Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome Alison Bellringer, author of Whisper: Book One, for an author interview with The Reading Bud.

About The Author

Alison Bellringer

Alison has been writing short stories to share with friends and family for many years and always enjoys exploring her creativity when putting pen to paper, so she is excited to have the opportunity to share her love of writing with others through the art of publishing.
Alison loves spending time with her pet dog, a Labrador x Huntaway called Smoky, teaching her tricks and taking her for walks. She lives in a small town in New Zealand near many beautiful parks and beaches.
Alison has been playing trombone since about 2010, euphonium from mid-2019, and always likes getting together with a few friends to ‘make a joyful noise’ sharing music. She also enjoys a bit of freelance photography when she gets the chance, especially if it involves taking pictures of sunsets.One of her books, The Bronson Escapades, is a Silver Recipient of the Mom’s Choice Awards® honorary seal of excellence, and The Wolf Cub is a 2^nd Place winner of the Royal Dragonfly Book Award Competition of 2024 in both the ‘Education’ and ‘Coffee Table & Gift Books’ categories, in addition to obtaining Honorary Mention in several others: Best Cover Design, Children’s Chapter Books, Middle Grade Fiction, and Animals/Pets (a complete list of results can be found on the Story Monsters Book Awards website). More recently, The Wolf Cub received the Bronze Medal for the ‘EBook Pre-Teen Fiction’ category in the 2025 Moonbeam Book Awards. Alison’s 2024 trilogy titled Whisper, Lucas, and Escape have also been presented with the NAPPA Award winning seal. 

You can find author Bellringer here:
Author Website | Facebook

Interview

Welcome to TRB! Could you give our readers a personal introduction beyond what’s mentioned in your Author Bio?

Everyone in my immediate family have been avid readers for a long time and my three older siblings and I were all homeschooled using a very literacy-based program, which means there were always plenty of books lying around the house whenever we wanted to read something. The style of each author that we had literature from was quite varied, so the range of material available to us covered quite a number of different topics or genres, including early-readers to more in-depth novels for older children or young adults.

As a result of this widespread exposure to books from such an early age, it would be reasonable to assume that my initial interest in reading naturally contributed toward my notable passion for creative writing. This pursuit has only grown stronger ever since penning my first little story and I have now been writing children’s fiction for at least twenty years, with several later ones actually being professionally published, including Whisper (Book One) and the rest of the trilogy.

Children’s books often come with vibrant illustrations and settings. Can you share some background or details about the world or characters of your book that might not be immediately obvious?

At this point, none of my children’s books contain illustrations, other than what may be on the front cover. I absolutely love leaving the visual aspect up to each individual reader to interpret as they wish because they would all have a slightly different idea about exactly how each character looks, and what distinctive impression or feeling various settings invoke for them in particular. My writing style is usually quite descriptive and several independent reviewers have commented about things like how they’ve been drawn right into the book’s plot, could easily identify with the main character or topic being touched upon, or vividly able to picture different scenes in their mind’s eye and feel as if they were there in person.

Every children’s book carries a spark. What was the moment or idea that inspired this story for you?

Unfortunately, more and more children are facing similar problems in the real world to what my fictional character endures at the tender age of five. Initially, this little girl is a victim of domestic abuse, and I wanted other children to be able to relate to her story and have hope that even extremely difficult circumstances can be overcome if the right support is in place to help them get through it.

In actual fact, a friend of mine read this first manuscript and suggested that the story could easily be turned into a series, with the central focus switching between some of the other main characters and filling out more details about their own lives, making each one even more relatable and compelling overall. I readily agreed with this idea and after a bit of thought and time to consider, fitted together parts two and three, with certain scenes overlapping some of those already covered in Whisper, only pictured from a different character’s point of view.

Children’s literature often imparts valuable lessons. Is there a particular message or theme in your book that you hope resonates with young readers?

I hope readers are able to learn valuable life skills as a result of picking up one of my books and that my writing will encourage more in-depth discussions about different subjects, both within and out of the classroom. As a simple example, because a lot of my titles include some form of basic animal care as a key part of the story, I would love to hear directly from children who have gained new insight or a deeper understanding of how they could look after their own pets with a greater amount of awareness or sensitivity. Another example would be for readers to show more empathy toward others, especially when superficial differences occur, and being more mindful when they don’t know what personal struggles or battles someone else may be facing beneath the surface.

Among the characters in your book, is there one that holds a special place in your heart? Why?

My favorite character is Lucas; the titular character of the second book in the trilogy. Without giving too much away, he is one of the two kind-hearted people who took the vulnerable Britney in after she flees from an abusive home (which takes place in Whisper). I really enjoyed being able to delve more deeply into Lucas’ backstory as a young orphan and further developing this character’s journey as he makes the distinct transition from being a runaway himself and then later becoming the main guardian and protector of a similarly traumatized little girl.

Crafting characters that resonate with young readers can be a unique challenge. How do you approach character development to ensure they’re both engaging and relatable?

Apparently this aspect of writing develops very naturally for me, as I hardly ever have to intentionally think about this sort of thing beforehand, or even as the story progresses. It is often only once I’ve finished the primary draft that I am able to take a figurative step back in order to see the bigger picture and can then pinpoint the fundamental core values or foremost attributes of each character, making slight adjustments if anything needs improving or could be expanded upon.

One thing authors could do to assess whether or not a particular character is sufficiently engaging or relatable is to ask themselves a series of questions about how the character has been portrayed. For example, do they experience a believable combination of real human emotions? Does the character have an interesting backstory or achieve something of notable worth over the course of the narrative? What is something new that the character has learned about themselves or someone else by the end of the book? Have they changed their opinion or view of something that was previously misunderstood? What would you have done in the character’s situation? While readers may not have to like every character personally, it is still important that they are able to connect with them in some way and can at least have a general understanding of who they are or what it is about the character that makes them convincing enough to include as a meaningful part of the story.

Was there a specific event, memory from your own childhood, or something else that served as the cornerstone for this book?

Not that I’m aware of. My books are not generally based on real people or specific true-to-life scenarios, but on a foundational aspect, they are depicted quite strongly with a sense of realism rather than being overly steeped in fantasy or make-believe. For Whisper, I wanted the main topic, or topics, to be something a little more challenging or thought-provoking than any themes I had attempted before with my earlier works. While the precise language being used has been deliberately chosen to remain suitable for a middle-grade audience, it does still deal with different elements regarding domestic abuse, survival, overcoming childhood trauma, and navigating complex family relationships.

How long did it take you to bring this story from concept to the final published book?

As I’ve just mentioned in answer to an earlier question, there was a bit of a gap between finishing off Whisper as book one and until the time I really started on the rest of the trilogy, but once I’m ready to get going, the physical writing of each manuscript never takes very long to complete. I generally like to get each draft to a level I’m pretty satisfied with before setting it aside, however many read throughs that requires, but I would generally revisit the story and give it a final polish prior to submitting any new material to my publisher.

Are there other tales or characters you’re currently working on for young readers?

I am working on a new series with my publisher at the moment which will likely consist of several consecutive stories each featuring the same central characters. The Horses of Saddlers Ranch is my take on the classic ‘horse-loving, pony-mad teenager concept’ and the bonds that they form with these majestic, four-legged animals. Each subsequent book is titled after a different horse, and centers around the lives of Coral Johnson and her two best friends as they have various adventures on her family’s ranch and discover the unique personalities of each new animal. Cloud kick-starts the series and came out during mid-2025, and the second book, Golden Haze, was released in early October. Book Three currently has a release date set for January 2026 and I am extremely hopeful that there will be a few more instalments yet to come even after that.

This series is also aimed for a similar middle-grade audience, or 9-12 age group, as last years’ trilogy, with underlying themes of treasuring close friendships (regardless of any starkly contrasting attributes), behaving responsibly and accepting the often-unexpected consequences of different actions, problem-solving, and overcoming various other challenges in the characters’ daily lives. It is proving to be a fantastic new series, suitable for horse or animal lovers alike, with the chief focus of each book based on offering a more convincing portrayal of how difficult ranch work can be in the real world.

What draws you to writing for children specifically? Do you ever dabble in other genres or age groups?

My main focus as an author is to create engaging chapter books for children who are able to read simple plotlines on their own, continuing to help them grow in confidence and learn about real-life issues, even within fictional settings. Similarly, a long-term goal for my writing is to present younger readers with a wider range of material which illustrate high moral standards and assist those children to personally embrace these traits in their own day-to-day lives. It has never been about the number of sales made, but rather, how many people I can reach in a positive way who will then come away from their reading experience feeling encouraged or more inspired by the underlying messages of hope found in most of my books.

Children’s middle-grade fiction is still one of my favorite genres to read, even though I’m no longer in that age group, and my stories are likely a tangible reflection of that. I especially enjoy the ones about animals, so it seemed perfectly natural for me to adopt a similar sort of approach with my own writing. I do, however, have plenty of ideas for some adult novels that I would be keen to try my hand at in the not-too-distant future, but I am uncertain exactly when that will happen or how long it might be before I’d be ready to share them with anyone else…

Can you recall the moment you decided to write for children? Was it a straightforward path or were there twists along the way?

I don’t think this was ever really a conscious decision so much as a natural leaning toward writing in the genres that I have always enjoyed reading anyway. Crafting new stories for children has long been the direction that has inevitably drawn me in, and it seems the most fitting option considering my more long-term goals and some of the driving factors behind why I keep coming up with fresh material for this age group in particular.

Could you share a bit about your writing routine, especially as it pertains to crafting stories for children?

I have no regular time set aside specifically for writing, as it usually just depends on whenever the appropriate incentive strikes. I also like to mix it up with my other hobby of photography so that I’m not always doing the same thing every week.

What most often seems to happen is a potential new title will pop into my mind first and then I’ll gradually fill out more of the corresponding plotline or additional details as I write, sometimes with slightly unexpected results. I generally prefer to just go with the flow and see where it takes me rather than risk hindering my creativity too much by having any predetermined criteria, such as its exact length when finished or deciding how many chapters the story is going to have in advance instead of allowing it to fit together more naturally. I do have quite a long list of ideas though, which is where I will note down any sudden bursts of inspiration for safekeeping until I am ready to select the next most pressing title that is clamoring for attention and actually begin the process of writing out the entire original draft so that it’ll be ready for any future touch-ups to be incorporated as needed.

Editing stories for young readers has its own set of considerations. How do you approach the revision process to ensure the narrative is both engaging and age-appropriate?

There are a number of issues I keep an eye out for during the final editing stage. One key aspect of this process is to make sure that the vocabulary is challenging enough to test and grow readers’ skills, but not so difficult that it is no longer manageable or would detract from their overall enjoyment of the story as a whole. I generally go through each manuscript multiple times after the initial draft, and one reason for that is to help minimize the potential for readers to trip over unusual words or phrases if all it takes is a simple reordering of words, or some other quick fix, that would make it flow off the tongue just that much easier. Another purpose for doing this is to avoid having too much repetition throughout the book (i.e. using the same word multiple times to describe something when I could easily just swap it out for another, which would keep the story sounding fresh while retaining more avid interest from the reader).

It has always come quite naturally for me to craft memorable scenes or characters that would be appealing to lots of middle-graders. Most of my books are best suited to children aged 8-14 who are confident enough to handle reading them on their own, but adapting read-alouds to slightly younger kids would also suit my style of writing quite well, and the short chapters make it far more practical to just read small sections at a time if they cannot cope with any longer sessions given all at once.

Given the increasing multimedia engagement for children, have you considered other formats like audiobooks or interactive apps for your stories?

Not really at this stage. I realize these formats are becoming more and more popular in this day and age, but to put it simply, the more editions or formats an author decides to use for their books the more expensive it can get to first have the initial production done, and then maintain effective marketing plans or promotional leads for every additional aspect relating to each title. I have not put much research into pursuing any of these options as of yet, so I may very well be mistaken, however even having just paperback and ebook editions available are great options to start with and seemed perfectly adequate to me when I first accepted the publisher’s contract.

In just three words, how would you describe your style of storytelling for children?

Immersive. Uplifting. Wholesome.

Do you have a preferred method or tool for writing – whether it’s a computer, typewriter, voice recording, or good old-fashioned pen and paper?

I have always preferred writing my stories by hand – hence the general inclusion of the ‘putting pen to paper’ reference in my author bio – but I’ve now come to the point where doing this and then having to type it all up afterward is simply too time-consuming and becoming no longer practical, largely because of this needless doubling up of tasks (especially as my manuscripts have been gaining in length and complexity as the years go by). I love copy-typing really, and used to just freeze up if there was nothing already there for me to work off, but more experience and consistent practice in constructing various plotlines and developing a range of different characters has made this much less of a problem area for me.

Are there children’s authors or specific books that have been influential in shaping your writing journey?

Nothing specific comes to mind. I have read a great many middle-grade books in my lifetime, as well as an array of adult novels, so it would be reasonable to assume that a lot of my writing is simply a general reflection of some kind of ‘storehouse’ of information that has been unconsciously accumulated over a significant period of time, especially as new titles or authors are discovered whose work is then enjoyed over and over again.

Writer’s Block can strike anyone. How do you navigate it, especially when crafting stories for a younger audience?

I believe this can be an issue for some writers, although I’ve always found it to be more of a problem depending on the mindset of the author concerned rather than anything else. For me, I occasionally get the misguided notion stuck in my head that the next scene or some upcoming dialogue is going to be more difficult to keep the story moving forward, so I end up just putting it off despite knowing from previous experience that whenever I decide to just sit down and get on with it the words usually just flow into place automatically, often without conscious thought. I also have quite a long list of potential titles or topics to include in future stories, so coming up with new material to write about has never been much of a challenge for me either.

For those aspiring to write for children, what advice would you share based on your experiences?

Just keep trying! It can be a rough road, full of potholes and bumps along the way, but I think it’s extremely important for authors to be able to write about topics that inspire them, or things that they’re passionate about, and can really let that shine through by staying true to themselves. Write what you know, but keep challenging yourselves in new ways to get better at your craft, so always set achievable goals to aim for. My last piece of advice would be to not let anyone push you around – pursue the vision which you have for your own book and then tirelessly search for those who will help you get there, rather than limiting your creative freedom by sticking it in a box or restricting yourself only to certain areas by attaching labels that you can’t break out of if your skillsets change when you continue to mature as a writer.

Thank you, author Bellringer, for taking the time to answer our questions and for all your insightful answers!

About the Book

Whisper: Book One

Britney is a young, extremely malnourished child, who comes from a poor family with an abusive father. Her mother does everything she can to protect her daughter from her husband, receiving the brunt of the aggressive beatings herself. The girl barely speaks, afraid of being overheard by the wrong person, and the only words she knows are the few repeated words her mother uses to calm her after a fight. A total of three words in all, namely – Whisper, Britney, and Ma. There is a very private, sheltered spot in the nearby forest which Britney uses as a place to hide away if ever her mother has to spend the day walking into the nearest town to purchase supplies or to trade goods. They have discreet, non-verbal signals which they use to keep the area hidden and make sure that Britney is secure (far away from Pa’s prying eyes). On one such day, Britney hears unusual sounds and is terrified that her father has found out about their system, but the surprise turns out to be just a lonesome little puppy. The girl quickly becomes friends with the stray, instantly joining forces in their solitude, only ever meeting in the secret place where they share such a deeply silent, unspoken bond. This continues until Ma helps her only child run away for good, tearfully leaving Britney to fend for herself in the best way she knows how. The adoring puppy (promptly being referred to as Whisper) unexpectedly follows the girl, and together they set off on a journey that will forever change their lives…

You can find Whisper here:
Austin Macauley

If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com

Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome S.A. Sterling, author of AWAKE: Notes from the Quiet Hours, for an author interview with The Reading Bud.

About The Author

S.A. Sterling

S.A. Sterling writes about real life: the quiet struggles, late-night thoughts, and moments that push us to grow. She’s lived across oceans, taught languages for years, and met women from all walks of life who share one thing in common: the desire to keep showing up, even when life gets messy.

Her latest book, AWAKE: Notes from the Quiet Hours, was born from sleepless nights and honest reflection. Before that, she wrote Ride On!—the story of Dame Sarah Storey’s extraordinary journey of resilience—and several books designed to help women navigate everyday life with more clarity and courage, including Executive Functioning Skills for Women with ADHD, The 369 Manifestation Journal, and The Women Rising Strong 2024 Workbook.

She lives in northern Italy with her husband, where she teaches, writes, and keeps a pot of lemon water on her desk for the early hours that refuse to sleep.

You can find author Sterling here:
Author Website | X | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

Interview

Welcome to TRB! Please give our readers a brief introduction about yourself before we begin. We’d love to know beyond what your Author Bio says about you.

I’m someone who’s learning to make peace with imperfection. I live in a small Italian town surrounded by mountains, where I teach languages, write, and try to balance too many notebooks and not enough hours of sleep. I’m a mother, a wife, a sister, and a woman still figuring out how to be all of those things without losing myself. Writing, for me, is how I stay honest.

Beyond the blurb, could you delve into some unique aspects or pivotal moments from your book?

Each page was written in real time, during sleepless nights between 2 and 5 a.m. Nothing was planned. I simply sat down and wrote what was true in that moment. Sometimes grief, sometimes humor, sometimes calm. The uniqueness lies in its immediacy. AWAKE isn’t about sleep, it’s about what surfaces when the noise quiets down: aging, motherhood, marriage, identity, and the small things that hold us together when everything else feels uncertain.

What drove you to explore this specific theme?

Insomnia became a doorway. I stopped fighting it and started listening to what those hours were trying to tell me. I realized that sleeplessness mirrors midlife, that stage where we can’t hide from ourselves anymore. The book’s message is simple: you’re not alone in your wakefulness, in your restlessness, in your questions.

What served as the catalyst for this one?

It started with frustration. I couldn’t sleep, and all the advice —magnesium, herbal teas, no screens — wasn’t working. One night I opened my notebook and typed a few lines just to release the noise in my head. That became the first “night.” Then came another, and another. Over time, it became a ritual, a way to process my changing body, relationships, and life.

How long was the journey from concept to final version?

About two years. I didn’t plan it as a book at first; it grew naturally from those nights. The editing process took several months after that, turning fragments into a cohesive journey.

What are your future aspirations as a writer?

I want to keep writing books that make readers feel seen, especially women in midlife. I don’t aim for perfection or grandeur, just truth. In five years, I hope to have published more works that explore the quiet transformations we rarely talk about.

Are there other topics or projects you’re currently working on?

Yes, several. I’m writing a memoir about body image, belonging, and learning to stop performing for acceptance. I’m also expanding my Women Rising Strong platform, where I share stories of resilience and empowerment. Alongside that, I’ve resumed my weekly newsletters, where I write about midlife, creativity, and personal growth. And I’m working on a new book about self-reinvention for women over 50: how we can redefine purpose and possibility in this next chapter of life.

Have you ever been tempted to venture into fiction?

Yes, many times. But even when I try, reality sneaks back in. My writing always starts from something true: a conversation, a feeling, a memory. Maybe one day I’ll write fiction, but it will probably still sound like real life.

Can you recall the moment you realized you wanted to be a writer?

I don’t think it was one moment. Writing was always there: poems, letters, journals, scraps of thoughts. But it became serious when I understood that writing helps me make sense of things. It wasn’t an easy path; there was doubt, comparison, rejection. But each word felt like coming home.

Describe your writing process.

I write early in the morning or in the middle of the night, when the world is quiet. I keep lemon water or tea next to me and write in bursts: no outline, no plan. Later I come back to shape it. It’s less about discipline and more about showing up for myself.

Outside of writing, do you have another profession?

Yes, I’m a language coach. I teach English, Italian, and Russian to adults and teenagers. Having lived across oceans and learned seven languages, I’ve been able to meet women from many walks of life, each with her own story, accent, and way of seeing the world. Teaching keeps me close to real conversations, the kind that remind me how language isn’t just about words. It’s about who we are, and how we connect. That understanding shapes everything I write.

Given the theme of your book, could you recommend other reads with similar ideas?

Two come to mind: The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion, for its quiet honesty about grief and resilience, and I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell, for its raw reflection on the body, mortality, and what it means to stay awake to life. Both explore how awareness, even painful awareness, can lead us back to meaning.

In non-fiction, are there authors who influenced your approach?

Joan Didion, Anne Lamott, and Cheryl Strayed have shaped how I see the power of truth on the page. They write with honesty, vulnerability, and restraint. They turn ordinary life into something worth sitting with. I also connect with Maggie O’Farrell’s way of writing about the body and memory. All of them remind me that raw truth often says more than polished perfection ever could.

How do you handle writer’s block?

I don’t call it a block anymore. It’s usually exhaustion or fear. When words stop coming, I step away. I cook, walk, or play piano. Then I come back. Writing always returns when I stop forcing it.

How do you balance research and narrative?

Since AWAKE is rooted in lived experience, research wasn’t formal. It came from observing, reading about perimenopause, and listening to other women. I try to weave those truths naturally into the narrative, without turning it into a lecture.

How do you handle criticism or differing viewpoints?

I remind myself that readers bring their own experiences to every book. Not everyone will connect, and that’s okay. I don’t write to please. I write to tell the truth as I know it. If someone disagrees, at least it started a conversation.

What advice would you give aspiring nonfiction writers?

Write what keeps you up at night, literally or metaphorically. Don’t wait for it to sound perfect. Tell the truth, even when it feels uncomfortable. The right readers will find you not because your story is flawless, but because it’s real.

Thank you, author Sterling, for taking the time to answer our questions and for all your insightful answers!

About the Book

AWAKE: Notes from the Quiet Hours

2:47 a.m. Again.
For two years, she woke in the quiet hours—when the house slept, when the world felt suspended between night and morning. In that stillness, she began to write.
AWAKE is a collection of sixty nights lived in real time: the hum of insomnia, the weight of perimenopause, the questions that surface at 3 a.m. when defenses are down.
These pages don’t offer solutions. They offer presence.
For anyone who’s ever felt alone in the dark hours, this book is company.

You can find AWAKE: Notes from the Quiet Hours here:
Ebook | Paperback

If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com

Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome MJ Walker, author of Italian By Default, for an author interview with The Reading Bud.

About The Author

MJ Walker

Margaret Walker is a teacher. She lives in Sydney, Australia with her family. Her first two novels His Most Italian City and Through Forests and Mountains were published by Penmore Press in the USA.

You can find author Walker here:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Interview

Welcome to TRB! Please give our readers a brief introduction about yourself before we begin. We’d love to know beyond what your Author Bio says about you.

Hi Heena,

I’m a teacher (almost retired). I have been reading and writing all my life and have had short stories published in Australia and the UK as well as two previous novels published by Penmore Press in the USA. They are His Most Italian City and Through Forests and Mountains.

Beyond the official blurb, could you offer us a unique insight or a behind-the-scenes glimpse into your book?

Italian By Default  is based on my own story about trying to find my identity as an adopted person living with a husband (and his identical twin brother) who were crazy about their own Italian heritage. At the same time, it is about my adoption reunion. In 1960, I and my twin sister were adopted together to my parents. My sister is not interested in adoption. I left her out of the book so as not to cause her distress.

Evey book has a starting point. What was the spark or pivotal moment that inspired you to write this one?

Probably the death of my mother-in-law in 2000. Our house, which had been Italian anyway, became much more so because many of her belongings came to us.

Is there a core message or theme in your book that you wish readers to discover?

You are important regardless of the circumstances of your conception. God knew you before you were conceived.

Of all the characters in your book, do you have a personal favourite? What makes them special to you?

Polly’s friend Felicity, who was based on a lovely friend of mine.

How do you approach character development, ensuring they resonate with readers and feel authentic?

I constantly have that person in front of me when I write. I forget about myself and become them.

What was the inspiration for this book? Was it an idea, an anecdote, a dream, or something else?

I met my birth mother in 1989 but I didn’t meet my birth siblings until 2002. I’d say that frustration with that situation was my inspiration.

How long did it take you to write this particular book?

25 years. I kept writing during the adoption reunion and finally finished with the death of my birth mother in 2020. For example, after a family dinner or meeting or whatever, I would come home and write it up immediately. After that, it was just revision.

Are you working on any other stories presently?

Yep! I have at least 3 manuscripts I am hoping to have published one day, plus a fun one I am writing at the moment just to keep my hand in.

Why have you chosen this genre? Or do you write in multiple genres?

I am most interested in history, and character development in fiction. I also have a history blog, mwalkeristra.blogspot.com.  

When did you decide to become a writer? Was it easy for you to follow your passion, or did you have to make some sacrifices along the way?

I can’t stop writing. It’s cathartic for me, if I’m stressed or anxious. I don’t think it matters what you write or how you write. If you practise, you’ll improve.

What is your writing ritual? How do you do it?

I generally write every morning after I’ve walked the dog and had coffee.

Editing can be a gruelling process. How do you approach revisions and self-editing?

If I get stuck, it really helps to put the manuscript away for a few weeks, write something else, then return to the first one. Something I have also found invaluable is to have a manuscript professionally assessed. It is worth every cent.

With the rise of audiobooks and multimedia experiences, have you considered exploring these avenues for your stories?

A lot of people I know read audiobooks while they’re driving. I haven’t got around to that yet. It’s expensive, but a friend of mine did it recently, and it really bought the book to life.

Lastly, if you were to describe your writing style in three words, what would they be?

Not too sure.

How do you prefer to write—computer/laptop, typewriter, dictation, or longhand with a pen?

Everything, plus I always carry a notepad and pen in my bag.

What are your 5 favourite books? (You can share 5 favourite authors too.)

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Madam Will You Talk by Mary Stewart, Exodus by Leon Uris, anything by Dickens. Crime? Ian Rankin, MC Beaton. She looks simple but under the surface, she’s very cluey. I love Bill Bryson’s style. He cannot write a dull sentence.

How do you deal with Writer’s Block?

Zone out and write anyway. Just sit down and write non-stop for 15 minutes.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Join a writer’s group. My writers’ group is fabulous at all the things I’m bad at. I really need them.

Thank you, author Walker, for taking the time to answer our questions and for all your insightful answers!

About the Book

Italian by Default

AN ADOPTION REUNION
– based on a true story –
Meet Polly, her Italian husband Joe and his identical twin brother Cicero. Polly is adopted and wants to find her heritage, but the twins’ passion for Italy dominates her life. She gets more style than Gucci, more opera than Verdi and more pasta than she can eat.
If this isn’t bad enough, Polly’s friends insist that she belongs where she is loved – safe and secure in her wealthy Sydney suburb.
What should Polly do?
She has met her birth mother, but not only will that lady refuse to discuss the past, she has barred Polly from ever meeting her siblings. Then one day Polly reads in the newspaper that her mother has been murdered.
Or has she?
Polly’s longed-for adoption reunion finally happens but not in the way she expects.

You can find Italian by Default here:
Amazon | Goodreads | UBL

If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com

Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome Veronica Preston, author of Book of the Devil: Genesis, for an author interview with The Reading Bud.

About The Author

Veronica Preston

Veronica Preston is an author of spiritual fantasy fiction whose debut novel, Book of the Devil: Genesis, reimagines the myth of Iblis through a deeply philosophical and emotional lens. A lifelong lover of books, Veronica draws inspiration from sacred texts, spiritual philosophy, and her own reflections on morality, free will, and destiny. 

You can find author Preston here:
Website | Instagram

Interview

Welcome to TRB! Could you provide our readers with a personal introduction beyond your official Author Bio?

I grew up surrounded by books and would often lose myself in their worlds. My first “real” job was at a library, and I loved everything about it — the smell of old pages, the towering bookcases, and the quiet, almost sacred atmosphere. These days, I gravitate toward non-fiction, which has deeply influenced my spiritual fantasy debut, Book of the Devil. Outside of writing, I love traveling and experiencing different cultures, foods, and traditions. At home, I share my space with four rescue cats who keep life lively, and I’m always on the hunt for new restaurants to try — I’m a true foodie at heart.

Beyond the blurb, can you share a unique aspect or background detail about your book’s setting or characters?

The blurb tells you the shape of the story, but not its pulse. Book of the Devil: Genesis was never meant to be just a retelling — it is the whisper of an ancient voice speaking through a modern pen. While I wrote, scenes would appear unbidden, as if the world of Nahar was pulling me inside it. One of the most vivid moments — when Iblis tears through the fabric of reality and stumbles into another dimension — wasn’t planned at all. It came to me like a vision, carrying with it the awe and terror of a being who does not yet understand the power he wields. Those moments, born of instinct rather than outline, became the heart of the story.

One of the most unique aspects of Book of the Devil: Genesis is the world of Nahar itself. It’s not just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing realm with its own laws, rhythms, and energy. The Jinn who inhabit it are born of smokeless fire, yet they carry the same moral struggles, loyalties, and flaws as we do. Iblis, in particular, is unlike any portrayal of the Devil you’ve read before—here, you meet him as a child, shaped by love, loyalty, and the quiet but inevitable tug of destiny. It’s a story that blurs the line between the mythical and the deeply human.

Every book has a starting point. What was the spark or pivotal moment that inspired you to write this one?

I was at a crossroads in my life, questioning whether the choices I was making were right or wrong. That search led me into scripture—the Qur’an, The Three Testaments, and writings on the Jinn and Iblis, who had fascinated me since university. At the same time, I was absorbing works like The Four Agreements, Conversations with God, and The Power of Now. Those ideas began to fuse, and then—almost overnight—the story appeared in my mind, fully formed. All I had to do was write it down. I felt, and still feel, a burning desire to get this story out and I can’t explain why. That’s why I’m working on Book 2 as we speak.

Is there a core message or theme in your book that you wish readers to discover?

Yes. At its core, Book of the Devil: Genesis asks readers to reconsider what they think they know about good, evil, and the space in between. I wanted to explore the idea that the “adversary” is not always a villain in the traditional sense, but sometimes a necessary force—one that challenges, questions, and disrupts in order to bring growth or truth to light.

It’s a story about pride, obedience, love, and exile—but also about the cost of holding onto your convictions when the price is everything you value. My hope is that readers walk away not with simple answers, but with deeper questions about morality, faith, and what it truly means to stand for something.

Of all the characters in your book, do you have a personal favourite? What makes them special to you?

I would have to say Zahra is my personal favorite. She embodies the quiet strength I admire—spiritual, compassionate, and deeply attuned to the unseen. Zahra has the gift of foresight and the power to heal, yet she wields them with humility and grace. She is a moral anchor in the story, someone who can see beyond the immediate to the greater arc of fate. Her calm presence feels like a light in a world full of conflict, and her love is both gentle and unshakable. Writing her felt like channeling a soul who already knew the answers, even when everyone else was still searching. Though, in the book, Zahra has doubts too but her faith in God’s will is strong.

How do you approach character development, ensuring they resonate with readers and feel authentic?

Honestly, for Book of the Devil, the characters came to me as naturally as the story did. But to ensure they truly resonated with readers, I dug deeper. I asked myself: What made them who they are? What shaped their beliefs, attitudes, and values? What kind of decisions have they made—and why? What drives them, and what do they fear? I created detailed character profiles, exploring everything from their backstories to their likes, dislikes, and education.

Writing Book 1 taught me just how much depth there is to character development—I was only scratching the surface when I began. Now I see that authenticity often comes from how characters interact with one another and whether those interactions feel true to who they are. Building that depth is a blend of knowing them intimately and allowing them to surprise you on the page.

What was the inspiration for this book? Was it an idea, an anecdote, a dream, or something else?

I sometimes say it was “divine inspiration,” but in truth, the story arrived like a whisper from somewhere older than memory. It came unbidden, yet with a sense of inevitability—like it had been waiting for me to give it form.

Perhaps it’s because I have always believed in the sanctity of free will. The thought of another—be it man, spirit, or Devil—pulling the strings of my choices unsettles me. In scripture, it is said that we will stand accountable for our deeds, while the Devil, in the end, will wash his hands of us. That truth lingers with me: the burden of morality is ours, a gift and a trial from God.

This book became my way of exploring that responsibility. Beneath the story’s fire and shadow, I hope readers will feel the pull to question the forces that shape them… and to seek their own truth, no matter how hidden it may be.

How long did it take you to write this particular book?

Approximately 5 months.

Are you working on any other stories presently?

Yes—right now I’m working on Book of the Devil: Purgatory, the second book in the trilogy. In Genesis, Iblis’s story was about discovery—of himself, his power, and the divine will. Purgatory is about what happens when that power is tested to its limits.

The stakes are higher, the battles—both within and without—more dangerous. Love, loyalty, and faith will be pushed to breaking point, and Iblis will be forced to confront the cost of the path he’s chosen.

Why have you chosen this genre? Or do you write in multiple genres?

I think the genre picked me, honestly. I didn’t start out with a specific category in mind—this was simply a story I felt compelled to write for reasons I still can’t fully explain. As the writing unfolded, I realized it could fall under the fantasy genre, but it’s far from a traditional, action-heavy fantasy novel. It’s deeply spiritual, reflective, and mythic. For the next two books in the trilogy, I’ll remain in the spiritual fantasy space, but I’d also love to explore other genres—perhaps a drama loosely based on real-life events, and one day, even a dive into horror.

When did you decide to become a writer? Was it easy for you to follow your passion, or did you have to make some sacrifices along the way?

I’ve known I wanted to be a writer since I was a little kid—I wrote my first short story in grade four and was hooked. But following that passion wasn’t straightforward. My family had other ideas for my future, so I pursued a career where I found success and fulfillment for many years. Still, there was always a quiet voice inside reminding me that I needed something to truly feed my soul. Writing kept calling me back. I’m fortunate to have a very supportive partner, and his encouragement was instrumental—not only in giving me the courage to step into writing, but also in helping me through the journey of bringing my first book to life.

What is your writing ritual? How do you do it?

I don’t have a fixed writing ritual—at least, not yet. For Book of the Devil: Genesis, the words came when they wished, and if I wasn’t tied to something important, I would sit and let them spill onto the page. If I couldn’t write in that exact moment, I made it a priority to return to the idea before it faded, capturing it while it still burned brightly in my mind.

Because this was my first book, I didn’t follow a structured routine; the process felt more like being visited by a story that insisted on being told. That said, I can already see the beginnings of a ritual forming as I move into Book 2—an evolving rhythm in how I approach storytelling, as if the act of writing itself is slowly teaching me how it wants to be done.

Editing can be a gruelling process. How do you approach revisions and self-editing?

I’m not sure how other writers do it, but I’m a big believer in the magic of a second—or even third—set of eyes. When you’re living and breathing your own story, you stop seeing the little things: the sneaky typos, the awkward sentences, or that one paragraph that made sense at 2 a.m. but reads like ancient code the next morning.

After about 100 pages, my brain waves the white flag, so I happily hand the manuscript over to a couple of trusted friends—one with an editorial background—who are brave enough to tell me the truth. For me, editing isn’t just fixing mistakes; it’s turning “almost there” into “I can’t stop reading.”

We don’t have to do it alone and it was actually a fun process for me. When it becomes mentally fatiguing, I just step away from it for a while. Having those second and third set of eyes has been pivotal in the development of book 2.

With the rise of audiobooks and multimedia experiences, have you considered exploring these avenues for your stories?

Absolutely! In fact, I’ve already begun exploring that space. Book of the Devil: Genesis is in production as an audiobook, with a voice actor bringing Iblis to life in a way that feels both intimate and cinematic. I’m also experimenting with multimedia—book trailers, character art, and even narrated excerpts—to immerse readers in the world of Nahar beyond the page. My goal is to make the story an experience, whether you’re reading it, listening to it, or watching it unfold.

Lastly, if you were to describe your writing style in three words, what would they be?

Mythic. Philosophical. Evocative.

How do you prefer to write—computer/laptop, typewriter, dictation, or longhand with a pen?

Laptop all the way. I love the freedom to edit, rearrange, and make a mess without crossing out half a page. That said, when inspiration hits and I’m not near my computer, I’ll quickly type it into the Notes app on my phone—just to capture it before it slips away. I’ve also contemplated making a big visual storyboard to hang on my wall, so I can see the entire story world at a glance and live in it while I write

What are your 5 favourite books? (You can share 5 favourite authors too.)

There are far too many to choose from, so I’ll cheat a little and pick five from different genres. Letting Go by David R. Hawkins (spiritual self-discovery), Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life by Bob Proctor (personal growth), Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden (historical fiction), the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (fantasy), and the Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyer (paranormal romance). Each one left its own mark on me in completely different ways.

How do you deal with Writer’s Block?

I give my mind a breather. I truly believe inspired ideas come when we sit in stillness and give them space to be heard. When writer’s block hits, I’ll turn inward—maybe meditate or simply sit with the question, ‘What’s next?’—and then deliberately step away. I might go out with a friend, take a walk, or do something completely unrelated to writing. The distance works wonders. Eventually, the answer always finds its way back to me

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I’m still very much on my own writing journey, but if I had to offer advice, it would be this: don’t wait for the ‘perfect moment’ to start—just begin. Let your first draft be messy, raw, and unapologetic. Read widely, write often, and don’t be afraid to step away when you need to recharge. And most importantly, trust that your voice matters, even if you’re still figuring out exactly what it sounds like

Every book begins with an idea. What was the initial inspiration that led you to write this particular story?

I sometimes say it was “divine inspiration,” but in truth, the story arrived like a whisper from somewhere older than memory. It came unbidden, yet with a sense of inevitability—like it had been waiting for me to give it form.

Perhaps it’s because I have always believed in the sanctity of free will. The thought of another—be it man, spirit, or Devil—pulling the strings of my choices unsettles me. In scripture, it is said that we will stand accountable for our deeds, while the Devil, in the end, will wash his hands of us. That truth lingers with me: the burden of morality is ours, a gift and a trial from God.

This book became my way of exploring that responsibility. Beneath the story’s fire and shadow, I hope readers will feel the pull to question the forces that shape them… and to seek their own truth, no matter how hidden it may be.

Fantasy often tackles profound themes. What central message or theme do you hope readers will take away from your book?

At its heart, Book of the Devil: Genesis is about choice. The power we each hold to shape our path—no matter the forces, temptations, or voices that try to sway us. It’s about the weight of free will, the courage to question, and the cost of standing by one’s convictions. I hope readers leave with the reminder that light and darkness aren’t always external—they exist within us, and our decisions determine which we nurture.

Of all the characters in your book, is there one you feel particularly close to? Why?

I would have to say Zahra is my personal favorite. She embodies the quiet strength I admire—spiritual, compassionate, and deeply attuned to the unseen. Zahra has the gift of foresight and the power to heal, yet she wields them with humility and grace. She is a moral anchor in the story, someone who can see beyond the immediate to the greater arc of fate. Her calm presence feels like a light in a world full of conflict, and her love is both gentle and unshakable. Writing her felt like channeling a soul who already knew the answers, even when everyone else was still searching. Though, in the book, Zahra has doubts too but her faith in God’s will is strong.

How do you approach character development in a fantasy setting to ensure they are relatable to readers?

Character development is tricky enough when they’re human—try doing it for a being made of smokeless fire. My first step was to give them a form so readers could connect with them. Since scripture, especially the Qur’an, often speaks in allegory, I asked myself what could represent smokeless fire in a way that felt true to the text yet vivid for the imagination. That question sent me deep into research until the right image emerged. Once they had a body, the rest was effortless—their personalities, flaws, and quirks just seemed to step into the story, as though they’d been waiting all along for me to write them down

What served as the primary inspiration for this book? Was it an existing myth, a personal experience, a dream, or something else entirely?

If I had to name it, I’d call it divine mischief—an idea that arrived uninvited and refused to leave. The inspiration flowed as though it had always been there, waiting for me to give it voice. Perhaps it’s because I value my autonomy and bristle at the thought of unseen forces—like the Devil—steering my actions. I believe free will is a gift from God, and with it comes the responsibility to live ethically. Scripture tells us the Devil will one day wash his hands of us, absolved of wrongdoing, leaving only our choices to speak for us. That truth stayed with me. This book is my way of wrestling with that idea and, I hope, inviting others to seek their own

How long did the process of writing this book take from inception to completion?

 2 years. Approximately 5 months to write.

Are there other stories or fantasy worlds you’re currently developing?

Yes—I’m deep in the creation of Book 2 in the Book of the Devil series, Purgatory. If Genesis is the origin, then Purgatory is the crucible. Iblis has matured from an impassioned youth into a warrior in God’s army, navigating the shifting tides between duty and doubt. The story delves into the forging of Hell—not as a place of senseless torment, but as a realm of purpose—and tests the limits of forgiveness, loyalty, and destiny. This world is expanding, its shadows lengthening, and I’m eager for readers to walk deeper into it with me

What attracts you to the fantasy genre specifically? Do you explore other genres as well?

I like to think the fantasy genre chose me. I didn’t set out with a label in mind—this story arrived fully formed in my head, and I simply followed where it led. As I wrote, I realized it fit into the realm of spiritual fantasy, though it isn’t the traditional action-heavy quest type. Fantasy allows me to blend the mythical with the philosophical, to weave worlds where divine questions meet human emotion. I do plan to stay in this genre for the rest of the trilogy, but I’m also drawn to drama inspired by real life and, someday, I’d love to explore horror. I suppose I’m a storyteller first, and a genre writer second.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer? Was the journey straightforward, or did you face challenges along the way?

I’ve known I wanted to be a writer since I was a little kid—I wrote my first short story in grade four and was hooked. But following that passion wasn’t straightforward. My family had other ideas for my future, so I pursued a career where I found success and fulfillment for many years. Still, there was always a quiet voice inside reminding me that I needed something to truly feed my soul. Writing kept calling me back. I’m fortunate to have a very supportive partner, and his encouragement was instrumental—not only in giving me the courage to step into writing, but also in helping me through the journey of bringing my first book to life.

Can you describe your typical writing routine?

I don’t have a fixed writing routine—at least, not yet. For Book of the Devil: Genesis, the words came when they wished, and if I wasn’t tied to something important, I would sit and let them spill onto the page. If I couldn’t write in that exact moment, I made it a priority to return to the idea before it faded, capturing it while it was still in my mind.

Because this was my first book, I didn’t follow a structured routine; the process felt more like being visited by a story that insisted on being told. That said, I can already see the beginnings of a routine forming as I move into Book 2—an evolving rhythm in how I approach storytelling, as if the act of writing itself is slowly teaching me how it wants to be done.

Editing is a crucial part of the writing process. How do you approach revisions and self-editing in the context of a fantasy narrative?

For me, editing is where the world of Nahar sharpens into focus. I’m too close to the work while drafting—too deep in the fire—to catch every flaw. That’s why I lean on trusted second (and third) sets of eyes, including a friend with an editorial background. I’ll read through, refine what I can, then hand it off. Sometimes after 100 pages my brain goes cross-eyed, so having outside perspective keeps the magic intact while catching the cracks.

How do you tackle Writer’s Block when working within the expansive boundaries of fantasy?

I don’t fight it. I step away. I believe ideas often arrive when we stop chasing them. I’ll meditate, sit with the question, “What next?”, then distract myself—walks, time with friends, something unrelated. Without fail, the answer eventually pushes through the quiet.

What piece of advice would you offer to budding writers, especially those looking to venture into fantasy?

Don’t be afraid to build a world that only you could imagine—and then trust your readers to step into it. Research deeply, write boldly, and remember: the first draft isn’t meant to be perfect, it’s meant to exist.

Thank you, author Preston, for taking the time to answer our questions and for all your insightful answers!

About the Book

The Book of the Devil

This isn’t a tale of horns and pitchforks.
It’s a tale of questions, echoes, and exile.
Book of the Devil: Genesis reimagines the Devil as Iblis—a being of fire, loyalty, and impossible choices. Born into a world of smokeless flame, Iblis is chosen to serve God, but he begins to question the nature of obedience, justice, and divine will. His rebellion is not out of vanity, but love, sorrow, and a desire to understand. As he rises through the celestial order, Iblis walks the line between sacred and profane, setting the stage for a fall that may be more holy than it seems.

You can find The Book of the Devil here:
Author Website

If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com

Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome Suze Leonie, author of Ivan, Boris, and Me and Yonah and Devorah’s Traveling Music Theatre, for an author interview with The Reading Bud.

About The Author

Suze Leonie

Suze Leonie is a literary fiction and children’s fiction author and illustrator from a Dutch coastal town. She has a passion for literature and philosophy and when she isn’t writing or drawing, she’s usually found with a book in her hand. In the spring of 2024 Suze Leonie made her debut with the novel Ivan, Boris and Me, which is the first book in a collection of literary works that heavily focus on human psychology. When Suze Leonie is able to let go of her precious books she enjoys going to museums, good food, board games and long walks on the beach.

You can find author Leonie here:
Author Website | X | Instagram

Interview

Welcome to TRB! Please give our readers a brief introduction about yourself before we begin. (We’d love to know beyond what your Author Bio says about you.)

I’m Suze and I live in a wonderful Dutch coastal town. Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to become a writer. I also have passion for art and anything creative. Combining the two is a dream come true.

Beyond the official blurb, could you offer us a unique insight or a behind-the-scenes glimpse into your book?

Boris is a tribute to my grandfather and is based on one memory in particular. He bought us tickets for Olev Popov’s farewell tour and something wonderful happened there. The clown singled me out during one of his last performances and gave me a rose. Because of my grandfather’s great enthusiasm this is something I still think about often. It was such a special moment. If you want the full story, there’s a newsletter article you can subscribe to through the website of Fidessa Literary.

Every book has a starting point. What was the spark or pivotal moment that inspired you to write this one?

It was a conversation I had with a friend of mine. We were talking about our inner clowns and wanting to give them a kick back to the circus sometimes.

Is there a core message or theme in your book that you wish readers to discover?

Each story I write feels like a quiet conversation between me and the reader. I bring the narrative, and they bring their thoughts, their memories, their own way of seeing things. Somewhere in that space between us, meaning takes shape. What they find might not be what I meant — and I think that’s the beauty of it.

Of all the characters in your book, do you have a personal favourite? What makes them special to you?

There’s equal love for all of them, but I’ll give you a hint of what’s to come: Devon Harmel will feature in several future books. And that’s just one of the many easter eggs hidden throughout my work.

How do you approach character development, ensuring they resonate with readers and feel authentic?

There’s no plan, I just sit and write and everything develops naturally from there. I let them surprise me. I need to know what makes them tick and by getting to know them through and through, I’m able to tell their story.

What was the inspiration for this book? Was it an idea, an anecdote, a dream, or something else?

Besides the conversation with my friend, watching cycling in France. The athletes all have a story to tell and some of them are incredibly inspiring. While they were passing me by at high speed, I was thinking about how lightning fast such a career can develop but also come to an end.

How long did it take you to write this particular book?

The first draft took me a couple of weeks and then the hard work started. In total, it took me two years to finish.

Are you working on any other stories presently?

Definitely! I’m currently finishing a novel about Frenkie Puckerman — a quiet literary fiction story set in a small world where real friendship takes center stage.

Why have you chosen this genre? Or do you write in multiple genres?

Literary fiction has my heart. My world has become a better place because of it. I feel blessed I’m getting the chance to write my own. I also write children’s books. I love telling a story through both words and illustrations. Both are challenging and rewarding in their own way and I like the versatility.

When did you decide to become a writer? Was it easy for you to follow your passion, or did you have to make some sacrifices along the way? (Feel free to share your story; we love hearing author stories!)

I already knew when I was nine years old, which is also when my first poem was published in the school paper. I read a book of children’s verses written by Annie M.G. Schmidt and immediately knew that was what I wanted to do. I immediately started writing my own poems and later I moved my attention to fiction. This is a dream come true.

What is your writing ritual? How do you do it?

I see writing a book like building a house. I start with a foundation and then build it from the ground up. I love writing so much that I spend as much time doing it as I can manage. I’m a night owl. Mornings aren’t my forte.

Editing can be a gruelling process. How do you approach revisions and self-editing?

I love editing, especially the first edit, which I call my embellishment edit. I’m a lean writer, so as soon as the plot is solid enough, I can start adding details, which is one of the most fantastic parts of creating a story for me.

With the rise of audiobooks and multimedia experiences, have you considered exploring these avenues for your stories?

I have, hopefully my books will become audiobooks in the future.

Lastly, if you were to describe your writing style in three words, what would they be?

Ambiguous, absurd and artistic.

How do you prefer to write—computer/laptop, typewriter, dictation, or longhand with a pen?

Computer, because I keep changing everything I write over and over again. It takes a while until I’m satisfied.

What are your 5 favourite books? (You can share 5 favourite authors too.)

1. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell
2. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
3. The Evenings: A Winter’s Tale
4. The Picture of Dorian Gray
5. Disgrace

How do you deal with Writer’s Block?

By recharging my creative batteries through other creative mediums like listening to music, looking at inspirational art, enjoying nature.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write without abandon. Enjoy the process, create what makes you happy and worry about the quality later. Everyone needs to edit, and most issues can be fixed. Perfectionism is the killer of initial creativity.

Thank you, author Leonie, for taking the time to answer our questions and for all your insightful answers!

About the Book

Ivan, Boris and Me

Illustrator Elodie Ginsburg and her spendthrift best friend, Boris, are inseparable. Taking care of an audacious yellow-haired clown in a red-and-white-striped onesie and oversized black shoes can be a challenge. However, Boris means the world to Elodie. He is a handful, but he’s her handful. Their symbiosis is disrupted when Ivan Lennard, a former professional cyclist with a closely guarded secret, moves into the house next door and becomes a regular occurrence in their lives. Each encounter is a catalyst for Boris to spiral more out of control and increase his outrageous demands, until Elodie finds herself at a crossroads and has to make the most difficult decision she’s ever made.

You can find Evan, Boris and Me here:
Amazon | Goodreads

Yonah and Devorah’s Traveling Music Theatre

When famous new media artist Eli Schmidt inherits a mysterious chest from his emotionally detached grandmother that he is instructed not to open, he can’t curb his curiosity. Inside, he finds a lost and lonely doll named Devorah, who begins to heartbreakingly scream for the love of her life, Yonah. Wishing he had obeyed orders, Eli has no choice but to go on a journey to reunite the pair. To his great distress, this means he must give up his treasured peace and quiet and do what he loathes the most: interact with other people. While Eli desperately tries to break free from this burden, Devorah amplifies her control, embroiling him in a battle that will forever change the course of his life.

You can find Yonah and Devorah’s Traveling Music Theatre here:
Amazon

If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com