Author: Derek Ailes

Author Interview: Derek Ailes and Co-Author James Coon

Book Title and Subtitle: Musings From A Demented Mind

Genre: Horror

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a science fiction/horror author from Valparaiso, In.  I am known as one half of the Ailes Brothers of Terror. Mark Cusco Ailes is the other half.   I am the author of three horror anthologies: "Zombie Command: A Horror Anthology", "Journey Into the Unknown: Deluxe Horror Edition", and "Catfurnado, Zombies and One Killer Doll".  On Sept 7, my latest anthology  "Musings From A Demented Mind" will be released.

I’ve been writing professionally since 2012 after a lengthy hiatus from the writing field after my first short story “The Night of The Living Redheads” was published locally in 1994.

Who or What inspired you to start writing this book?

"Musings" is a collection of horror and science fiction short stories based on the conversations and details of the life of my friend who died from complications from diabetes back in March of this year.  This anthology includes stories written by J.C. from the late 60s up until a week of his death.  I have his writing folder and there are several stories which will be released in the coming years in other projects since they don’t fit with the theme of this anthology too well.  It will be split into multiple parts.  Part one is the stories written by J.C. and stories based on his life and conversations I’ve had with him over the past fifteen years.  Part two includes all the stories published on Shortfictionbreak.com since December 2014, stories based on current events from this year, plus strange stories I wrote with little or no sleep.  Part three is basically a mini biography, eulogy, and behind the scenes details about each story and the facts and the true stories behind them.  This is a collection of my best work.  My heart and soul went into these stories.

What three words would you use to describe this book?

Vintage, Horror, Anthology.

Who is your target group for this book?

People who love reading horror and watching the old Tales From The Crypt and Twilight Zone episodes.

Tell us about this book.

From the demented minds who watched every Tales From The Crypt and Twilight Zone episode and read every Vault of Horror and Strange Tales comic book comes twenty-two brand new tales of horror and science fiction. Proceed with caution as Derek Ailes and James Coon take you on a journey through madness with zombies, vampires, aliens, mutated cats, twisted twins, deadly women, killer dogs and one pissed off Elvis Presley. When you think it is safe to continue on, they hit you with another horrific tale. Musings From A Demented Mind is a gripping, suspense-filled supernatural anthology.

Do you have a favorite chapter from this book?

Elvis Presley Has Left The Dead" is my favorite story from the anthology.  My brother and I were interviewed by The Times Newspaper and when the photographer showed up at the book fair we were set up at, he took a picture of an Elvis cardboard standout that was advertising a fellow author's book and used that picture for our article.  Nothing says the Ailes Brothers of Terrror better than Elvis Presley.  After reading the article, I wrote this short story about me going on an anti-Elvis crusade forcing Elvis to come back from the dead to confront me.  Elvis goes around turning all my neighbors into Elvis impersonators.

What do you hope people will gain from reading this book?

The first part of the anthology includes six stories written by my late friend.  The reader will learn a lot about my friend and why he was brilliant from those stories.  In the third part, the biography including my eulogy, they will learn a lot about his life and how it relates to the stories.  I want the reader to have an enjoyable and frightening time through this journey of horror madness.

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

It is available on paperback and on Kindle.

What advice would you give to other Writers?

Write, write and write.  Do not give up.  The marketing aspect of writing can be frustrating and rewarding at the same time.  My brother and I have had a blast the past several years.  Writing should be fun.  Once the fun is gone, it is time to move on.

Tell us the link where potential readers can buy this book.

You can pre-order the book now on Amazon http://authl.it/B013Q1BH8I?d

It will be available on September 7.

Any additional links?

My official website: http://www.derekailes.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/derekailes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorderekailes

Is there anything else you would like to share about this book?

You can learn more details about this book here: http://www.derekailes.com/james-coon---musings-from-a-demented-mind.html

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your world.

Plan2Win

Author: James Coon

Author Interview: James Coon and Co-Author Derek Ailes

Book Title and Subtitle: Musings From A Demented Mind

Genre: Horror

                                                     <In Loving Memory>

Tell us a bit about yourself.

James Coon was born on July 5, 1952 in Connersville, Indiana and passed away on March 28, 2015.  He was a serious reader and I mean serious reader.  Everywhere you turned in his house were stacks and stacks of books.  He loved mysteries, science fiction and books on haunted houses and alien abductions.  He was also one of the biggest DC comic book fans I have ever met.   His father would take him to the movies when he was a child and that is where his love for classic movies began.  Film noir was one of his favorite movie styles. 

Who or What inspired you to start writing this book?

"Musings" is a collection of horror and science fiction short stories based on the conversations and details of the life of my friend James Coon.  This anthology includes stories written by J.C. from the late 60s up until a week of his death.  I have his writing folder and there are several stories which will be released in the coming years in other projects since they don’t fit with the theme of this anthology too well.  It will be split into multiple parts.  Part one is the stories written by J.C. and stories based on his life and conversations I’ve had with him over the past fifteen years.  Part two includes all the stories published on Shortfictionbreak.com since December 2014, stories based on current events from this year, plus strange stories I wrote with little or no sleep.  Part three is basically a mini biography, eulogy, and behind the scenes details about each story and the facts and the true stories behind them.  This is a collection of my best work.  My heart and soul went into these stories.

What three words would you use to describe this book?

Vintage, Horror, Anthology.

Who is your target group for this book?

People who love reading horror and watching the old Tales From The Crypt and Twilight Zone episodes.

Tell us about this book.

From the demented minds who watched every Tales From The Crypt and Twilight Zone episode and read every Vault of Horror and Strange Tales comic book comes twenty-two brand new tales of horror and science fiction. Proceed with caution as Derek Ailes and James Coon take you on a journey through madness with zombies, vampires, aliens, mutated cats, twisted twins, deadly women, killer dogs and one pissed off Elvis Presley. When you think it is safe to continue on, they hit you with another horrific tale. Musings From A Demented Mind is a gripping, suspense-filled supernatural anthology.

Do you have a favorite chapter from this book?

"Sirens of Lake Station" is the short story that JC wrote back in the 90s.  When I spoke with his sister, I asked her to find this one so I can include it in the anthology.  In the story, Lake Station is plagued by sirens who appear once a year to take a male sacrifice.  If a man didn't have sex the night before their appearance, he would fall victim to their entrancing song.  The story has a Twilight Zone atmosphere to it. 

What do you hope people will gain from reading this book?

The first part of the anthology includes six stories written by my late friend.  The reader will learn a lot about my friend and why he was brilliant from those stories.  In the third part, the biography including my eulogy, they will learn a lot about his life and how it relates to the stories.  I want the reader to have an enjoyable and frightening time through this journey of horror madness.

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

It is available on paperback and on Kindle.

What advice would you give to other Writers?

When you lose somebody close in the writing field, make sure the person's legacy continues on.

Tell us the link where potential readers can buy this book.

You can pre-order the book now on Amazon http://authl.it/B013Q1BH8I?d

It will be available on September 7.

Any additional links?

My official website: http://www.derekailes.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/derekailes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorderekailes

Is there anything else you would like to share about this book?

You can learn more details about this book here http://www.derekailes.com/james-coon---musings-from-a-demented-mind.html

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your world.

Plan2Win

Author: Kevin Troupe

Author Interview:  Kevin Troupe

Book Title and Subtitle: Strength to Care - Reflections for Parents of Children with Complex Medical and Special Needs

Genre: Non-Fiction

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a husband to Theresa, father to five children, two of whom have special needs. I am master to Q, Luigi and Ty (the dogs, when they listen). I love spending time with my family, fixing things my destructive boys break, problem solving to keep them safe and when I am not writing or speaking about our journey of raising two special needs boys I enjoy hunting, fishing and creating things in the garage workshop with my kids.

What is one of your favorite positive sayings or quotes?

The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It's not about the circumstances, but rather about what you are made of.

Who or What inspired you to start writing this book?

At first I started to write and blog about our journey and the funny and hurtful things that have happened along the way to help people who are on a similar path. What I have found though is that when you reach out to help others it puts your own struggles into perspective and helps me just as much.

What three words would you use to describe this book?

Inspiring, True, Helpful

Who is your target group for this book?

Parents, grandparents, siblings or caregivers in general of those who are medically challenged or have other special needs.

Tell us about this book.

Strength to Care - Reflections for Parents of Children with Complex Medical and Special Needs is a collection of blog entries over a five year period that are centrally themed around a hospital stay, a surgery or just plain old "life is really hard right now". It is a look into our family journey of raising one, now two children with a rare genetic disorder called CHARGE Syndrome. Although we experience many joys and sorrows it is our hope that as you read about some of our struggles and how we have overcome them you are encouraged along your journey.

Do you have a favorite chapter from this book?

Our Two Special Needs Kids Have Wrecked Our Lives (note: it is not what you may be thinking).

What do you hope people will gain from reading this book?

If you have days when you do not have the strength to continue "caring" you are not alone. There are many who are on a similar path as yours and it is okay to have days when you do not feel like caring. This book will help you through those days.

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

Strength to Care - Reflections for Parents of Children with Complex Medical and Special Needs is available in both print and digital formats.

What advice would you give to other Writers?

Write. You can always go back and edit, move and refine your words. But, you have to write and start putting your thoughts down to be a writer.

Tell us the link where potential readers can buy this book.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011M3I16S

Any additional links?

www.strengthtocare.com

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your world.

Plan2Win

Author: Lili Porter

Author Interview:  Lili Porter

Book Title and Subtitle: Chocolate and Italian Wine (Music and Mayhem Series Book 1)

Genre: Romance 

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I began reading and writing at an early age. I could always be seen with a book in my hand. I began writing, because they naturally go hand in hand. I had my first poem published in the local paper when I was 9 years old. Today, I'm an educator, and hold a master's degree. I hope to be able to write full time, I'm having a blast rediscovering writing!

What is one of your favorite positive sayings or quotes?

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.-Maya Angelou

Who or What inspired you to start writing this book?

My kids were the inspiration for writing this book. I want them to finish what they begin, so I had to lead by example.

What three words would you use to describe this book?

Fun, Exciting, HOT!

Who is your target group for this book?

Women over 18 who love romance and can read the erotic moments without blushing.

Tell us about this book.

Karisma Montgomery is known the world over for her beauty and talent, and certainly no stranger to men longing to have her. Paolo Montovani is an assured businessman with a secretive life that is inexplicably drawn to Karisma. Enough so that he’s willing to go against tradition and his family’s expectations to be a part of her life.

With instant chemistry and passion, Karisma and Paolo learn quickly that when two people connect who were meant to be together, that you can handle more than you’d ever imagined—especially when every emotion is made stronger through an inexplicable desirable and intense sexual attraction. They are tested plenty with jealous ex’s and influences from the world around them. Yet, they both keep a few secrets, fearful of how those secrets might conflict with their commitment to each other.

In the end, can intense sexual energy and a connection of the souls overcome their secrets? Will Karisma and Paolo be able to handle everything that has become a part of their lives?

Do you have a favorite chapter from this book?

The whole book is my baby.

What do you hope people will gain from reading this book?

This book is entertaining above all else.

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

It's currently available on ebook, but you will soon be able to purchase a print copy.

What advice would you give to other Writers?

If your dream is to write, then don't let anything deter you. Make the time. Just do it.

Tell us the link where potential readers can buy this book.

Amazon for 3.99 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011YP4KCS

Any additional links?

My website is http://www.lilipadpublishingcompany.com

My facebook is http://www.facebook.com/liliporterbooks

My twitter is https://www.twitter.com/Lili_Porter1

Is there anything else you would like to share about this book?

It is the first in the Music and Mayhem Series.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your world.

Plan2Win

Author: Ros Andrews

Author Interview: Ros Andrews and Co-author Kathy Strahan

Book Title and Subtitle: The 14-day Gluten-free Guide: Fast Track Your Body to Lose Weight, Beat Disease and Look Amazing!

Genre: Non-Fiction, Nutrition and Health

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Ros Andrews. I am a natural therapist, herbalist and horticulturist.

After years of gut problems following a trip to Africa (loved the large wild animals but not the bugs I picked up) I found my 'cure' came from a gluten free diet. I no longer suffered from chronic constipation, brain fog and terrible skin allergies. It also started me on a path of study as a natural therapist which in turn led me to specialise in digestive

health.  I set up my website Gutmatters (www.gutmatters.com) 7 years ago specializing in natural solutions to digestive disorders. In my clinic Accent on Healing in Sydney I meet with clients personally.

What is one of your favorite positive sayings or quotes?

"You don’t have to eat less; you just have to eat right." Unknown

Who or What inspired you to start writing this book?

With a background in horticulture and having always grown my own vegetables, I am a great believer in fresh organic produce. I love cooking and particularly like creating fresh salads and healthy snacks for my grandchildren. I believe that good health is totally linked to what you eat and more particularly digest. Once Kathy in USA and myself in Sydney found each other and started talking by Skype, we realized we had a mutual passion in the benefits of Gluten free eating. I found Kathy to be an inspirational person as her online 'cooking without looking' videos reflect her belief that if she as a blind person can do it, so can anyone.  I think it was Kathy who suggested we write a book together.

What three words would you use to describe this book?

Inspirational, Easy-to-read, Practical 

Who is your target group for this book?

People with digestive issues.  We explain why gluten might be the cause of so many health issues and how 14 days gluten free is the ideal time to notice benefits and difference.

Tell us about this book.

The problems with gluten are real, scientifically validated, and all-around-us! The guide presents a convincing case as to how and why gluten can be an enemy with reference to the latest research and gurus on the topic. It identifies the worst-of-the-worst gluten offenders and what to do about it.

The authors show easy, fun ways to substitute gluten-based grains with naturally gluten-free substitutions. The same kinds of food our grandmother would recognize and that modern people can use today with the “cook big, freeze small” system taught throughout.

In fact, the second half of the book offers a 14-day meal plan with easy-to-prepare recipes including desserts people line up for. 

Do you have a favorite chapter from this book?

Chapter 2 Gluten: Fad, Fiction or Fundamental? It was a fascinating journey researching the facts about modern gluten and its effects on health. I particularly enjoyed evaluating different claims that are made about gluten free and backing it up with the latest research.

What do you hope people will gain from reading this book?

* That readers will be inspired to take charge of their health by making a change to their diet.

* That it is easy and simple to have a gluten free diet with an emphasis on fresh unprocessed healthy foods.

* That the 14 day eating plan with recipes is simple and easy to follow.

* That we are happy to offer one on one follow up help.

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

E book available on Amazon Kindle

What advice would you give to other Writers?

The first and easier part of the journey as an author is writing the book but even more important is planning and carrying out a marketing strategy so that people can know about you.

Tell us the link where potential readers can buy this book.

http://hyperurl.co/0q0jbt is a worldwide link

Any additional links?

http://theglutenfreegirls.com/stepbystep/

www.facebook.com/gutmatters

Is there anything else you would like to share about this book?

We have been interviewed on Destiny Survival in the States. Here are the show notes:

http://destinysurvival.com/2014/11/20/going-gluten-free-should-it-be-part-of-your-prepping-strategy/

We have had some inspiring testimonials from many people:

1. "Gluten is like a tranquilizer to me. My stomach turns to cement and bloats within the hour. Being wheat-free has allowed my gut to be settled. No more bloating. Yippee! Energy instead of tiredness. My moods are more positive, mental clarity has returned and my joints no longer ache'. Wendy

2. A must read! 31 March 2015 By Kim Bennett 

This guide has truly changed my life. It's amazing how much support I have gotten from the online site as well. I have worked closely with Kathy Strahan via email support and one-on-one step by step care through this journey. I never felt alone. She referred me to many cooking videos and companion sites to further my understanding of leading a gluten-free life. The book has great recipes in it.

3. A must read book for those suffering from problems arising from gluten in their diet... even those who are just gluten sensitive will find it informative... I don't suffer from any of the problems and still found it interesting and very easy to read. The information was clear and didn't get "bogged down". The recipes sound delicious and am definitely going to try some of them... Well done Ros and Kathy! Bev Walter

4. 'The recipes are very easy to use' By Yasmeenon April 7, 2015

I found this book very practical and user friendly. the recipes are very easy to use. The information helped me to improve my health problems with IBS. I am very pleased to apply recipes in my everyday life. great job.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your world.

Plan2Win

Author: Kathy Strahan

Author Interview:  Kathy Strahan and Co-author Ros Andrews

Book Title and Subtitle: The 14-day Gluten-free Guide: Fast Track Your Body to Lose Weight, Beat Disease and Look Amazing!

Genre: Health and Nutrition

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I naturally inspire people because of my adaptation to life-long blindness. Yet, it has never been my main intention in life. In fact, my unintentional inspiration to others has always surprised and even embarrassed me. My earliest memories are of my immediate family and relatives commenting on how I get along so well despite my blindness. Heck, I was a typical curious and interested kid who wanted to learn about the world and to play in it. I wanted to be just like my five other brothers and sisters…To play and have a good time. As an example, I did teach myself to ride the family bicycle…And a few years ago, I got back on the bike to illustrate that removing fear could be a remarkable passport to everything good in life… Even wellness.

Now I love guiding others to see more clearly their options in life that will lead them to more health, more prosperity, more fulfilling relationships, and true peace and happiness. In my experience, Health and nutrition is the obvious place to start because we can see results pretty quickly.

Clearly, I have had to overcome many life challenges and it's my passion and pleasure to help others get to their best lives possible. One way I inspire folks is when I do regular daily activities of living like cooking. So I call it, "cooking without looking".

One of my top priorities in life is to feel really good and so I'm motivated to prepare healthy meals at home for my husband and me. In our book, "The 14-day Guide", we make it clear that in order to have optimal radiant health it's important to get back into the kitchen and prepare healthy meals. No one can be healthy if we eat the standard American diet, SAD.

What is one of your favorite positive sayings or quotes?

“Our only limits are self-imposed”.

Who or What inspired you to start writing this book?

I was inspired to write this book because of my own serious long-term digestive problems. I grew up in a family where my mom always prepared a home cooked dinner, but lunch and breakfast and most snacks were complete junk. Plus, I didn’t know any better and used antibiotics to get rid of a very light case of pimples while in college. I’m convinced that my long-term abuse of antibiotics seriously injured my digestive system. So, five years ago my health became so bad that I had to change my eating. The steps I took to heal my digestive health spurred me to pass what I know on to others so they can get and stay well.

What three words would you use to describe this book?

Transformational! Fascinating! Thought-provoking and actionable!

Who is your target group for this book?

The target group is people who think they eat healthfully and who exercise regularly, yet, they are not happy with their weight or how they look and feel. This guide is for anyone who has bad reactions to food like bread, pasta, and to highly processed food. Those who frequently have brain fog, unexplained headaches, low energy, who feel tired after eating, and who have uncontrollable cravings for food – especially sweets, bread, and other starchy food. This book is for those who have unexplained and totally unwanted digestive complaints, type 2 diabetes, overweight, skin issues, arthritis, achy joints, asthma, and other common health issues.

Tell us about this book.

Something you’re eating is killing you, and you likely do not know it! In fact, as alarming as it sounds, there is a little hidden assassin being sent out in most of your meals.

As you can see, none of this is your fault; you’ve been misled. And while you’re not to blame, this is your life, so it’s time to change.  For example: Your outwardly innocent morning muffin has hostile motives; that seemingly healthy low-fat deli sandwich has it in for you, and that pasta dinner is self-sabotage on a plate.

The nasty culprit I’m talking about is gluten and clearly you need to avoid it! Yes, gluten is that spongy protein that gives an irresistible fluffy texture to all baked goods.

But, is the momentary pleasure of eating this processed junk worth all of the eventual health consequences? Many health experts say no! And lest you protest by saying your Grandma has been eating and making muffins for years, the truth is that today’s gluten has been altered so that it’s NOTHING like hers. Today’s gluten is altered and hybrid by big agribusiness companies for compassionate reasons, but sadly, modern wheat and other gluten-based grains have been linked to obesity, raging allergies, and other modern illnesses. Gluten-free isn’t a fad; it’s a necessity if you want to get and stay healthy! To aid in this necessary health transformation, you’ll relish this simple lifestyle blueprint…

You will likely notice an exciting and obvious health jump-start in as little as 5 days. And, even more positive health shifts will continue to take place over 14 days of gluten-free eating. Yes, in only 14 days… That’s how powerful gluten-free eating is. What’s even better is you’ll do it without sacrificing variety, taste or nutrition. You’ll even enjoy quick and delicious comfort-food recipes -- including desserts people line up for! Right now, even as you are reading this, you are definitely on the right path to improve your body, and your entire life. Excited? Encouraged? Energized?

Good, then you can succeed at changing your relationship with food, and changing what you eat regardless of what’s happening in your life or what others are doing. As you gain more confidence in your food choices, you will begin eating with joy all the wonderful delicious, gluten-free and grain-free alternatives we will show you in our easy-to-use guide.

The problems with gluten are real, scientifically validated, and all-around-us! Remember, getting off gluten may not only make you feel better and lose weight, this 14-day gluten-free guide could save your life.

Do you have a favorite chapter from this book?

Chapter 1 is my favorite: Go Against the Grain to Save Your Life!

What do you hope people will gain from reading this book?

I truly hope that readers will be inspired to simply begin right where they are. Take one small step at a time to eating better. Begin by testing themselves with this 14-day eating plan. See if they feel better. Then sign up for our one-on-one help.

http://theglutenfreegirls.com/stepbystep/

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

It’s a Kindle book

What advice would you give to other Writers?

My advice to other writers is to simply start. Perhaps find someone to co-author the book. It’s a lonely process and having a partner/co-author, Roz Andrews made a world of difference. Alternatively, if you have a blog, likely you can repurpose that content you already have and create an eBook. We can repurpose the content we send in emails to subscribers by editing and rearranging the information into book form. Another option is to interview experts you respect and then get the interviews transcribed. These transcriptions can make a wonderful eBook you can sell or offer free on a landing page so you can begin building your audience.

Tell us the link where potential readers can buy this book.

http://hyperurl.co/0q0jbt

Any additional links?

For personal health mentoring from Kathy Strahan, meet up with her at:

http://www.KathyStrahan.com

Join the Gluten-free Girls so we can provide one-on-one support as you start your new gluten-free lifestyle:

http://theglutenfreegirls.com/stepbystep/

If you were blind, would you try riding a bike?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvEbpAdd9hc

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your world.

Plan2Win