The Stories Behind the Stories
In-depth conversations with indie authors about their books, their writing process, and the journey of independent publishing. Get to know the people behind the pages.
Drip by Drip
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What inspired you to start writing?
Having been awarded 2 gold stars as a 5-year old for creative writing, the writing bug was formed in me and I have enjoyed writing on and off ever since.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
It is set primarily in Cambodia and centres on a middle-aged English travellers who unwittingly get involved with some extremely unscrupulous criminals. This threatens everything that they hold dear with murderous repercussions spilling over to England, Vietnam, China and Australia. The couple are forced into a battle for survival against overwhelming odds.
Inside the Mind - Larada Horner-Miller
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What inspired you to start writing?
I had a creative writing teaching in 8th grade that honored whatever I wrote. Then when I was in high school, I wrote a piece, my uncle saw it on our round table in the dining room, read it and asked me why I wasn't pursuing writing. I let this passion lay dormant for way too many years because life got in the way. I became a writing teacher and realized I loved writing. That became the impetus to my writing.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
I'm writing an AutoFiction (autobiography fiction) and fictionalizing my incest story. I wrote it in November 2016 during NaNoWriMo(National Novel Writing Month) and accumulated over 50,000. Then a major book project landed in my lap and I stepped away from it. Then more books came a long. In 2025, the Epstein Files reminded me of this book as a possible source of healing for sexual abuse survivors. So with urgency I have been working on it.
TL
Inside the Mind - Tom Lonsdale
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What inspired you to start writing?
In 1997 I had been a veterinarian for 25 years and had obtained some important experiences and accompanying knowledge. I felt honour bound and a strong desire to get it all written down. There's a fuller account here: https://www.thepetfoodcon.com/raw-meaty-bones-promote-health-the-story-behind-the-story/
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, number 4 in the Raw Meaty Bones Tetralogy, provides a blow by blow account of ten important years in the struggle against the junk pet food/veterinary industrial complex. https://www.thepetfoodcon.com/spin-doctors/
DP
Inside the Mind - Doreen Pullo-Fleisch
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What inspired you to start writing?
I was inspired to write children's picture books after the COVID pandemic and the death of my parents. I needed to do something positive that would make me feel better about myself. Also , as a virtual children's instructor I wanted to share my books with children that are struggling and learning delayed.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
"The Underground Hounds" was my last children's book. It is a story about 2 dogs that take a train ride journey to find a ball in a London store. This book is a fun rhyming story!
RG
Inside the Mind - Ruth Gowan
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What inspired you to start writing?
I was living in an outport in Newfoundland at the time and I couldn't find anything to read. So I started writing. However after submitting it to a couple of publishers and getting scathing reply only one encouraged me so basically I gave up and dumped the manuscript in a box. Meanwhile i lived and worked in other countries inc; the Middle East. 20 years later unpacking yet another box back in Ireland. I found the manuscript and notes and decided to rewrite this time using my computer. Well the story just took off and I wrote and wrote and this was the first. It was published first but re-edited and what you have here is the final one with a new cover. I also am changing the Series to reflect what I write: Speed & Romance, Betrayal & Drama, Adventure & Travel, Rivalry & Competition.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
Tailspin is the latest book: in the Series. * An arrogant ex-F1 Champion driver moves to be a World Rally Championship competitor. Despite his rocky past and multiple crashes with inadequate co-drivers. His agenda is to win the Monte Carlo, hiding his true identity. Her agenda is to rise in the ranks as a top co-driver. But she is partnered with him. Unseen danger threatens. the partners —But attempts on both their lives, plus kidnappings create tension & a bond. But a future together is not on the cards, feelings never declared * HEA even possible?
SY
Inside the Mind - Stuart Yates
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What inspired you to start writing?
I've always loved stories and had a huge desire to create my own. I wrote my first full novel at 15 and loved the process. A voracious reader I began to look critically at the books I read to discover how to construct a novel. It was the best writing school and I've never stopped writing, reading and learning.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
Across the Dusty Mesa is my latest published book. It's the 4th in a Western series featuring an uncompromising gunfighter called Hahmood. He's unlike any other character I've created. He sets out to help a local farmer over a dispute about water rights but fairly soon become the target for malicious threats. This is escalating fast but one thing everyone needs to understand is that Hahmood does not back down from a fight. Those who are threatening him are about to discover the error of their ways.
Inside the Mind - S C Hamill
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What inspired you to start writing?
I started writing to learn how to use a computer because when I went to school there were no computers, or at least they were in the dawn of creation.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, Pip and the World Beneath Our Feet, is a story that looks at the hidden world just beneath us, and the tiny creatures that help keep our planet alive. It follows Pip, a curious little ant who starts to wonder what difference one small ant can really make. As he explores the world under the forest floor, he begins to discover something amazing: ants aren’t just small insects going about their business, they’re actually essential to the way forests grow and survive. They help spread seeds, enrich the soil, and keep nature in balance. Along the way, Pip meets new friends and learns a lot about teamwork and curiosity, and he begins to understand that even the smallest actions can have a much bigger impact than we think. In the story, The Eco Band also hear about what ants are doing for the planet and set off on a forest adventure to meet Pip and thank him and all ants everywhere. It all leads to a joyful celebration and even a special song about these tiny creatures that quietly help run the Earth. What I really wanted to do with this book is help children see that nature is full of hidden heroes. It’s educational, but also fun and adventurous, and it gently shows how important teamwork, curiosity, and caring for the environment really are.
Inside the Mind - C.K. SMITH
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What inspired you to start writing?
I started a film production company, Break-In Films, in the late 90s, and this led me to take a scriptwriting course. This spiralled into starting Break-In Publishing with my editor, a proofreader, and a professional illustrator. I have always written short stories, but in 2019, I decided to focus on writing fiction and journalism.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
The Devil's Right Hand: A Robin Hood Saga - is a fast-paced, highly cinematic genre mashup that blends gritty modern crime thriller elements with a time-displaced twist on the Robin of Loxley mythos. The narrative rips Robin Hood from his traditional medieval Sherwood Forest setting and drops him straight into the brutal mechanics of a modern criminal underworld.
KR
Inside the Mind - Kyina Q. Routt
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What inspired you to start writing?
I was inspired to start writing because I wanted to tell authentic stories that celebrate Black love, faith, family, and the beauty and complexities of church culture. Danielle Steel’s The Gift inspired me to pursue writing, and over time it became more than a passion—it became a calling. I want my stories to entertain, inspire, and remind readers that redemption and purpose are possible for everyone.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, His Favorite Drumbeat, is part of my Church Chronicles series and is a faith-rooted Christian romance centered on healing, purpose, and second chances. It explores how God can use our struggles, our gifts, and even our fears to guide us toward the life we’re meant to live. Readers will experience love, faith, family dynamics, and a little church drama, all wrapped in a story that reminds us that everyone has a unique rhythm designed by God.
KP
Inside the Mind - Kylie-Anne Evans
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What inspired you to start writing?
I wrote a 3 page essay when the #meeting movement was happening, then my husband said you could write a book about it , so for 3 years I wrote, I cried and I put it all in order. We were living on a boat during covid and I self published through amazon, id thought about sending it to mainstream publishers but I ultimately didnt think it would be accepted so I went down the self publishing route. The reason I shared it with the world is because I wanted people to know that there is someone out there who will listen, that it doesn't matter what race, creed, religion or gender you are, violence whether domestic or sexual is never ever ok, and help is out there. I am hoping and dreaming that one day my book will be made into a movie or Netflix series but it will have to wait til the right person comes along. Having my book out there has already helped others, I've had people message me. One lady said thank you I had no idea I was being emotionally abused by my husband. Another said you helped me understand that my life was a whirlwind of financial abuse, gaslighting and manipulation. Both were able to use my resources pages to leave. Be happy and be free finally Regards Kylie
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
Its a short story Murder mystery called Murder by moonlight Garrett, Maverick and Arayah are entangled in a brutal murder Who is responsible for this cruel and heinous act?.