1. How long have you been writing? I started writing my debut novel, Always Yours, in March of 2021.
2. What inspired the book you’re currently promoting? My debut novel was inspired by a dream I had. After telling a friend about it she encouraged me to try to write it.
3. Who are the authors who most influenced your work? Probably WAY too many to name, but the ones who helped me the most during the beginning draft stage were Jenni Bara, Kat Long, Annie Charme, Raleigh Damson, Jane Poller and Melissa Ivers. Authors who inspired me to write are Nicholas Sparks, Brittney Sahin, Corinne Michaels and AL Jackson.

When the war between Heaven and Hell comes to earth, Anthony Luther and his friends find themselves in the middle because of choices they’ve made in the past. Now they have to find a way out while learning how each is connected.

Check out the book trailer.

Warm, comforting and sweet — all important things to find in a blueberry scone or a book boyfriend! Our featured author of the week, AJ Ranney, says this scone recipe makes her think of Always Yours: A Small Town Second Chance Romance. The main male character always remembers the female main character’s love of blueberry scones … sounds like he’s figured out a (delicious) way to win this lady’s heart.

We’re excited to welcome fantasy novelist Alfred Muller as our featured author of the week. Over the next several days, you’ll have opportunities to get to know him and his work better by watching a book trailer and reading a Q&A about his writing career. Of course you won’t want to miss his Thursday evening takeover in the Southern Sisters Book Club Facebook group. 

Alfred writes supernatural fantasy, urban fantasy, high fantasy and young adult fantasy. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter, tiktok, Amazon, Goodreads and Instagram.

AJ Ranney is our featured author this week. She writes steamy small town and contemporary romance. Later this week, we’ll share a Q&A with AJ and a recipe that relates to one of her books.

Be sure to tune in for her author takeover in the Southern Sisters Facebook group at 6 p.m. EST on Thursday, April 6, to chat with AJ and participate in her event.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?
I’ve been writing for 20+ years. After 10 years of rejection, I was signed by an agent and sold my first novel, A WHITE WIND BLEW, historical fiction, published 2013. In total I have published six historical fiction novels (a few of them mixed genre with magical realism) and THE NIGHTMARE MAN is my first contemporary horror and first under my pen name. I still hope to publish one book a year under each name, one historical and one contemporary horror/thriller. 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THE NIGHTMARE MAN?
The need for a change. I love historical fiction but thought that at that point in my career I wanted to rebrand a bit, and I felt I had some new stories to tell. Like with many writers, Stephen King’s influence inspired me to write horror. I also wanted to take the more childlike aspect of nightmares and adultify them up. 

WHO ARE THE AUTHORS WHO MOST INFLUENCED YOUR WORK?
Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Ann Rice, Robert McCammon, Peter Straub, Chuck Wendig, Greg Iles, John Irving, Don Winslow, Tana French, I could go on but these are some that jump off the top of my head.

WHERE DO YOU WRITE?
Mostly in my dining room, next to my CD changer and record player, as I typically feel the need to listen to music as I write. 

IF YOU COULD VISIT ONE PLACE TO RESEARCH A BOOK WHERE WOULD IT BE?
Easy! Tuscany! I have two historical novels I have either started or plan to write called, THE MONSTER OF SANTO VINO and the other is THE COUNT OF VILLA ROSA, both of which take place during WW2. 

We’re excited to introduce our featured author of the week, James Markert.

James writes horror, thriller and suspense. Throughout the week, he will share more about his writing background, his novel, The Nightmare Man and what inspires him. Plan to join us for his takeover at 6 p.m. EST on Thursday in our Facebook group.

We’re glad to have you here to talk all things bookish. Whether you’re a reader or an author, you’ll find helpful content and opportunities to connect with friends who are passionate about reading. Explore our site, Facebook group and Instagram to see what we’re up to, but more importantly, let us know what you’re reading. Say, how’s your mom and them?