One of my favorite things about interviewing independent authors is discovering just how different their stories and writing journeys can be. Some draw inspiration from the places they grew up, others create entirely new worlds, and some find their stories in friendships and experiences that span decades.
My latest author conversations took me from a small Michigan village to fantastical worlds, back to the 14th century, and all the way to the Hawaiian Islands. That’s quite a literary adventure without ever leaving my chair!
If you’re looking for your next great read, let me introduce you to four wonderful author voices. Well, technically five, since one of these interviews features a writing duo!
Timothy Sprosty: Finding Inspiration in Small-Town Michigan
Sometimes the places we grow up never really leave us, especially when we’re writers.
Timothy Sprosty draws inspiration from his Michigan roots for The Cracking Mirror Trilogy, which includes Where Destiny Dreams, Echoes in the Glimmer, and Embers of the Mind.
With a background in psychology and a career that included serving on the Air Force Crisis Action Team, Timothy brings a unique perspective to storytelling. His books explore the lives and experiences of characters connected to a small Michigan village inspired by the place he once called home.
During our conversation, we talked about his writing journey, the influence of his hometown, and how personal experiences can find their way into fiction.
It’s always interesting to hear how a familiar place can become the foundation for an entirely new story.
Watch my interview with Timothy Sprosty
Tycho Dwelis: Creating Fantasy Worlds Where Everyone Belongs
Fantasy has a wonderful way of transporting us somewhere completely different while reminding us of the things we all have in common.
Tycho Dwelis writes imaginative fiction, like The Court of Snakes, that explores identity, belonging, relationships, and the magic of discovering who we are. With a background in publishing, visual development, and editing, Tycho brings several creative perspectives to the storytelling process.
One of the things we discussed was how fantasy can create a sense of belonging, particularly for readers who may not always feel they fit into the everyday world.
We also explored why middle-grade fiction can be just as enjoyable for adults and talked about Tycho’s upcoming story featuring two sisters, one of whom is visually impaired.
I especially enjoyed our conversation about writing stories that appeal to readers of different ages. After all, imagination doesn’t have an expiration date!
Watch my interview with Tycho Dwelis
Linda Clifford & Janet Hinde: Fifty Years of Friendship and Hawaiian Pearls of Wisdom
What happens when two friends who have known each other for more than 50 years decide to write a book together?
For Linda Clifford and Janet Hinde, the result is Tutu’s Pearls, part of their Kupuna Series, a collection inspired by generational wisdom and the lessons we pass along to those who come after us.
Linda lives on the Big Island of Hawaii, while Janet lives in Washington State. Despite the ocean between them, these longtime friends have found a way to combine their creativity, experiences, and talents.
Janet brings her artistic skills to the project as the illustrator, while their shared vision celebrates the wisdom of Hawaii’s elders and the importance of passing those lessons to future generations.
Our conversation explored their decades-long friendship, how they collaborate from different states, and the inspiration behind their books.
And if you enjoy their stories, you can also find them sharing conversations on their podcast, Tutu’s Unplugged.
Watch my interview with Linda Clifford & Janet Hinde
So Many Stories, So Many Reasons to Read
One of the reasons I started interviewing independent authors was to help shine a little light on writers who might not have the marketing budgets or name recognition of traditionally published bestselling authors.
But that certainly doesn’t mean their stories are any less deserving of attention.
From Timothy’s Michigan-inspired fiction and Tycho’s imaginative worlds to Joy’s historical storytelling and Linda and Janet’s celebration of friendship and wisdom, each of these conversations reminded me how much creativity exists in the independent publishing community.
If any of these authors sound interesting, I hope you’ll subscribe to my YouTube channel and check out their interviews, explore their books, and maybe discover your next favorite read.
And if you’re an independent author yourself, I’d love to hear your story, too! You can find a link to sign up on my website adriennesadventures.com.
Happy reading!