren believes reading the original novels offers a far richer experience than watching adaptations. ‘Only when you read these books do you realise that there is so much more within the book,’ he tells us. ‘Even if a really well-made movie about it was released, you would still not have enough to capture what the authors wanted us to.’
Learning From Old-Time Radio
Another major influence on Warren’s creative life comes from old-time radio programmes, particularly mystery stories. He says he still listens to them every single night and continues finding inspiration in their storytelling techniques. Shows such as CBS Mystery Theater and Richard Diamond remain personal favourites.
‘The CBS Mystery Theater or Richard Diamond are in heavy rotation on my Audible player,’ he lets on. For Warren, these programmes help preserve the atmosphere and behaviour of earlier decades in ways modern storytelling often cannot. ‘Listening to them allows me to better understand how people communicated, behaved, and viewed the world during those periods,’ he says. Dated pieces of work, according to Warren, really help capture the time period in which they were made. ‘You can hear how they behaved around each other, what was important to them, and what they were living for,’ he adds.
Warren also credits these programmes with helping him improve his own ability to communicate mood and emotion through writing. ‘They really taught me how to convey to the reader what it is I am trying to say,’ he lets us know. The influence of those broadcasts appears not only in his interest in mystery and crime but also in the strong sense of atmosphere present throughout his work. For Warren, older storytelling forms continue to offer valuable lessons even today.
Unlike writers who follow strict daily routines, Warren says his writing process depends heavily on mood and mental clarity. He usually completes his radio work and other responsibilities first before attempting to write in between those tasks. Rather than forcing himself into rigid schedules, he prefers working when ideas naturally come together.
‘If I am not in the correct mood, or have too many things on my mind, I probably will not get my good work done,’ he explains. Ideas often arrive unexpectedly, especially while walking his dogs or handling completely unrelated activities. According to Warren, creativity works best when everything around him feels balanced.
‘For my writing to work, everything around me has to come together in the right way,’ he says. ‘That flexibility allows me to move naturally between interviews, articles, radio work, and books without separating creativity into strict compartments,’ he adds.
How Writing Became a Career
Despite interviewing writers for nearly fifteen years and attending numerous book events, Warren says becoming an author was never part of a larger plan. The transition happened gradually and unexpectedly through opportunities that emerged during his radio career. Looking back, he still speaks about it with a certain sense of surprise.
‘It began while I was hosting a radio show in Seattle, and a few newspapers and magazines had asked me to write some short articles for them,’ he recalls. One of those articles eventually attracted the attention of a publisher, who approached Warren about writing a book. What followed was a steady expansion of opportunities and projects.
‘After my first book became a hit, I began to get some offers, and the journey began,’ he recounts. Over time, writing transformed from a side activity into a full-time profession. Even now, however, Warren’s description of that transition remains grounded and straightforward rather than dramatic.
Warren is currently working on a crime fiction story inspired by a real event that took place in Seattle during the 1960s. The story follows the murders of the Chapman family, who were mistakenly targeted by an anti-communist group. As with much of Warren’s work, the fictional narrative remains closely connected to historical reality. ‘It follows the murders of the Chapman family, who were mistakenly murdered by an anti-communist group that believed they were someone else,’ he reveals. Several characters in the book are based on real individuals Warren interviewed over the years. His tendency to combine research with storytelling continues even when writing fiction.
Outside of writing, one of Warren’s major interests is operating a small dog rescue, where he takes in older small- and medium-sized dogs from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The work remains an important part of his life away from books and broadcasting. Clearly, it also reflects a quieter and more personal side to someone whose professional work often focuses on crime and violence.
‘Write for Yourself’
When asked what advice he would offer aspiring writers who become discouraged by rejection or criticism, Warren answers immediately: Keep going back every day. Persistence, according to him, matters far more than outside approval or temporary setbacks.
He believes writers should remain focused on their own voice rather than becoming distracted by trends or public expectations. ‘I would ask them not to lose focus on what they want to say or why they want to say it,’ he explains. ‘Try to avoid as much of the surrounding noise as possible. It will only take you off your game.’
Most importantly, Warren believes authenticity matters more than pleasing others. ‘Do not write for other people, or what you think those people would like,’ he says. ‘Write for yourself, and what you would like them to know about you,’ he declares, signing off with a smile.
Do not write for other people, or what you think those people would like. Write for yourself, and what you would like them to know about you.
~ ALAN R WARREN
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PS: The author’s remaining books can be found here.
Book: Sweet Southern Charm – A Short Murder Mystery Genre: Mystery thriller Author: Lanie Goodell Rating: 4.5/5 Reviewer: B Sudharsan
Sweet Southern Charm by indie author Lanie Goodellis not as sweet as its title suggests. It is a murder mystery after all, so it is supposed to be anything but sweet! The incredibly fast-paced story proves to be an interesting read, though. At least, I found the story refreshing, and after reading the story, I got the feeling of having read a crime novel in its entirety.
I suppose the reason for my feeling so is that Ms Goodell variegates the story by adding elements of mystery, romance, love, hate, and friendship – elements that you are sure to find in a crime novel. Furthermore, she does a great job of transporting the reader to the scenes she describes powerfully, employing crisp adjectives and vivid verbs. I took about half an hour to complete reading the book, but if you happen to be a slow reader, you might take about forty to fifty minutes to finish it, that is, if you read it in one go.
Two Murders With Striking Similarities
Sweet Southern Charm begins with an interaction between Janet Cramer, a ‘trashy’ woman living in a posh locality, and Chester Barfield, a guy masquerading as an employee of a company that offers a free assessment of personal security. The latter manages to make an entry to the former’s house, and it is what ensues that makes the story. Janet is found murdered, and investigator Georgia Beaumont and her subordinate Collin Cavanaugh are consequently roped in to figure out who perpetrated the crime. While the story on the one hand fast unravels the mystery, it also details the love-hate relationship Georgia and Collin share on the other.
Investigating the neighbours of the victim does form an integral part of the story, which also witnesses another murder bearing striking similarities to the first. A lady around the same age as Janet’s is found dead, and her body, like that of Janet, bears no wounds. Also, an eerie resemblance exists in the manner in which the dead bodies are left after the murder. All of this indicates that the perpetrator is a professional who knows his job well.
Nonetheless, there is something that Georgia seems to be missing, something that she feels can provide a crucial link between the two cases. This ‘missing link’ adds magic to the story, thereby ensuring the reader continues to read with rapt attention. And why the book is titled the way it is titled is known thereupon.
Having said this, I think it is also important for me to mention that I unearthed the suspense halfway through, so a large part of my reading happened only to find out if what I had surmised was correct.
Give It a Read!
I would recommend this book to lovers of crime fiction who don’t have the time to sit through a long novel or who are perhaps looking forward to reading something interesting before hitting the hay. I myself happened to read this book last night, and I did not regret picking it up. It is free on Kindle Unlimited.
Maria Jane began her fiction career under the pen name Tricia Copeland. A confessed hater of writing until graduate school, she initially entered the world of publishing through scientific papers. ‘It was not until I penned my experience with, and recovery from, an eating disorder that I came to love creative writing,’ says the award-winning author of Perfect Office Pact, beginning her interaction with Literary Harbinger. Fast-forward fifteen years, and Maria has authored more than twenty novels.
Reinventing the Romance Formula
Never one to adhere strictly to convention, Maria conceived her Perfect Romance series with the idea of creating a different kind of romance novel. ‘I challenged myself to create a new format and wrote an alternate-ending story about a co-ed named Chloe traversing her life, choosing different paths along the way,’ she reveals. ‘Each of these decisions leads the main character to a different happily-ever-after.’
While the first instalment experimented with form, the second book, Perfect Always, along with the other standalone entries in the series, follows a more traditional romantic arc. ‘In Perfect Always, we learn Chloe’s final path to happiness as she chooses her perfect landing spot and partner,’ shares the Denver-based author, who holds a Master’s degree in Microbiology.
Crafting Characters and Worlds
The latest addition to the series, Perfect Secrets, introduces readers to Elle, a woman attempting to rebuild her life with a new job in a new city. Enter Tanner, her co-worker and co-owner of the company, for whom she feels an immediate attraction. ‘Their connection grows fast and bright until Elle meets Tanner’s mother. Accusations fly. Old wounds split open. Suddenly, Elle is tumbling through a flood of hidden ties and painful truths, each one cracking the fragile trust between them,’ the author explains.
When it comes to her writing process, Maria, who also does a full-time job as a technical writer, enjoys allowing creativity to unfold organically while still maintaining a structured foundation. She maps out major plot points, develops characters and their backstories, and builds the world before diving into the manuscript. ‘Once these components are in place, I am ready to fill in the blanks between the plot points and generate scenes that create drama between the characters and their worlds,’ she tells us.
Among contemporary authors, Maria counts Emily Henry as a favourite, with A Million Junes standing out as one of her most memorable reads of the decade. Much like Maria’s own literary tastes, the novel seamlessly blends romance, fantasy, and historical fiction while exploring a Romeo-and-Juliet-style love story haunted by generational curses. She also admits to being fascinated by vampire lore and enjoys exploring the many interpretations of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
As for her writing schedule, Maria says inspiration tends to strike outside regular working hours. ‘My fiction side comes alive in the evenings and on weekends,’ declares the former research scientist. ‘But my characters are always in my head, waiting to create their next lines and speak to me while I am driving, walking the dog, or doing all those mundane chores that round out our days,’ she adds.
Falling Into an Authorial Career
Asked whether becoming an author was a conscious career decision, Maria says she largely ‘fell into’ writing professionally after receiving enthusiastic encouragement from friends and family who had read her first manuscript. ‘I quickly jumped into the realm of fantasy fiction and now intersperse my romances with YA fantasies,’ she says.
When she is not writing, Maria can often be found trail running, hiking, or walking her dog. She also nurtures a love for flowers, gardening, and drying bouquets. Currently, she is immersed in writing the next novel in the Perfect Romance series, tentatively titled My, Not-so-Perfect, Cop. ‘With a backstory created and the beginning chapters already written, I am weaving a love story for Dani and Gareth,’ she shares. ‘I am also percolating ideas for the next book in the series, which will follow an enemies-to-lovers trope. I hope to make writing my next full-time career.’
A firm believer in pursuing one’s passion, Maria offers thoughtful advice to aspiring authors. She believes that refining one’s craft and creating work that resonates emotionally with readers can help even niche fan-fiction stories reach broader audiences.
‘Getting feedback from peers, assistance from cover designers and editors, as well as learning marketing and publicity best practices, can help establish a base of readers,’ she stresses. ‘One can get fixated on that one negative review within the hundreds of good ones, so do not let a single opinion discourage you,’ she says, signing off with a smile.
Getting feedback from peers, assistance from cover designers and editors, as well as learning marketing and publicity best practices, can help establish a base of readers.
~ MARIA JANE
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Myron Edwards’ first real excursion into writing came during his twenties when he and a close friend began submitting comedy material to the BBC. ‘One of our comedy lines got picked up by The Two Ronnies, the most successful comedy duo on television at the time,’ the author tells Literary Harbinger. Encouraged by this breakthrough, the pair went on to write for radio and television programmes, an experience Myron describes as the true beginning of his creative journey.
An Epiphany in Cyprus
Now residing on the island of Cyprus, Myron traces his journey into book writing to a life-changing moment at Aphrodite’s Rock. ‘That began my journey; my books focus on the ancient and contemporary worlds,’ he explains, reflecting on how the historic landscape inspired his imagination. While the septuagenarian confirms that he is currently working on something new, he remains intentionally tight-lipped about the project, preferring to keep details under wraps for now.
Writing Through Discipline and Adversity
Myron reveals that his first book originally began as a screenplay before eventually evolving into a novel. ‘I used to write when inspiration was at its peak,’ he says. ‘But now I write four hours three times a week because of my dialysis treatment,’ he adds. Despite the physical challenges, the author continues to maintain a disciplined writing routine, explaining that his technique is to ‘think in pictures’, allowing scenes and ideas to unfold naturally as he writes.
Among the writers who have left a lasting impression on Myron are the great literary classics, particularly Charles Dickens. However, he singles out George MacDonald Fraser, creator of Flashman from Tom Brown’s School Days, as one of his greatest influences. ‘What is so unique about his books is the way he takes real facts and history and moulds them into each story,’ Myron remarks, praising Fraser’s seamless blending of historical truth and fiction.
From Copywriting to Authorship
For Myron, becoming an author was less a conscious decision and more a gradual progression from earlier creative pursuits. ‘After I had my comedy adventure, I continued writing, but in a different field, namely copywriting,’ he explains. While working for JWT in London as a travel manager, Myron was encouraged to apply for a copywriter’s position because of his BBC background, and within ten days of securing the role, he had already created his first television commercial.
Reflections on Retirement and Writing
Being retired and undergoing dialysis treatment three times a week, Myron admits that he currently has few hobbies beyond watching football. Still, he describes himself as an ‘unrecognised full-time writer’, a phrase that captures both his humour and enduring dedication to literature. Although he remains secretive about his current work, the author continues to approach writing with the same passion that has shaped his life for decades.
Myron also offers candid advice to aspiring authors, emphasising the importance of commitment and perseverance. ‘Be prepared to sacrifice your private life, and once you start, make sure you finish it,’ he says, noting that too many writers abandon their manuscripts midway through the process. He further advises writers to seek agents who specialise in their chosen subject once a book is completed, stressing that determination and endurance are essential qualities for anyone serious about writing.
A Final Word on Sacrifice
Before signing off, Myron leaves aspiring writers with a final reflection on the realities of the creative life. ‘If you want to write, do it, but if you start, make sure you finish it because along the way you will have to make many sacrifices,’ he says. Pausing on the thought, he adds one final piece of wisdom: ‘So ask yourself whether it will be worth it.’
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Author Emilio Iasiello always liked creating stories from an early age. ‘My Grade IV teacher in school was instrumental in encouraging creative writing, and I took to it immediately,’ he says, speaking with Literary Harbinger in an exclusive interaction. ‘She was my first big inspiration,’ he states, adding that later, he used to write for the school paper, which was more like a five-page stapled mimeograph that came out every Friday.
‘In Grades VII and VIII, I wrote a serial story that would go four weeks before it concluded, and another story would begin. I used to have parents come up to me in the parking lot on Fridays when they picked up their kids and pump me for information on what was going to happen. They were reading my stories and genuinely seemed to like them! After that, I was hooked,’ the Virginia-based author, who is also a strategic cyber intelligence analyst, lets us know.
Telling Tales, Telling Truths
Fortunate enough to publish several books, Emilio shares that his first one, Chasing the Green, was based on a true story and that he worked with the person about whom it was written. ‘My next publication was a book of short stories entitled Why People Do What They Do, which had started when I was getting my MFA at George Mason University,’ he says. ‘I followed that up with my literary fiction novel, The Girl Behind the Glass, a middle-grade fiction book called The Web Paige Chronicles, and a thriller entitled Attrition,’ he adds.
Emilio also launched a book in October 2022 called The Dark. He tells us that it is his homage to a ghost story he heard as a camper when he went away to summer camp during the summer. Speaking about its plot, Emilio shares, ‘A dysfunctional family retreats into a secluded cabin in the woods where a mysterious person tries to steal their ten-year-old son. What first starts playfully increasingly turns more malevolent until he is finally taken, and his parents must scramble to save him.’
Excitement in the Making
On being asked if he usually plans out his stories well in advance or flies by the seat of his pants, Emilio, who is almost always with a small notepad and pen wherever he goes lest he forget the ideas that come to his mind while he is not writing, tells us categorically that each story comes differently. ‘Sometimes, it is a scenario that I cannot get out of my mind. I think of something that interests me and try to figure out what happens next,’ he explains. ‘Sometimes, a character might come to mind, and I try to put him or her into situations and figure out what they would do. These are general springboards for me, and the more I think about them, the more excited I become,’ he adds.
The writer, who happens to be a huge fan of getting up early in the morning and writing, nonetheless clarifies that he usually has a general outline but never knows the ending before he writes. ‘I prefer to let the story unfold organically and let my characters dictate how the story ends,’ he lets on. ‘When I have tried to write a story around an ending, it never seems to work for me.’
An avid reader, Emilio has many favourite authors. On being asked who those favourite authors are, we are told that, having written novels, short stories, poetry, and stage plays produced in the theatre, and having written five screenplays for low-budget films that have been produced, it is hard for Emilio to narrow down a favourite author list because they cross over all disciplines of writing. ‘But if I had to pin down a few favourites, they would include, but are certainly not limited to, F Scott Fitzgerald, Raymond Carver, Sam Shepard, David Mamet, Anne Sexton, Stephen King, and William Goldman,’ he shares, stressing that he loves these authors for how they write, the subject matters they cover, and how well they craft stories that just suck him into them.
So, was becoming an author a conscious decision Emilio made? Says the author, who feels his degree in Fine Arts was vital for preparing him for future criticism and how to use the criticism he faces to make him a better writer, ‘It has been a conscious decision to want to become a writer, but I believe I was already headed there anyway. I liked to make up stories and liked to have people read them. I tried to fill what I thought was a void of the types of stories that I would like to read and that no one was writing. So, from that perspective, I would say that it was a conscious decision to want to be a writer.’
The idea of becoming a published author gradually developed over time. ‘But it was the desire to be a writer first that was the key stepping stone,’ he explains.
Maximizing Awake Time
Conceding that juggling writing and other tasks is no child’s play, Emilio, whose hobbies extend to family activities, especially watching his kids play sports or watching them explore and pursue their interests, tells us that he feels there is never enough time for writing, working a full-time job in a non-creative field, and managing a family. ‘But what it has taught me is to be a better time manager and to really maximize the time I am awake. I have found that if I can invest at least some time during the day in writing, I keep the creative wolf at the door,’ he explains, adding that he also wants to be supportive of all his children wish to do.
Be that as it may, Emilio’s goal has always been to be a full-fledged author who can earn enough money to contribute to the financial stability of the household. ‘I am not there yet, but I am happy with how that is progressing,’ the writer shares with us. His first goal has nevertheless been to publish work that he has written. Success was secondary to that.
As someone who feels empathy is a powerful equaliser that, if adopted and practised, might go far in reducing some of the problems we see in the world today in everything from politics and geography to economics and social interaction, Emilio is clearly not bereft of ideas.
He says that after The Dark, his next books have focused on things that he has experienced. ‘I really want to mine things from my own life and tell stories that I think are accessible to everyone,’ he lets on. ‘The ages 10–14 were important years in my own development, and I think I have interesting things to share with readers. Growing up in a diverse neighbourhood, summer camp experiences, and influential role models who were not my immediate family are some of the subjects of my works.’
‘Always Keep Writing’
And is there anything he wishes to tell budding authors, especially those who lose motivation if their works are not received well? ‘Keep writing! The thing that makes a person a writer is writing. As long as you put words on the page, you are a writer,’ declares Emilio, who has also studied Spanish for several years in high school and college.
‘There is a reason you walk into a bookstore and see so many books there – there is something for everyone!’ he exclaims. ‘So if someone does not like your book, that is only one person’s opinion. Maybe they were not the right audience for that particular story, but maybe the next one will be. Finding audiences may take a while, may require word of mouth or more aggressive marketing, but it will come. The biggest crime a writer can commit is to give up or take criticism personally. Learn from it and move on from it, but always keep writing,’ he says with certainty before signing off.
Keep writing! The thing that makes a person a writer is writing. As long as you put words on the page, you are a writer.
~ EMILIO IASIELLO
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PS: Emilio Iasiello is fairly active on Facebook and would appreciate anyone reaching out to connect or start a conversation. You can follow his page here. The writer’s X handle is @iasiello_e.
Tony DiGerolamo has been writing since childhood, although not quite in the way most literary careers begin. ‘When I was in first grade, the school had a short story contest for a McDonald’s hamburger,’ he says, beginning his interaction with Literary Harbinger. ‘I kept winning until the school asked me to stop entering so one of the other kids could win,’ he adds.
It is the kind of origin story that feels strangely perfect for a writer whose work thrives on absurdity and chaos. Beneath the punchlines, however, lies something more enduring: decades of commitment to storytelling and relentless creative output.
Thirty Years in the Pine Barrens
For more than three decades, Tony has immersed himself in the folklore of South Jersey, particularly the mythology surrounding the Jersey Devil. That fascination eventually evolved into The Pineys, a comedy-horror novella series centered on a family of hunters tracking the monstrous kin of the Jersey Devil through the wilds of New Jersey.
‘The Pineys books are kind of the culmination of that,’ he explains. Through the series he introduces readers not only to monsters and mayhem but also to the folktales and strange cultural textures of South Jersey itself.
The premise is deliberately outrageous. He describes the series as ‘Ghostbusters only with drunken hillbillies and guns in South Jersey.’ Yet behind the irreverence lies careful worldbuilding and long-term planning.
Building Stories Backwards
Unlike writers who discover stories entirely as they write, Tony often begins with endings. ‘Normally, I come up with an ending, then start at the beginning and work my way there,’ he lets on.
With The Pineys series specifically, the process has become increasingly interconnected. While finishing one book, he is already considering the next so he can plant clues and narrative threads ahead of time.
Other projects operate differently. His Wokeistan series, for example, remained dormant until he recently discovered what the third installment should become. ‘Now I have to make time to write it,’ he remarks.
The Writers Who Lit the Fuse
Among the authors who shaped him most are Kurt Vonnegut, Hunter S Thompson, William Goldman, Frank Miller, and several others whose work blends sharp storytelling with distinctive voice.
‘I guess they inspire me because I feel good after a reading and then I want to create something kinda like that,’ Tony tells us.
These days, however, time for reading has become increasingly scarce. Writing, promotion, and production consume most of his hours.
The Night Shift
Tony writes late at night when distractions finally disappear. ‘At night, when the phone and the emails stop,’ he says, adding, ‘Very late with iced tea.’
The image feels almost cinematic: a writer hunched over scripts and manuscripts while the world sleeps around him.
Currently residing in Laurel Springs, the 58-year-old author holds a bachelor of science degree in communications. Unlike many writers who stumble unexpectedly into publication, he speaks with certainty when asked whether becoming an author was a conscious decision.
‘Yes.’
Writing, Politics, and Monk-Like Discipline
Outside fiction, his interests orbit around politics, which he follows ‘like sports.’ He also creates YouTube videos, both as a creative outlet and a promotional tool.
‘I live like a monk and mostly spend time writing and selling my books,’ he says.
That discipline is perhaps unsurprising considering the sheer variety of projects attached to his name. Long before The Pineys, Tony built an eclectic writing career spanning comics, television comedy, websites, and games.
Among his most recognizable credits are writing for The Simpsons Comics published by Bongo Comics, contributing jokes to Politically Incorrecthosted by Bill Maher, and scripting material connected to Space Ghost Coast to Coast.
He has also written for comic books, games, Comedy Central, and Cracked.com.
No Patience for Half-Hearted Writers
When asked what advice he would give aspiring writers struggling with rejection or poor sales, Tony responds with ruthless humor.
‘Quit. I do not need the competition.’
What follows is less comforting pep talk and more verbal provocation. He dismisses the fantasy of literary glamour and argues that genuine writers persist because they cannot imagine doing otherwise.
‘Many people would rather not be writers. What they want is a room full of people asking for their autograph and calling them clever,’ he says. ‘If you want to write, do it; push through.’
Then comes the line that perhaps encapsulates his entire philosophy: ‘WHY AREN’T YOU WRITING RIGHT NOW?!’
Life in Repetition and Controlled Chaos
His daily routine unfolds with relentless repetition. Writing scripts for The Webcomic Factory, organizing signings at libraries and breweries, making YouTube videos, responding to freelance opportunities, and continuing work on The Pineys series all compete for space within a single day.
Somewhere in between come walks with the dog, dinners with his parents, and attempts to sleep before beginning the next morning again.
Four to six times a month he also conducts live signings to support himself financially.
Folklore, Humour, and South Jersey Madness
If there is one thing Tony wants readers to understand, it is that The Pineys was designed to be fun. Fast-paced, comedic, and unapologetically strange, the books function almost like episodic television while remaining steeped in regional folklore.
Readers unfamiliar with South Jersey need not worry, he insists. The stories are accessible to everyone while still preserving the flavor of the place that inspired them.
For a writer who once dominated elementary school hamburger contests, relentless productivity appears to have been the point all along.
Many people would rather not be writers. What they want is a room full of people asking for their autograph and calling them clever. If you want to write, do it; push through.
~ TONY DIGEROLAMO
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Author C R Helix knows well the distance between an idea and a finished novel. ‘It took me twelve years to get Sanguine from an idea into a publishable form,’ they tell Literary Harbinger, reflecting on a writing journey shaped as much by persistence as by imagination. Before stepping into the world of sprawling fantasy epics, they mostly wrote flash fiction, stories compressed into only a few thousand words. Expanding from brevity into the architecture of a full-length novel required an entirely new discipline.
‘You do not realize just how much organization is necessary to keep a story angling straight over the course of a hundred thousand words,’ they remark. The solution came in the form of notebooks. ‘A lot of notebooks.’
From Flash Fiction to Fantasy Worlds
Their debut long-form work, Sanguine: The City of Spires, was released only a few years ago after, as they put it, ‘sitting on the shelf a bit too long.’ Set in the dangerous city of Vesper, the novel follows Zahra, a young woman forced to survive after the murder of her brother throws her into the brutality of the streets.
Though the novel embraces classic fantasy elements such as magic, monsters, and sword fights, C R Helix deliberately shifts focus away from the genre’s usual obsession with royalty and prophecy. ‘I try to keep the story focused on more average folks instead of the usual focus on kings and princes, chosen ones, and heirs to the throne,’ they explain.
The book forms the opening chapter of The Long Shadow of Jera series, a larger world populated not by legendary heroes but by ordinary people attempting to survive amid political intrigue and chaos.
Writing Between Structure and Discovery
When asked whether they begin with fully formed plots or discover the story while writing, the answer is somewhere in between. Some stories arrive almost complete before the first word is written, while others emerge unexpectedly and demand attention before explanations can catch up.
Their work, The Phoenix King, began exactly that way. ‘I knew basically nothing about it before it demanded to be written,’ they say. The first scene came through a dream, becoming the spark for an entirely new narrative.
This spontaneity makes writing feel ‘more lively and spontaneous,’ but it also creates complications. ‘You tend to write yourself into corners,’ they admit. To balance freedom and coherence, they rely on what they call ‘waypoints’—loose narrative landmarks that guide the story without suffocating it.
Inspired by Vast Worlds and Strange Horrors
Among the writers who have influenced them most is Peter F. Hamilton, whose science fiction novels they admire for their immense scale, worldbuilding, and terrifying alien concepts.
More recently, they have developed a fascination with horror short fiction, especially works connected to the SCP Foundation universe. One particular favorite is There Is No Antimemetics Division by qntm. ‘It is mind-bending stuff,’ they say. ‘Conceptually amazing.’
Their admiration lies not only in the ideas themselves but also in the intricate way such stories are constructed. ‘I wish I could weave my writing together like that.’
On Unfinished Drafts and NaNoWriMo
There was once a time when writing happened every single day. Though that routine has slipped somewhat recently, publishing Sanguine represents an attempt to return fully to the craft. ‘I have too many unfinished drafts just sitting there, waiting for someone to pummel them into something readable,’ they joke.
For years they participated in National Novel Writing Month, commonly known as NaNoWriMo, where writers attempt to draft an entire novel during November. Much of their unfinished work originated there. Beyond productivity, the event provided something equally important: community. ‘It is a really supportive community,’ they say.
Life in Scotland, Law, and… Chickens
Currently based somewhere among the old mining towns of Scotland, C. R. Helix describes village life with a mixture of humor and affection. Winters may be bleak, but they also provide space for observation and storytelling. ‘You hear a lot of stories from people that can end up being the basis of something.’
Though they describe themselves as having ‘not much schooling,’ they are currently pursuing a law degree on a part-time basis. Having already obtained a diploma, they are now working toward a bachelor’s degree. ‘The closer I approach the end of it, the further away it seems,’ they remark.
Beyond writing, animals occupy a major place in their life, especially chickens. Fancy breeds with feathers atop their heads are a particular favorite. At one point, they owned twenty-three of them. ‘You can teach them some pretty neat tricks,’ they say enthusiastically before describing the peculiar joy of ordering fertilized eggs through the post and hatching them at home.
There is also a cat, occasional oil paintings, and a love for traveling through natural landscapes and historical ruins. ‘Nothing better than wandering the winding streets of an ancient city or leaving your footprints on a desolate beach.’
Building Worlds Beyond Sanguine
At present, they are editing the second volume of The Longshadow of Jera, continuing Zahra’s story beyond The City of Spires. Alongside it sits The Phoenix King, a radically different project involving tyrannical angels, stubborn turtle people, and a post-apocalyptic desert world.
Though becoming a full-time author remains uncertain, they continue pushing their stories outward in the hope that readers will discover them. ‘I can only imagine!’ they say when asked about becoming a full-fledged author.
Success, they believe, should not be measured solely by recognition or sales. ‘As long as you have someone reading your books, you are successful,’ they insist. Writing for fame alone, they feel, is a mistake.
Average Village Life, Extraordinary Imagination
Asked about their daily routine, they laugh at how ordinary it sounds. ‘Writing, not the fun kind either. Then I will be reading tomes of law where I can barely pronounce the words.’ Somewhere in between, there is usually the matter of tripping over the cat and trying to make progress on their fiction.
When asked if there is one thing they would change about the world, however, the answer turns serious. Humanity’s continued dependence on fossil fuels and the destruction of habitats deeply troubles them. ‘Honestly, you have got to wonder whether it is not already too late for us,’ they reflect, before linking the issue to wider economic inequality.
They speak English, though when asked about other languages, they reply with dry humour: ‘Do you count Scots?’
Before signing off, C R Helix mentions having a partial map of the world of Sanguine, a detail that feels fitting for a writer so invested in journeys and the architecture of imagined worlds.
As long as you have someone reading your books, you are successful.
~ C.R. HELIX
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