Interview with Thriller and Mystery Author Joseph Lewis

Let us know a little about yourself and how we can connect with you via website, blog, books, and social media sites. 

After having been in education for forty-four years as a teacher, coach, counselor and administrator, Joseph Lewis is retiring on July 1st. He uses his psychology and counseling background in crafting psychological thriller/mysteries. He has taken creative writing and screen writing courses at UCLA and USC. Lewis has published six books, all available on Amazon and each to excellent reviews:

joseph lewis author interview
  •  Taking Lives (August 2014) the prequel to the Lives Trilogy; 
  • Stolen Lives (November 2014) Book One of the Lives Trilogy; 
  • Shattered Lives (March 2015) Book Two of the Trilogy; and 
  • Splintered Lives (November 2015) Book Three of the Trilogy each from True Visions Publications;
  • Caught in a Web (April 2018) from Black Rose Writing, which was a PenCraft Literary Award Winner for Crime Fiction and named “One of the Best Crime Fiction Thrillers of 2018!” by Best Thrillers; 
  • Spiral Into Darkness (January 2019) from Black Rose Writing, which was named a Recommended Read by Author’s Favorites. His newest, Betrayed will debut November 2020, also from Black Rose Writing. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Lewis has been happily married to his wife, Kim. Together they have three wonderful children: Wil (deceased July 2014), Hannah, and Emily, and they now reside in Virginia.

What is the name of your blog or book and how did you get started?

My blog is Simple Thoughts From A Complicated Mind, Sort Of . . . it is an inspirational blog to bring hope and help folks consider choices and decisions, attitudes, and beliefs. I began, I think, in 2013 or so. 

What is your favorite food?

I would kill for cookies and donuts. Oh, but I suspect you want “real” food. Hmm, anything Italian, but I make a great chili. 

What foods do you crave all the time?

Cookies. All kinds.

What is your favorite thing about being a blogger, writer, or author?

To be able to connect with readers. I have wonderful conversations at book sales and signings with readers. I get nice comments on my blog- not so much in the comment section as I do on the Facebook pages or through email.

What advice do you have for new writers just starting out?

Don’t quit reading. To me, reading is to writing as weight training is to athletics. You can’t do one well without the other. Secondly, develop a thick skin because not everyone will like or love what you write.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love being with my family. I love movies and music.

What helps you to stay motivated and keep writing?

The urge. I know that sounds trite, but I enjoy sitting at the keyboard and creating something from nothing.

How do you attract new readers?

Right now, word of mouth seems to be going well. I’ve developed a small but rabid readership. I use groups in Facebook and Twitter.

What has influenced you the most as a writer?

This is a good question. I think my life experiences. My job as a high school administrator and former counselor gives me insight into my adolescent characters. I read in the same genre I write psychological thriller/mystery. I learn and have learned much from Patterson, Sandford, and Baldacci.

What is something about yourself most people don’t know?

I am actually reserved. I force myself to be outgoing. A second thing that I’ve been doing for years is at my high school’s commencement ceremony, instead of giving a principal address, I select a song that means something to me or one that “fits” the class and sing it to them. It becomes their song. Long after the ceremony and for many years after, they remember “their” song.

What kind of music do you like to listen to?

I grew up on Top 40, moved to Rock n Roll, but currently Modern Country. I am eclectic.

Who are your top three favorite authors?

Patterson, Sandford, Baldacci, CJ Box.

Do you have any blogs or books you can recommend?

For the writer, the book on dialogue – Shut Up, He Explained. It is my go to Bible. Stephen King’s On Writing is excellent.

What is your favorite movie that was based on a book?

Kiss The Girls or Along Came A Spider (both Patterson books)

What projects are you working on right now?

I have a new book, Betrayed, that comes out 11-12-20, and while I write, I’m currently writing a follow up tentatively titled Blaze In, Blaze Out. Both are in the psychological thriller/mystery genre.

Thank you Joseph for such a great interview!

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want your own interview go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/

To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/

Blogger Spotlight- Interview with Blogger Alicia Jones

Tell us about yourself and how we can connect with you.

What you see with my work is always authentic. I have many things swirling around in my head, so you never know what you are going to get.  My website is where you can find my blog, a bit more about me and a few of my favorite pictures.  www.ajsdiary.com/blog.  Instagram: www.instagram.com/simplymeaj and on twitter I can be found @Ajonesy8)

What is the name of your blog or book and how did you get started?

AJ’s Diary.  I started in 2018, I’ve always had so much to say and so many thoughts in my head and had an idea to bring that to life in a broader approach, so I started my website.

What is your favorite food?

Mexican, the sauces and the flavors create this excitement within me that make me want to dance.  Literally!

What foods do you crave all the time?

Rice. I’ve loved it since I was a little girl.  A little butter and a pinch of salt and I have a meal

What is your favorite comfort food?

Homemade soup

If you could learn how to make any food what would it be?

Gnocchi

What is your favorite thing about being a blogger, writer, or author?

Speaking from my heart.  I love the ability to create something that not only I have enjoyed but others have as well.

What advice do you have for new writers just starting out?

Don’t be too critical of yourself.  Just go with your first instinct.  As you continue writing, you will see how much you have changed over time.

What do you like to do for fun?

Garden.  I like watching things grow.  It’s amazing

What helps you to stay motivated and keep writing?

 Quite simply, the passion for it.  It makes me feel so good.

How do you attract new readers? 

Of all the social media platforms, I would have to say Twitter is the most active, so I do most of my promoting there.

What has influenced you the most as a writer?

Other writers who have paved the way.  Whether new or seasoned.

What is your favorite genre to read?

Fables.

What are you reading right now?

Just started The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

What is something about yourself most people don’t know?

I am a huge tattoo lover.  Working on my idea for a beautiful sleeve

What kind of music do you like to listen to?

Every single thing that has a beat.  If I can groove to it I’m adding it to my music library.

If you could live in any book what would it be?

Tara Road by Maeve Binchy.  I fell in complete and total love with this book.  It’s like I was there.

Who are your top three favorite authors?

Maeve Binchy, James Patterson & Clive Barker

Do you have any blogs or books you can recommend?

I highly recommend The Thief of Always by Clive Barker.  Also, Any and Everything written by Maeve Binchy.

If you could have superpowers what would they be?

Eradicate hatred from hearts.

What is a typical day of writing look like for you?

I never have a draft, I have the thought that came to me at 3 a.m. and I start there.  I edit it over and over to ensure it flows. Once I feel that it is ready to be published, I pour myself a glass of wine in celebration.

What projects are you working on right now?

Started my first book at the beginning of this year, still going, not sure when it will be published but it’s coming.

Any other information you would like to include to our readers?

I always want to know what they think about my work, but most importantly I appreciate their support.  And just stay tuned to see what I’m up to next.

Thank you Alicia for such a great interview!

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want your own interview go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/

To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/

Interview with Author and Blogger Derra Sabo

Let us know a little about yourself and how we can connect with you via website, blog, books, and social media sites.

Hi all, my name is Derra Sabo or D. I was born and raised in So Cal and became a writer in my early twenties. When I’m not thinking and typin’ away, I’m spending time with my family, friends, going to the movies, spending days/ nights at the beach, and boppin’ to music. One of my favorite ways to wind down from a busy day or to get together with my family is cooking. Food is an escape, it’s a universal language that everyone understands. I love meeting new people, so if you’d like to connect you can find me on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat under the handle @derra_nic, or you can find my blog at www.genuinelyderra.com. 

What is the name of your blog or book and how did you get started?

The title of my latest book is Slumberland. It is a partial collection of the dreams and nightmares I’ve had since I was a youngster. From light and hopefull to dark and twisted. I began writing in Jr. High as a simple way of destressing from school. I have lived my entire life with a rare disorder, Epidermolysis Bullosa, and that led to being teased and bullied throughout school. while my wit and sarcasm are superb, I knew that should the bully fight back with a punch, I’d be a goner. Writing out what I would’ve loved to say to those bullies was very cathartic. Well, that and banging on the drums, lol.

What is your favorite food?

Oh…that’s a tough question. I know that sounds weird, but I am just a total foodie. However, being part German, there is this meatball dish with a different sweet and sour sauce that is absolutely delicious. They are served alongside smoked gouda mashed potatoes. That dish is definitely a labor of love dish, but so worth it. I also love In-N-Out burgers and Mexican food. The Cali diet, lol.

What foods do you crave all the time?

Mac n Cheese….it is my ultimate comfort food. While I love a good homemade mac, oftentimes I am super busy and I will pop in a Stouffers Mac n Cheese in the oven. Lunch or a late night snack…that’s my fav!

What is your favorite comfort food?

I actually made my comfort food tonight…Catalina roast with carrots and mashed potatoes. The carrots slow cook with the roast, so they’re very tender. I plop a spoonful or two of mashed potatoes in a bowl and put the roast and carrots over that. Drizzle with the catalina sauce….comfort in a bowl.

If you could learn how to make any food what would it be?

I would love to learn how to make homemade creme brulee. That is my favorite dessert. I find custards a bit intimidating to whip up.

What is your favorite thing about being a blogger, writer, or author?

Writing allows me to speak my mind, especially on those more sensitive topics. I am not always the best at verbally communicating certain emotions, but hand me a pen or a laptop and out come all the feels.

What advice do you have for new writers just starting out?

Write what you want. Don’t write what is trending or what you think people will want to read. When you write what you have a passion for, it absolutely shows. It also shows when you try to write what you are not passionate about. One last piece of advice…never give up. Writing is 100% a love/ hate relationship. There will be times when the words flow and there will be times when nothing, but stressful blank screens happen. Keep at it because the end result makes it all worth it.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love traveling, going to the beach and spending time with my family and friends. I also love staying in and spending the day watching movies, reading books, playing Animal Crossing, building legos (new hobby during this crazy quarantine) and cooking of course.

What helps you to stay motivated and keep writing?

Having a schedule absolutely helps. Breaking up my day and allotting times for just writing keeps me accountable for writing a certain amount each day. It also helps me from getting burned out, which is easy to do because I start writing and lose complete track of time.

How do you attract new readers? 

The one way I found that works in attracting readers is posting the back blurb to upcoming books. That small snippet needs to capture the reader’s attention, entice them to want to read you book. After a few reviews come in I like to attach a few snippets of reviews so that new readers can see what others thought..

What has influenced you the most as a writer?

The one thing that has influenced me in writing is the world…i am constantly finding inspiration to write. From the beautiful aspects to the dark aspects.

What is your favorite genre to read?

I am a big fan of Stephen King…the twisted side of storytelling always captures my mind.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished rereading The Institute by King.

What kind of music do you like to listen to?

I am a total rock/ alternative girl. Fall Out Boy, Blink 182, Green Day… just to name a few However, when writing I listen to hip hop/ rap…a few of my fav artists are Eminen, Postmalone and NF.

If you could have superpowers what would they be?

Teleportation…that way I could travel the world without spending hours at the airport, lol.

What is a typical day of writing look like for you?

Well, the first thing I like doing in the morning is shower and get dressed. This just helps me start the day and prevents me from wanting to lounge around in my pj’s too long, lol. Breakfast and some me time is had, it allows me to fully wake up and have a quiet morning to get ready for the day. I schedule the morning for writing…laptop, cup of coffee and music playing…in the zone I go. After lunch is when I run errands, clean the apartment or do the laundry. I like to keep the night free for comfy clothes and watching a bit of TV, to relax. That is a typical weekday for me. Scheduled out and simple. 

What is your favorite movie that was based off a book?

One of my favorite books was Muder on the Orient Express, so when the movie came out I was excited.

What projects are you working on right now?

Living life with a rare disorder doesn’t just affect me, it also affects those around me. So, my next project is my family’s side of what it’s like having someone in their life who has a rare disorder. I am turning the tables in a way. 

Any other information you would like to include to our readers?

Be open to multiple genres…reading the unexpected leads to finding a new favorite. This goes for anything in life, hence, Variety is the spice of life. So, keep life spicy lol.

Thank you Derra for such a great interview! Be sure to check out her book and blog for more!

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want to be featured with your own interview on this blog go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/ for all the details!

To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/

Blogger Spotlight- Interview with Wellness Blogger Innana Canon

Tell us about yourself and how we can connect with you.

I am a Wellness blogger, Entrepreneur, and Business/Mindset Coach.
You can find my blog at: 
http://www.projectlifewellness.com
Also, feel free to connect with me on the following social sites:
Instagram (blog) http://www.instagram.com/projectlifewellness
Twitter (blog) http://www.twitter.com/lifewellness11
Facebook (blog) http://www.facebook.com/projectlifewellness
Instagram (coaching page)
http://www.instagram.com/anacanoninspires

What is the name of your blog or book and how did you get started?


My blog’s name is Project Life Wellness. I started initially as a way to document my wellness journey–in all aspects of life. It quickly grew into something much more than that–it became a place for me to share wellness articles, healthy recipes, and topics on mental health.


What is your favorite food?


My favorite food is a cheese-less pizza with all the veggies piled on top!


What foods do you crave all the time?


I am a sucker for salty and spicy foods and find myself craving them often. I also have those days where all I want are some sweets!


What is your favorite comfort food?


I love me a good burger from time-to-time because I do believe that life is all about balance 🙂


If you could learn how to make any food what would it be?


I would love to learn how to make a classic apple pie!


What is your favorite thing about being a blogger, writer, or author?


I love being a blogger because it offers me a platform to showcase my passion for all things wellness and clean eats!
What advice do you have for new writers just starting out?
Don’t give up! Many people give up right before they begin to make traction and just before people begin to discover their work. Find something you truly enjoy writing about and go for it! the readers will come in time 🙂


What do you like to do for fun?


I love spending time with my 2 boys, running, baking, and of course, writing.


What helps you to stay motivated and keep writing?


My love for words. Everyone always talks about how video is the new wave of the future–yet I personally still enjoy reading. I know there are many people out there who still choose to get their information from the written word–so my passion for writing comes from wanting to provide that for them through my blog.


How do you attract new readers?


I love to share my articles on multiple platforms and encourage others to share it as well. I also utilize Pinterest to promote my blog and pay close attention to on-page SEO.

What has influenced you the most as a writer?


Other people’s success. I have a lot of other influencers, bloggers, and authors whom I look up to. These people are thought-leaders in their industries and have truly been an inspiration to me to keep going.

What is your favorite genre to read?


I enjoy self-help books and a good mystery novel once in a while.

What are you reading right now?


Since I am working on growing my coaching business at the moment, I am currently reading Traffic Secrets by Russell Brunson.

What is something about yourself most people don’t know?


I hate math! It was my most hated subject in school!

What kind of music do you like to listen to?


I literally listen to anything that sounds good! everything from gangster-rap all the way to country and classical. I also like to think I have great taste in music overall!

If you could live in any book what would it be?


I remember wanting to live in the Babysitters Club books when I was growing up because they all seemed to live such interesting lives. Ha, I might be aging myself here 🙂

Who are your top three favorite authors?


Ooo this one is tough! I’d probably say Brene Brown, Jen Sincero, and J.K. Rowling.

Do you have any blogs or books you can recommend?


The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz–really good!!


If you could have super powers what would they be?


Being able to fly or teleport!


What is a typical day of writing look like for you?


I like to get my morning lemon water and fruit ready, turn on my laptop, and let the words pour out.

What is your favorite movie that was based on a book?


Harry Potter


What projects are you working on right now?


I am completing re-branding my virtual marketing business as well as working on a step-by-step blogging course to be released later this year!


Any other information you would like to include to our readers?


If you follow me on Instagram and shoot me a quick note, I promise to follow back! 🙂

Thank you Innana for such a great interview! Be sure to check out her blog and social media sites to connect with her.

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want your own interview go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/ 

To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/

Author Spotlight-Interview with Food Blogger Julie M. Tuttle

Let us know a little about yourself and how we can connect with you via website, blog, books, and social media sites.

I’m a native to Colorado, I love hiking, anime, coffee, playing games, watching too many cooking shows and old movies.

I have written cookbooks, meal planners, journal books, and keepsake memory books all available here https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B078PNHZB7

Connect with me here-

What is the name of your blog or book and how did you get started?

I started this blog Nosh with Chef Julie after I graduated college from Johnson and Wales University with a degree in culinary arts in 2016. Going back to school fueled my passion for cooking and writing so much more. After that, I decided to create cookbooks of my own and I’ve been writing daily ever since.

What is your favorite food?

If I really had to pick one I’d go for some pho every day, after that I’d have to say dessert.

What foods do you crave all the time?

Snack wise I love chips and salsa or peanut butter toast with banana and honey. In addition, salty and sweet pairings are my weakness like yogurt pretzels! Along with those, the foods I usually crave are takeout foods for example like Mexican dishes, Asian foods, and Indian curries.

What is your favorite comfort food?

I love a big bowl of pasta or Mexican foods like enchiladas and tacos. Similarly growing up I always craved the spaghetti and the taco salads my Mom use to make.

If you could learn how to make any food what would it be?

I always wanted to learn how to make Korean food.

What is your favorite thing about being a blogger, writer, or author?

Connecting with other writers, seeing comments on my blog, and reviews for my books is always nice.

What advice do you have for new writers just starting out?

Most importantly, move beyond your fears and just write what is in your heart and don’t be afraid to put your work out there.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love to go on hikes and be outdoors. Watching sci-fi movies like Star Trek and old classics with Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe are some of my favorites. Furthermore, I adore cooking, and collecting cookbooks is a hobby of mine. In my downtime, I like to read mysteries and ya fantasy books with magic and dragons. Anything with a heroine story always gets me. In addition, I also dabble in painting on canvas and I try to go to art museums when I can.

What helps you to stay motivated and keep writing?

Getting feedback from my readers and connecting with other writers is always inspiring. In addition, I’m always trying to push myself to learn more and become a little better every day.

How do you attract new readers?

I engage with other writers on my social media sites, and blogs on a daily basis. I’m learning SEO techniques to help with optimization and traffic to reach out to more people, and I promote my books regularly.

What has influenced you the most as a writer?

As a writer, other authors inspire me to be better. Above all, my readers also keep my wanting to do my best and keep going.

What are you reading right now?

I’ve been reading Joanne Fluke lately. She writes a series of food-themed murder mysteries and I’m a sucker for all of them.

What is something about yourself most people don’t know?

I had an older brother Troy (he was 19 at the time) that I lost to suicide when I was 16 years old. In spite of going through it, I’m stronger now in my faith and more humbled. At that age and going through what I did was grueling, traumatic, and I felt helpless. One organization that helped me and my family get through it is The Compassionate Friends. They are a non-profit that helps families and people going through loss and grief. For information, to get help, or to donate go to https://www.compassionatefriends.org/

What kind of music do you like to listen to?

I love k-pop music, electronica, new age, downtempo, Celtic, musicals, folk, country, classical…to sum up, it depends on my mood at the time. When I’m writing It has to be instrumental or new age.

If you could live in any book what would it be?

Alice in Wonderland.

Who are your top three favorite authors?

Lewis Carrol, Mary Weber, and Christopher Paloini.

If you could have super powers what would they be?

Elemental powers for instance like Storm in the x-men comics. In addition I’ve always dreamed of being able to do magic.

What is a typical day of writing look like for you?

First I wake up make coffee and check my reports. Then I engage on my social media sites and work on writing my next book or blog posts. After that, I follow up with fellow writers and bloggers for tips and advice and connect with my audience on social media.

What projects are you working on right now?

I’m currently working on a new candy and cereal-themed cookbook. Easy recipes using boxed ingredients with a fun twist. To sum up, recipes with nostalgic ingredients take you back to your childhood. Fun recipes for parties, cooking with your kids, or if you’re a kid at heart, this cookbook is for you!

Any other information you would like to include to our readers?

Above all, I wanted to thank all my readers and those that support me and my books. You all inspire me on a daily basis to do my best!

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want to be featured with your own interview on this blog go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/

To read more author interviews https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/