The Bookshop at the End of the Internet

Author Julie Broad discusses her latest book, Self-Publish and Succeed. Julie is the founder of the self-publishing services firm, Book Launchers, and has made it her mission to help nonfiction authors write, publish and market books people will want to read. In Self-Publish and Succeed, Julie covers sitting down to write, the importance of titles and book covers, selecting the right editor, and even the best places to sell your book. She calls it the #noboringbooks way of writing and publishing.

Author Tammy Gross discusses her latest novel, The Treasure Galleons, based on the true story of the 1715 Spanish shipwrecks that gave Florida its nickname—the Treasure Coast. This novel tells the story of a captain's son who is left to confront pirates, cannibals and an angry king after a hurricane off the coast of Florida devastates his family and their fleet, which was carrying $400 million worth of treasure. The Treasure Galleons began as an award-winning screenplay before Tammy transformed it into a novel.

Author Chris Crutcher is the author of more than a dozen novels and two short story collections. His work features teen protagonists coping with serious problems, including poverty, abuse, and prejudice. Chris's books have been informed by his work as a teacher, director of an alternative school, child and family therapist and child protection advocate. All of his books and stories have been challenged or banned at some point during his forty-year career. As a result, Chris has earned two lifetime achievement intellectual freedom awards.

Author Daniel Powell discusses his short story collection, Fo(u)nd Memories. The stories are inspired by old photographs he began collecting after visiting an antique shop and seeing a few photographs that were so intriguing he couldn't leave them behind. They weren't artistic photos. They were simply snapshots of other people's lives, taken in everyday situations, and Daniel began to wonder at the stories behind them. Being the writer that he is, he made up stories to fit the photos, and the result is Fo(u)nd Memories.

Author Nicole Strickland, director of the San Diego Paranormal Research Society, discusses her numerous books about paranormal activity. Three of her books explore the RMS Queen Mary, the retired luxury ocean liner considered one of the most haunted places on earth. The Queen Mary is a particular favorite of Nicole's, due to its rich history and the consistency of its paranormal activity. When writing about haunted places, Nicole takes great care to respect the privacy of both the spirits and their living relatives.

Author Michelle R. Young discusses her latest young adult novel, Soul Cogs. It is the second installment in Michelle's Gear Heart sci fi series set in Victorian England with a distinct steampunk vibe. Book Two picks up where Book One left off, and the characters are on the run during a very dangerous time. You can expect new characters and lots of new adventures for the both the heroes and the villains. Michelle describes Soul Cogs as being a roller coaster, not just for the reader, but for her as a writer.

Author C.M. Newell discusses her Unwanted series. The final installment, Sacred, was released earlier this year. This YA fairytale/fantasy series is not a damsel-in-distress story, but rather one where the female lead was on equal footing with her male counterpart. Cassie felt finishing the series was her own coming-of-age as a writer. Cassie also shares how she works as a writing coach to help other authors, and what it was like to undertake a rebranding of her work as she retired her pen name.

Author Robert Valletta discusses his new Gaslamp Quarter Thriller series. The first book, Blood Running Hot, is a noir thriller in which a former NYPD detective relocates to southern California to begin a new life only to find herself the prime suspect in a series of murders. Fans of the genre will find Blood Running Hot contains plenty of twists and turns, a strong female protagonist and a convergence of seemingly unrelated crimes. Robert is also the author of the award-winning techno-thriller, Crossfire.

Author Cheryl Hollon discusses her cozy series, the Paint & Shine Mysteries. Along with a murder mystery, this series boasts the unique and whimsical combination of landscape painting, southern cooking and moonshine. This series is close to Cheryl's heart, as it features the Appalachian farmhouse where her father grew up and where she spent her summers as a kid. Also, the main character, Miranda Trent, is named after both of her great grandparents. Cheryl is also the author of the Webb's Glass Shop Mystery series.

Author Lindsey Salatka discusses her novel, Fish Heads and Duck Skin. This story is loosely based on Lindsey's own life, specifically the five years she and her family lived in Shanghai. When she began to write the book, Lindsey originally intended it to be a memoir but that quickly changed. Fish Heads and Duck Skin is the fictional story of a woman far from home who learns to fall in love with herself and her place in the world. And the inspiration for the book's title? (Hint: Her daughter's two favorite foods.)