Interview with N.J Kulkarni, Author of The Hawa Mahal Murders

Hello,

Today’s interview is with N.J. Kulkarni, author of The Hawa Mahal Murders.

Please enjoy.

Best,

-Vincent Lowry

 

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?
I write under the name of N.J Kulkarni and I live in Pune, India.

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?
My book is a crime thriller titled “The Hawa Mahal Murders.’

3) What is the book about?
The story focusses on two characters: a troubled housewife trapped in a bad marriage (her second), and a police officer desperate to prove himself but stymied at every step by a crooked boss and a corrupt system. When a series of murders take place in a posh locality in Mumbai, all hell breaks loose, and senior police officers scramble to save the Chief Minister’s son and frame an innocent watchman.

My novel is a psychological thriller and delves deep into the minds of the main characters, including the serial killer, and touches upon societal issues in India, like corruption, the social divide, and women’s issues.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?
I was inspired by the setting. I used to live in a beautiful but old building in Mumbai. It was out of place amongst its neighbours and that set me thinking. The actual story and characters are from my imagination. It was the setting which triggered the story.

5) How long did it take you to write it?
More than two years.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?
I had read a lot of detective and mystery novels but when I actually started to write one, I realised how difficult it is to insert clues in the right places so as to keep up the suspense. There was a lot of painstaking detailing work required and constant going back and forth. It was a learning experience for me.

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?
I have an author website: https://www.nitajatarkulkarni.com/

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors?
I published a book fairly late in my life (I was 60) and there were a lot of doubts along the way. I didn’t think I could actually do it. If I had to say anything to aspiring authors it would be: Believe in yourself.

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?
I like to read crime thrillers and in fact, all genres, including non-fiction. I do love new authors but currently, as I am in the midst of writing two more books, my reading has slowed.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?
My three favourite books are Gone with the wind, Wuthering Heights and Anna Karenina.

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?
No pets! Allergic!

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?
I use the Kindle app to read both on the ipad and iphone.

 

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Interview with Nina Norstrom, Author of Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall…Where Does My Self-Love Fall?

Hello,

Below you will find the interview with Nina Norstrom, author of Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall…Where Does My Self-Love Fall?

Please enjoy!

Best,

-Vincent Lowry

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?
My author name is Nina Norstrom. Presently, I’m in the state of Georgia.
2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?
The title of my latest creation is “Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall . . . Where Does My Self-Love Fall?” Subtitle: “A Success Guide to Replace Toxicity with Love"
Genre: There are several genres one can classify this activity guide under. They
include Self-Help / Self-Esteem / Mental and Emotional Healing / Wellness

3) What is the book about?

This Informational/Success Guide is an essential vehicle. It teaches the meaning of self-love and its self-awareness about toxicity. Readers will find it is a self-empowerment tool for an awakening to toxicity and their discovery to self-
worth; self-esteem; self-acceptance; self-confidence; self-reflection; self-love; and
those many other discoveries that enrich one’s path . . . through the journey called “life.” It’s all part of building a bridge that opens the gateway to finding self-love and bringing to light the ugliness in unhealthy relationships. The activities introduce and beautify an array of materials that are insightful, educational, enlightening, fulfilling, enriching, and rewarding. Think of it as a detailed script created to help readers redefine their SELF-DISCOVERIES.
4) Where did you come up with the idea?

Returning my journey of having lived inside a toxic space (for over a decade), I had to redefine my self-worth and those self- discoveries. Initially, when I presented this manuscript to my publisher (at WriteLife Publishing), it was written and developed from the stance of self and with the activities relating to my storybook. Once the publisher read the manuscript, it was her keen insight that brought awareness I wasn’t alone in not recognizing the value of my own self-worth. It was then I revisited the manuscript and revised . . . so it would stand alone. I didn’t want anyone to have to read the storybook in order to work those enriching activities.
5) How long did it take you to write it?

The rewrite took approximately four months before resubmitting.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

I can say it was a self-discovery experience after having found that self-love (I loss through my journey). Totally, I lost my self-worth. And that was very rewarding, enlightening, and enriching to discover.

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog?

Yes, I do and it is https://ninanorstrom.com

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great
editors/cover artists?

1) Be true to self; 2) Be willing to pump out lots of energy; 3) Keep your journal full of thoughts and ideas; 4) Be a big supporter for those fellow authors out there; 5) Be a reader yourself; and write, write, write, and read, read, read!

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing
their work?

I love to cuddle up to a good memoir. I enjoy and embrace reading books
that are true to life. These are books that speak to one’s personal journey. Reading
about one’s journey’s can be very interesting and educational. Amazingly, you’ll never know where their walk will lead.
Well, I’m all for supporting any up-and-coming (literary) artist. I just love exposing them on my social sites, as well. As my bio reveals that when not reading or writing, you’ll find me supporting and author at their book event.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?

I can’t say that I’ve particularly favored any one author. In the literary circle, there are way too many great books and authors for the taking. You can’t help but like them all!

 

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Interview with Imran Omer, Author of Entangled Lives

Hello,

I have an additional interview today, this time with Imran Omer, author of Entangled Lives.

Please enjoy!

Best,

-Vincent Lowry

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?

My author name is the same as my real name, which is Imran Omer. I live in Homewood, a suburb of Chicago, IL.

 

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?

The title of my novel is Entangled Lives, published by Roundfire, UK. The genre is literary/historical (recent) fiction

 

3) What is the book about?

Entangled Lives depicts lives of madrassha students in Pakistan who were first recruited to fight against Russians, and then became part of the Taliban. These young men were exploited at home and then used by Taliban as a frontline of their aggression against the liberal stronghold of  Afghanistan in the northern part of the country.

 

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

Over the years, whenever I heard about terrorists and the West’s conviction of going after them to the end of the word, I always thought about the lives they lived that led them to commit all those acts of violence. Were they the only ones who as individuals were responsible? Or did those societies have something to contribute to the outcome we have seen on the world stage? I didn’t have to go very far to see the facets of the society in general, and the politics, both domestic and international, contributing to the violence they were committing.

 

 

5) How long did it take you to write it?

It took me around three years to complete the book.

 

I researched extensively for Entangled Lives to present the historical events in the same way they were depicted in the media. I also wanted to keep intact the timeline of the real events and therefore there were times I had to, sort of, wrap the events of my plot around the actual events. The Taliban’s occupation of Kabul, their attacks on Mazar-e-Sharif, the death of Babrak Karmal, and the rest of the events have been depicted the way they were reported at the time in the media, and in the same order in which they took place.

 

 

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

I have learned a lot about craft. In the process of writing I researched not only the historical facts but also the ways to write my story in the best possible manner.

 

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog?

Yes, my sites are:

imranomer.com

imranomer.blog

 

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists?

Be authentic. Write what you know about, and if you don’t know about what you are writing then research, research, research.

My publisher did all the editing and the cover.

 

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?

I prefer to read literary and historical fiction. Yes, I am willing to review new authors.

 

 

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?

It is impossible for me to ever forget Poisonwood Bible.

J.M Coetzee, Margaret Atwood, and Barabra Kingsolver  are my favorites. They are the masters of depicting the depth of human emotions.

 

 

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All Because of Her by Gretta Curran Browne

FINALIST IN ‘READERS’ FAVORITE BOOK AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING FICTION’

Part love story, part thriller, readers will find it hard to resist turning the pages.” — TELEGRAPH

“Great touching story! — All I can say is you better have a box of tissues in close proximity while reading this book. It will tear at your heart strings over and over again, and it’s impossible to put down!

Gretta Curran Browne is one of my favorite authors. Her writing has been consistently good and always keeps me reading non-stop. Never melodramatic, just real and the characters very human as in this particular book.

This story covers three generations of a very interesting family dynamic. From WWII and the French resistance to the Vietnam War rock-and-roll era to the early 80’s and 90’s this story is based on the amazing and solid love of two people. The political eras are well covered as their effect on the lives of this couple drives the plot. The beauty of the love story and the deep sadness evoked by circumstances beyond control of the couple is brilliantly written.

Needless to add, I loved this book. And I readily recommend it to readers of romance and historical fiction. It is well worth the read. This is my second time!” — WOODSEVER Amazon Top Contributor: Historical Fiction Books

Wow, Wow, and More Wow!
Absolutely loved, loved, and loved this book! The storyline was outstanding, as it moved along, developing the characters. I felt like I knew each one myself. Many I loved, and a couple I despised. It’s very sad in places, and it turns you around hooraying the next chapter.
Usually, I only give five stars to thrillers with multiple story lines and underground cave systems and treasures. Danger at every turn, always thinking of amazing escape tactics and succeeding. But, this book did it by working on my feelings and emotions. Something new for me, and definitely worth the five stars.
If you’re browsing for a great read that will keep you intrigued for hours, this is the one! Even when I was not reading it, I was thinking about it. It was a part of my life for a couple of enjoyable days. Amazing creation, Gretta Curran Browne. Thank you so much for giving my life pleasure!” — Sylvia Banschbach

Revised edition: Previously published as ‘Ghosts in Sunlight’ but only the title has been changed due to many readers saying the title of “Ghosts” was misleading, and they were initially put off thinking it was “paranormal” which it is not.

 

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Entangled Lives by Imran Omer!

Raza, a poor orphan trapped in the slums of Pakistan, is sent to a strict madrassah where he meets and falls in love with Perveen. They attempt to flee the city to escape their respective fates but fail. Perveen, pregnant, is sent back to her family, and Raza is sent to Afghanistan to fight as a Taliban solider. American journalist, Rachael Brown, travels to Afghanistan to cover the political unrest. When she meets Raza for a brief interview, she sees for the first time the true face of the Taliban: poor and desperate young men with nowhere else to go. As the war unfolds, their paths cross again, and each must decide what they owe the other.

Interview with D.F. Hart, Author of List of Secrets!

Hello, I’m please to bring you this author interview with D.F. Hart today! Please see the questions and answers below!

Warmly,

-Vincent Lowry

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)? I write under the pen name D.F. Hart, and I call Texas home.

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?

My latest work is the third in my Vital Secrets series. It’s called List of Secrets, and the title goes live on August 7^th. The genre is mystery/suspense.

3) What is the book about?

The short version is, there are deaths that occur that all seem to be natural or accidental, when in fact they are murders.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

I’d been talking with my mom, who is my proofreader, and was telling her some ideas I had for the next book in series. She shared with me a very cool plot idea she’d had for years but not gotten around to writing, and then she floored me by asking me to write it! So, we collaborated. She gave the basics (main general plot idea and character names) and I worked it into the book that’s now available, adding some delicious sub-plots and plot twists along the way.

5) How long did it take you to write it?

About four months, I believe, from start to finish.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

This novel was my first foray into collaboration; previously, what I’d written flowed straight from my head onto paper. Writing this one gave me unique insight into some tools I’d not previously used – such as mapping out a story arc ahead of beginning to write – that I will incorporate going forward, because they’re very useful.

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog?

I do, and that was another very cool thing to learn how to do on this self-publishing journey. You can find it at  https://2ofharts.com/

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists?

A couple, actually. 

First, don’t be afraid to fail. I don’t believe I’ve yet met or talked with one single author that’s ever said they 100% did everything right, right off the bat. There’s a learning curve involved, to be sure, particularly for the self-published. You might not do everything correct, or in the right order, at first. Learn from those times, allow yourself some grace and keep trying.

Second, follow your passion and believe in yourself, always. There may be days you’re not motivated to write, or research, or edit, or some of the other tasks that are part-and-parcel of being an author. Do them anyway. Keep moving. You’ll thank yourself later. BUT – With that, also practice good self-care. Maintain a healthy balance.

Lastly – Get on some of the review sites out there (Bookbub, Hidden Gems, NetGalley) and use them – As a READER. Two reasons why:

• It gets you very familiar with their processes, so that when the time comes to list YOUR books, you have an excellent feel of what to expect.
• It just might, as it did for me, open your horizon to other genres you aren’t aware of or fluent in, that you might want to read or to create works in.

RE: Cover Artists – I personally use Jennifer with Acapella Book Cover Design; she’s fabulous. Here’s the link to her site: http://www.acapellabookcoverdesign.com/

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?

My preferences have historically been mystery/suspense/thrillers. As I’ve followed my own advice and used BB and HG as a reader, however, I’ve found that I also enjoy some steampunk, paranormal romance, and other genres that I might not have explored before.

I am definitely open to reading new authors and reviewing their work. As one myself, I understand the importance of ratings and reviews! Having said that, there’s been a very small number of occasions where something I have read did NOT get reviewed publicly at all – because I don’t believe in blasting one and two- star ratings at other authors in public. I wouldn’t want it done to me, so I don’t do it to others. If I opt not to review something, it’s because the story (in my opinion) is just so dissonant that I cannot in good conscience rate it three-star or higher. In those very rare instances, I’ve reached out to the author directly and privately to share my feedback/suggestions.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?

Wow, only one? That’s a tough one; I’ve quite the collection at home, most of which I’ve read multiple times.

If pressed, I would say “Eye of the Needle,” by Ken Follett. It’s a spy novel, yes, but so much more. Intricate weaving of the plot blanket, with multiple characters that are very well-designed and three-dimensional to the extent you feel you’re reading about real people. Perfect pacing to the story, no drag, but not so fast as to lose the reader. Historical fiction (it’s based in WWII), and one heck of a ‘what if’ scenario. Action, danger, intrigue, romance, you name it, this book has it all. 

Above and beyond the story itself, interestingly enough “Eye of the Needle” was, I believe, the eleventh book Follett released – and his first worldwide best-seller. SO, the other thing I love about that book from an author standpoint is, it’s a very visceral reminder to not give up, keep working your craft, keep writing!

Additional Info From Interview:

Book Three “blurb”:

It could just be coincidence.

But Frank Zimmerman has seen too much over the years. He doesn’t believe in coincidences.

A drowned lawyer, a fatal car accident, a heart attack and a socialite’s lethal fall in front of a huge crowd all have his cop antennae pinging – hard.

It also could be revenge.

He digs for evidence to support his theory of a trail of bodies that lead into the past. But when he is sidelined it is second-generation detective Lizzie Zimmerman, along with his former partner Joe Wallace and FBI profiler Nathan Thomas, who will ultimately come face to face with the truth.

Can the mystery be solved before others die?

What’s going on? And who’s going to die next if Lizzie, Joe, and Nathan can’t figure it out in time?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VJ1468J

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Interview with James D.A. Terry (Solomon Knight), Author of Be Careful What You Wish For!

Hello! I’m please to bring you another author interview, this time with James D.A. Terry, the writer of Be Careful What You Wish For. (See the book at the bottom of this interview!)

Enjoy!

-Vincent Lowry

 

1)      What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?

My name is, James D. A. Terry. I write the Paladin Project series of mystery/adventure books, liberally laced with tongue firmly placed in cheek humour, set in England under the penname, Solomon Knight.

 

2)      What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?

“Be Careful What You Wish For” is a mystery/adventure book, liberally laced with tongue firmly placed in cheek humour, set in England.

 

3)      What is the book about?

One reviewer wrote: ““Be Careful What You Wish For” is a hilariously rip roaring mystery/adventure. There is enough of a mystery buried in here to allow this book to be nominated for an Arthur Ellis award but I doubt it will even make the shortlist unless there were a category for Comedic Mystery which perhaps there should be. This is really a very well written satirical take on historical mysteries and superhero books with a dash of romance, a different look at some historical events, some great atmospheric descriptions and a smattering of social commentary thrown in. I thought that this was a hootin’ great action adventure story that I quite enjoyed and it sure was a break from the various mystery, suspense, thrillers and even cozy mysteries that I normally read. And OMG the names! I’m still laughing – c’mon – Gowan Inn! Now I’ll have to try some more Paladin Projects just to see if they are all as hilarious as this one.”
A fictional look at the Scottish bid for independence and the innate desire, of every citizen proud of their heritage, for national sovereignty.
The Divine Order of Refiners and Creators or DORC dominated by the Grand Overseer of the Order of Freedom or GOOF threaten the very existence of the United Kingdom.

 

4)      Where did you come up with the idea?

The idea was born out of watching as Scotland and Quebec launched referendums on separation and lost but continue to threaten separation.

 

5)      How long did it take you to write it?

About eight months.

 

6)      Did you learn anything from the project?

I learned that Populism, a political approach that appeals to ordinary people who feel that they have been disenfranchised by the established elite, has risen rapidly as a dominant global force. The masses have placed their support behind concepts they might not fully understand, but play to their mind-set of entitlement and that channel the emotions they are feeling; distrust, anger, and fear. Make no mistake: This trend is about more than just a few election results. There is a widening chasm in perspectives between establishment institutions and the masses that is very worrying.
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. ~ Proverbs 14:12 NIV

 

7)      Do you have an author website and/or blog?

Yes: https://www.jamesdaterryauthor.com/

 

8)      Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists?

Write the book that you want to read.

 

9)      What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?

I like to read, what I describe as “cerebral” mysteries written by authors such as Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Martha Grimes, Sarah Graves, Robert Thorogood, G. K. Chesterton, Caroline Graham, T. E. Kinsey, Alan Bradley and others. The Paladin character is inspired by Doc Savage created by Henry W. Ralston and Lester Dent. I grew up reading The Hardy Boys by Franklyn W. Dixon and Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene.
I publish a monthly newsletter, The Paladin Project, in which I interview authors and review their books. My latest review is “Never So Alone” by Barry Finlay and I’ve just finished reading “When It’s Time For Leaving” by Ang Pompano.

 

10)  What is your favorite book of all time and why?

I know this is cliché but there truly are so many it’s very difficult to choose but I’d have say, the Bible. It is after all, the Maker’s manual. However, if you’re looking for my favourite book in my preferred genre “A Quiet Life in the Country”, by T. E. Kinsey

 

Here are the book links below!

 

 

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International Suspense Due by Michael Meyer

Two international thrillers in one

COVERT DREAMS

What if the government said that your missing wife never existed?

A business trip to the Middle East for Stan and Valerie Halsey ends in chilling confusion and despair as Valerie seemingly falls off the face of the earth, leaving no trace of her existence behind.

Back in the States, B.J. wakes up night after night in a cold sweat from the exact same torturous nightmare that takes place in a country he has never been to. Both B.J. and Stan suspect that they have been sucked into a conspiracy that threatens to consume them and everyone they love.

With time running out fast before they can get answers, they have unwittingly entered into a very dangerous game…one that they may not survive.

If you love fast-paced international thrillers, then take on COVERT DREAMS. It is like “reading Robert Ludlum and the Bourne series” – Dale Roberts, mystery writer.

“Don’t start reading this book on an evening when you have to get up early the next morning, because you’re going to find it hard to put down!” – Nick Russell, NY Times bestselling author of BIG LAKE

DEADLY EYES

Could murder threaten a rocky romance?

When Cuff and Rosie, laid-back lovers on their idyllic Caribbean paradise of St. Croix, are just beginning to move their relationship to the next level, they suddenly find themselves entangled in the crosshairs of an unknown stalker whose relentless pursuit knows no bounds. Now, with their lives on the line and time running short, they know they must act fast or they will die.

If you enjoy mysteries set in exotic locales, then don’t miss DEADLY EYES with its “fast paced action coupled with the mesmerizing and intense suspense.” (Marilou George – The Kindle Book Review)

Semifinalist for the Best Indie Books of 2012 award. It’s like having two books in one – with two alternative endings.

 

 

 

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Carnival of Hate by Ed Bowie

A deadly secret lurks beneath the Vatican

An American general disobeys a direct order and sends his army in a desperate dash to liberate Rome from the retreating Germans.

Then, while the people of Rome are rejoicing in the streets, the Americans seal the city — even their allies are kept out.

Priest-turned-soldier Guy Wolfe is sent to investigate — but even before he reaches Rome he is sucked into a far darker mystery.

 

 

 

 

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The Lord Poet by Megan M. Franks

Meet Lord Edmund Troy, a carefree aristocrat and renowned poet in Victorian-era London. Idolized by the masses for his charisma and dashing good looks, he finds himself in the sights of wealthy socialite Agatha and her cousin Catrina.

Agatha appears to be the quintessential match for Lord Troy…until he becomes more acquainted with Catrina. Drawn to Catrina for her love of literature, Lord Troy finds himself in unusual territory as he yearns for her. A quiet and intelligent book lover, Catrina is thrust into the middle of their relationship despite her continued efforts to remain focused on following her dreams of becoming an author.

In a twist of events, Lord Troy and Catrina find each other in close contact when she is required to stay with him at his manor; their growing relationship stimulated by a series of truths and mistruths.

Complicating matters, Sam—Lord Troy’s most trustworthy longtime friend—and Imelda—his closest female confidante— weave themselves in the life of the Lord and end up intermingled in a web of sex, lies, and deceit.

Will Catrina unravel secrets too disastrous to rebury, or yet, will she be able to untangle herself from the deceptions and follow her dreams to success?

 

 

 

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