Search Results for: Author Interview

Lucinda Berry | Author Interview

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About The Author
Lucinda Berry, a USA Today bestselling author, is a former psychologist and leading researcher in childhood trauma. Millions of readers across the globe have enjoyed her many bestselling books. Her books’ success includes film options and translations across many languages. In addition to being a best-selling author, Berry is a devoted mother and avid marathon runner.
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Books By This Author

🐇How does your background in psychology influence the way you write complex characters and thrilling plots?
First, lots of my books are drawn from real cases or experiences. But as a whole, my role as a psychologist gives me a unique perspective into character development. The same skills that made me a successful psychologist, also make me a good writer-to get inside the psyche of another person. The ability to set aside my own thoughts, ideas, and prejudices in order to view the world through someone else’s lens.

🐇Describe your newest book, One In Four, in three words.
Murder. Addiction. Trauma.

🐇As a big fan of Big Brother and reality TV, could you share what inspired One In Four?
Honestly, I just like the idea of someone dying on camera with everyone watching and the fallout afterward.

🐇Do you find it challenging to write about sensitive topics like addiction and childhood trauma?
I’ve lived in this world both as a writer and psychologist for so long that I’m very desensitized to writing and/or talking about tough subjects. It used to be uncomfortable for me, but I’ve done it so many times that I’m very comfortable in these spaces. I exist in sensitive topic land:)

🐇What do you hope for reader’s experience or feel after reading One in Four?
Like they just got off of a rollercoaster.

🐇How has your writing process grown, and what excites you most about starting a new book?
I approach each book with the motivation that it’s going to be the best one.

🐇How do you find balance when writing about heavy subjects?
I do lots of running and hiking.

🐇What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Never give up. Just keep writing. Write shitty first drafts.

🐇What’s next for you after One In Four? Any new projects in the works?
My next audio thriller comes out 10/21/25 and I’m so excited for it!

I really appreciate Lucinda Berry taking the time to chat with me. Their new thriller, Four In One, is available now in paperback, ebook, and audiobook. Help spread the word about Lucinda’s new book by liking and sharing this interview! Love author interviews? Sign up to my mailing list so you never miss one.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Nancy Savage | Author Interview

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About The Author
Nancy Savage is lives with her partner of twenty years and is the mother to six children and two cats. Her debut novel, ‘The Couple in Cabin 14‘, was published by Bloodhound Books. The story follows a couple whose romantic getaway turns dark when the wife begins to suspect that the couple in the cabin next door is hiding something.
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What was the initial spark or idea that led you to create the plot for The Couple in Cabin 14? Did it start with the characters, the setting, or a specific scene?

Honestly, it was a combination! It started from this idea I had of a couple meeting their neighbors on vacation and there just being something really, really off about them that only the wife could see. I also wanted there to be a real sense of isolation, but in a beautiful setting! So I kind of started with those elements and then built characters that felt genuine and flawed, which helped me push the story further.

The setting of a secluded lakeside resort adds a layer of isolation and suspense to the story. How did you decide on this particular setting, and how do you think it influences the mood of the novel?

Spring River is kind of an amalgamation of quite a few places, both that I’ve been to and of ones I could only ever dream of visiting! It felt like the perfect backdrop for secrets and tension—it’s beautiful but can feel eerie when you’re alone. Who doesn’t love a good nature getaway… until it turns creepy!

As a debut author, what was the most challenging aspect of writing The Couple in Cabin 14? How did you overcome it?

Honestly, with six kids running around, it was definitely trying to find the time to actually sit down and get the words from my head and onto paper. I quickly learned that I wasn’t going to be able to have any long and focused writing sessions, so I figured out how to adapt to writing in chunks of time here and there when I could.

Without giving too much away, were there any particular scenes or twists in The Couple in Cabin 14 that you found especially challenging or rewarding to write?

Oh, definitely! There’s a twist near the climax that took me a very long time to nail down. There is a section of dialogue that, at a guess, I’d say I reworked about a hundred times before it finally clicked. No exaggeration.

Do you have any writing rituals or habits that help you get into the creative zone, especially when crafting suspenseful scenes?

A good cup of tea and a comfortable seat is about all I need. There is no such thing as quiet time in our house, and sometimes I kind of feel like a bit of chaos in the background as I write adds a little something!

What drew you to the thriller genre specifically? Was there a particular book or author that inspired you to write suspenseful stories?

I’ve been a thriller lover for life. I blame R. L. Stine, creator of Goosebumps, for starting my addiction. But generally I just love to spend a whole novel going “what the heck is going on?” and to get that big pay off when you hit a great twist.

Did writing The Couple in Cabin 14 teach you anything about yourself or your writing style that you didn’t know before?

I definitely learned that as much as you can pre-determine how your story will go, you can’t anticipate how your characters will react in a situation until you reach it. They kind of begin to take on a life of their own! But that’s fun, because it takes you on twists and turns that you didn’t expect.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to aspiring authors who are working on their own debut novels?

Embrace the messy process! It’s okay if your first draft is just a wild jumble of thoughts. Just get the words down – you can fix it up later.

Do you have any other books or projects in the works? Can you give us a hint about what we might expect next from you?

Right now I’m working on my next thriller set in a small town. Think secrets, lies, and hidden pasts!

Finally, what do you hope readers take away from The Couple in Cabin 14? Are there any particular emotions or thoughts you want to linger with them after they finish the last page?

I hope they get a good thrill from seeing the story play out through Amber’s eyes, and to take it as little reminder to always question what is presented online as real – because the truth is usually lurking just below the surface.

I am very grateful to Nancy for giving me the opportunity to interview her and read her debut thriller. In the comments, let me know if you’ve read or plan to read Nancy’s debut thriller, The Couple in Cabin 14. The book is available in paperback, audiobook, and on Kindle Unlimited. If you’re curious about my thoughts on the book, you can check out my review [here]. Also, if you’re an author interested in being interviewed for the blog, don’t hesitate to reach out! For more information, visit my contact page. Before you go, don’t forget to hit the follow button!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Maria Kuzniar | Author Interview

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About The Author
Maria Kuzniar spent six years living in Spain, teaching English and traveling the world, which inspired her debut novel ‘The Ship of Shadows’.. Now she lives in Nottingham with her husband, where she reads and writes as much as she can, and bookstagrams at @cosyreads. She is always planning her next adventure.
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Hi, and thank you so much for doing this interview with me! In 2021, you released two books – first, the second installment of ‘The Ships Of Shadows’ book series. And, in October of 2021, ‘Midnight In Everwood’ came out.

In your own words, could you summarize ‘Midnight in Everwood’?

Hi, thank you for having me! Midnight in Everwood is a magical retelling of The Nutcracker, set between Edwardian Nottingham and a fantasy world inspired by the Land of Sweets. We follow Marietta, a young woman in her early twenties, who is desperate to pursue a career in dancing ballet, although her family has other plans for us. Things take a very strange and magical turn, and she soon finds herself in a land of snow and sweets with a frozen sugar palace, moose-drawn sleighs, and gingerbread galas. . .

What inspired you to write such a compelling story?

I’ve always been drawn to fairy tales and retellings, and since I absolutely adore both ballet and all things wintry, The Nutcracker felt like the perfect choice to tackle for my first retelling.

Being that ‘Midnight in Everwood’ is a retelling, can you talk about any research you did prior to writing it?

I’ve always loved the ballet and The Nutcracker is the very first one I saw. I also attend adult beginner ballet classes—though I am quite happily terrible at it!—so a lot of my research into ballet comes from my hobbies and speaking to my ballet teachers. I also read E.T.A Hoffman’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which is the original, surprisingly much darker, story that Alexandre Dumas rewrote in a more family-friendly style in his The Nutcracker, which is the version Tchaikovsky looked to in composing the ballet.

What is the biggest difference, for you, when it comes to writing a Middle Grade fantasy, as opposed to writing an adult historical fantasy?

I think the biggest difference is that with Middle-Grade you have a much younger audience, so you need to keep things fast moving and action-packed or you run the risk of losing them to something more interesting! Of course, the word count is much tighter with Middle-Grade, so I do enjoy being able to take my time with my books for adults and flesh them out more, especially the descriptions, but then they do take longer to write as a result of being longer. . . Both age ranges present their own challenges but I get something very different from each of them and I really enjoy writing for both.

What was it like finding out that your book had become a Sunday Times Bestseller?

It was one of the best moments ever. A lifelong dream achieved! I still get teary when I think about it, months later.

How has your writing process changed, compared to when you first started writing?

It hasn’t really, I still approach writing the same way and though I’ve tried experimenting with things, I always end up going back to what works best for me! I do try and develop my writing though and am always pushing myself to improve.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently editing my second book for adults which I’m very excited about – it’s like Swan Lake meets The Great Gatsby and it’s my oldest book idea so it’s been challenging yet amazing to put it down on paper at last! I’m also working on a few secret projects but I can’t talk about those yet. . .

What would your advice be to aspiring authors?

That there’s no one right way to do things. Everybody works differently and finds different things useful. So whatever way you find that helps you get words written, that’s the best way for you. And it’s not necessary to spend lots of time and money on expensive writing courses or creative writing degrees or books on how to write, lots of published authors haven’t done any of that! Reading and practicing writing taught me everything I’ve learnt so far.

What is one book that you didn’t write, that you wish you had?

Oh, so many! But my all-time favorite childhood book is Northern Lights by Philip Pullman and each time I reread it, I notice something new. It has layers upon layers and is very clever yet so readable and fun!

In the comments, let me know if you have read any of Maria Kuzniar books. Also, if you are an author interested in being interview for the blog don’t hesitate to reach out for more information visit my contact page. As always hit the follow button before you leave!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

April 2024 // To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
Today I’ll be doing my April TBR post. This month, I’ll be using prompts to pick my TBR again. Since I’ve learned that my mood reader personality usually gets the best of me, I decided to only pick 5 prompts.

Buy Book: https://amzn.to/3xmi9kQ
“Kate Alice Marshall’s What Lies in the Woods is a thrilling novel about friendship, secrets, betrayal, and lies – and having the courage to face the past.”

I have been wanting to read this book for the longest time. This is an adult thriller that I’ve heard a lot of a good things about. I haven’t read anything else by this author yet, but this is a 5 star prediction book for me.

Buy Book: https://amzn.to/3IYq2Q2
“Starling House is a gorgeous, modern gothic fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January.”

I have been dying to read this fantasy book. Honestly, I don’t know much about the plot, except that Starling House is a place. I do believe that this is a standalone book, which is pretty unusual for a fantasy.

Buy Book: https://amzn.to/3vscUjb
“One boy. One girl. A bond that is forged in an instant and cherished for a decade. A bond that neither time nor distance can break. A bond that will last forever.”

I have seen this book all over BookTok. This is a young adult contemporary, and apparently it’s heartbreaking. I hear that within the first few pages you are sobbing. I am unsure if I’m mentally ready, but I would like to know what all the hype is about.

Buy Book: https://amzn.to/3TVW4mg
“A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two cold case slayings in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Sun Down Motel.”

I got this book at Half Price Books, and have been dying to read it for months. This is another 5 star prediction book. The plot follows a true crime blogger. Need I say more?

Buy Book: https://amzn.to/3PDQouk
“A reality show on a remote Caribbean island. Ten teen influencers. One dead body.“

This is an adult thriller about influencers. I haven’t heard anyone talking about this book, but I think it’s going to be an entertaining read.

A few of these books are available in audiobook format on Everand, so I’ll be making good use of my subscription. In the comments, let me know what’s on your April TBR. Don’t forget to follow the blog before you go, so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Sims Readathon 2024 // To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
Today I am doing the first of many TBR posts this month. I will be participating in the Sims Readathon, which is hosted by Ashley (@OfFictionAndFantasy) and some amazing co-hosts. This is a yearly readathon that typically takes place in February, but was moved to March this year. It is a month-long readathon that is centered around the Sims line of games. Since my husband is a bigger Sims player/gamer in general, I love doing the readathon. This time around, I was sorted into Team Wolff. There are 8general prompts, as well as 1 team prompt for each team.

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A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two cold case slayings in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Sun Down Motel.

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Code Name Verity meets Jennifer Donnelly’s Revolution in this gripping debut novel.

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Just Don’t Call Me Yours is a spicy enemies to lovers college romance filled with witty banter, sizzling sexual tension, and of course, rock and roll.

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Writing as Mina Hardy, New York Times bestselling author Megan Hart delivers a nail-biting psychological suspense about the bonds of family, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Jeneva Rose.

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Enter a cold, silent forest and find out what feasts at night in this new gothic tale from bestselling and award-winning author T. Kingfisher, set in the world of What Moves the Dead.

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A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis.

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Starling House is a gorgeous, modern gothic fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January.

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Two wolf shifters agree to be fake mates but unexpectedly find something real in this steamy paranormal romantic comedy by Lana Ferguson.

In the comments, let me know if you are joining the readathon. If you would like to read some of these books as well, you can sign up for a 30 day free trial of Everand (click here). You can read almost all of these books through them. I am unsure if they have the ebook versions, but if you are an audiobook super fan like me, I recommend trying it out for a month! And finally, please support my blog by giving it a follow!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Spring 2023 // To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
Today, I’m going to be doing my Spring TBR! I’ve decided to start doing more seasonal TBRs, since I’m a huge mood readers. However, I’ve been super active on Bookstagram and Booktok. And, on Booktok I’ve started doing a TBR jar, so each month I’ll pick out four books from that jar. If you want to see my picks for April go follow me on TikTok (@BooksWithBunny). Anyways, let’s get on to the books I hope to read this spring!

Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter: I have become a huge Lynn Painter fan, so I have decided to dive into her adult romances. I hear that this is a really funny and cute romance.

Love Wager by Lynn Painter: This is the second book in her ‘Mr. Wrong Number’ series. I don’t know much about it but the color is yellow, which makes me think of spring.

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston: I’ve read some of the authors YA work before, and admittedly, didn’t love them. However, I’ve heard only good things about this book. It’s a romance with a main character that falls in love with a ghost. It’s giving off major ‘Just Like Heaven’ vibes.

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon: I have absolutely no idea what this book is about, but it follows a weather girl, so I’m sold. Anyone who knows me in real life knows that I’m obsessed with the weather, so this book is perfect for me.

The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez: This is an adult romance that has to do with a women that is infertile. I’m excited to read this because Abby Jimenez is a very popular author, but, as I’m struggling to conceive as well, it might be a very hard read for me.

With And Without You by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley: I have a love hate relationship with this author duo. I loved their book ‘If I’m Being Honest’ but have hated nearly all of their other books. However, I’m going to give this one a read, and see if they can prove they’re not just a one hit wonder in my book.

She Gets the Girl by Alyson Derrick and Rachael Lippincott: All I know is that this is a queer love story, and it’s written by one of the authors of ‘Five Feet Apart’. Enough said.

Promposal by RaeChell Garrett: This was on my most anticipated romance releases of 2023. As you can tell from the title it’s a young adult contemporary about prom. So, I have to read it around prom seasons.

Tell Me What Really Happened by Chelsea Sedoti: I know nothing about this book, except for the fact that it’s a YA mystery/thriller, but leans more toward the mystery side of things. The cool thing is that it’s told mostly through police interviews.

She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran: Honestly, I can’t remember what this book is about, but I know that it’s a YA thriller. And, it is said to be perfect for fans of ‘Mexican Gothic’. While I didn’t love that book, I remember being intrigued by this one’s plot.

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager: I’ve been wanting to pick up a Riley Sager book for sometime and this is the one I’ve chosen to read first. I believe it’s about a woman that thinks she witnessed a murder. However, I’m pretty sure she’s an unreliable narrator.

Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins: This book has mixed reviews, but I still want to read it for myself. It is a ‘locked island’ thriller, which sounds unlike anything I’ve read before.

There you have my somewhat big spring TBR! Let me know what you are hoping to read this spring in the comments. Don’t forget to give my blog a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Halloween Tag

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Happy Halloween Friends!
I cannot believe that this is the last day of Spooktober 2021. I had a lot of fun creating 13 days of spooky content for you all. But I must say that I am a tiny bit happy we are on the final day. It was a good time, and I’ll probably do it again next year, but I need a blogging break. Don’t worry, my November TBR will still go up this coming week. Anyhow, for the last day of Spooktober I am doing the Halloween tag! This tag was created on YouTube, so I don’t know who originally created it. Before reading any further, don’t forget to enter my Halloween giveaway!

What is your favorite Halloween movie?
Is there any answer besides Hocus Pocus? It is a classic Halloween family film that never gets old. I do like other films, like Halloweentown and Halloween H20, but Hocus Pocus will always be #1 on my Halloween movie list.

What is your favorite Halloween costume you’ve worn?
When I was in third grade, I went as the Statue of Liberty. Funny enough, my teacher dressed up as the Statue of Liberty as well. However, my little elementary school self was very embarrassed by that. Also, I could argue that I looked more like a leftover than anything else. Thinking back on it, I would say it is my most memorable and probably favorite costume.

What is your fondest Halloween memory?
My wedding! I didn’t have an actual wedding, but last Halloween my husband and I got married. It was special, and spectacular.

Have you always been a Halloween lover?
Yes and no. I like the idea of Halloween, and have nothing against the holiday. But I wouldn’t classify myself as a die-hard ‘Halloween lover’.

What was the first scary movie you remember watching?
I remember watching the movie Faculty at a pretty young age, but I don’t know if it was my first scary movie. I know that me and my older sister went behind my moms back when I was like 10 years old to watch Wes Craven’s Cursed. Between the two, Faculty was way more scary.


What is your favorite Halloween song?
Calling All The Monsters by China Anne McClain! If only we had more pumpkin carols, (points if you understood that) then my answer would probably be more original. Still, if you are looking for a good Halloween party song, then this is it.

How do you get into the Halloween spirit?
By watching horror and thriller movies. But this year I read spooky books more than I watched movies, so I guess it would be reading the thriller genre.

Favorite Halloween decorations?
I have a little candy dish that looks like a skeleton’s hand is wrapped around it. Simple, but it still resembles Halloween, which I enjoy.

Favorite Halloween/Fall scent?
This year it has been anything apple and pumpkin. Usually, I love Leaves from Bath and Body Works, but it hasn’t smelled the same lately. I have gotten a lot of apple/pumpkin scents that give off those crisp autumn vibes.

What is your favorite Halloween candy?
Reese’s and Sour Patch Kids!

Vampires or zombies?
I have never been a big fan of zombies, and I just don’t get their appeal. Although, I do like the movie Zombieland, vampires are iconic. ‘Interview with a Vampire,’ ‘Twilight,’ ‘The Vampire Diaries’ – need I go on? They never get old, and can be kind of creepy. Come on, they can manipulate you and suck your blood. Talk about having someone for dinner.

What is your weird/odd fear?
Roller coasters! I don’t know if that’s a ‘weird’ fear, but roller coasters freak me out! I hate that I don’t have control on the roller coaster. Anything can happen during the ride, and there is nothing anyone can do. I blame Final Destination 3 for this one.

Favorite Halloween book?
I liked Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell. It is a cute friends-to-lovers contemporary graphic novel that takes place on Halloween night. It is set at a pumpkin patch filled with games, a corn maze, food, and more. I know that Rowell is a controversial author, though I must admit I am not sure about the reasoning behind the negativity towards Rowell.

What are you going to go as for Halloween this year?
Me! In all honesty, I probably will be wearing my comfiest Halloween PJs.

What are you doing for Halloween this year?
Staying in with some yummy treats and watching Halloween movies. It will be my one year wedding anniversary, so I will spend the evening with my love.

And just like that, Spooktober is done! Leave your Halloween plans in the comments. Remember to enter my giveaway before you leave, and follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny