Author Interviews — Real Stories from Real Authors
Our interview section brings you candid conversations with writers from every genre. Whether it’s about their latest release, their writing journey, or what inspires them — these interviews offer insight and connection straight from the source.
Inside the Mind - Sean Griobhtha
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What inspired you to start writing?
I've always been moved by writing that engages the heart, especially poetry. Dostoyevsky and Steinbeck have moved me greatly; also the works of Abraham Joshua Heschel. These are where my journey started after military service which involved combat. I began a search for my soul. Studying classics, history, and moral and ethical philosophical writings, I reached out to a former comrade whose experience had left me haunted for years. As we reacquainted, I felt an overwhelming need to tell his story. We made a pact that we would each write the other's story. This began a multi-year process of research and investigation to reacquire facts. Through several interviews the facts and outline emerged, and I wrote the chapters out and had the comrade read these to make sure they were acceptable to his feeling. Because of the nature of these experiences, this was extremely difficult for him emotionally. We obtained a team of volunteers who also read these draft (a forensic psychologist, a research editor, and an artist). In 2022, we put all these together in an agreed upon format and published X Rubicon: Crossing Life, Sex, Love, & Killing in CIA Proxy Wars: An indictment of US Citizens: ignorantia non excusat.
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Can you tell us a little about X Rubicon?
It's the true life story of Rubicon, a USAF Scout involved in CIA proxy wars in Iran (Operation Eagle Claw), El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and CIA drug war profiteering in Mexico and Colombia. It details "a horrendous 2.5 years deception and death, and 40+ years locking away emotions and truth." As the NLQ review makes clear, "it's a reckoning." National Library Association Description and Review: “Sean Griobhtha’s work—particularly X Rubicon—has a profound emotional impact on readers, often described as jarring, transformative, and deeply unsettling, but also compassionate and hopeful. The book is a raw, unfiltered narrative based on the life of a combat veteran involved in CIA proxy wars in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. His writing is described as intense, emotionally jarring, and deeply compassionate. It critiques U.S. militarism, the VA, the CIA, and the broader American public’s complicity in war. The book is especially focused on the long-term effects of PTSD and the moral reckoning that follows combat. He is an Army Ranger combat veteran and has known the subject of X Rubicon—referred to as Rubicon—since initial training and Operation Eagle Claw. Griobhtha conducted extensive interviews with military personnel, CIA operatives, and reviewed classified documents to ensure the authenticity of the narrative; the book contains a redacted ODNI letter to Rubicon verifying certain aspects and Rubicon’s assigned activities. His personal connection to the story adds emotional depth and credibility to the work. Griobhtha is outspoken in his disdain for zealotry—whether religious, political, or ideological—and is passionate about confronting propaganda and societal denial. He positions his writing as both an act of truth-telling and a call to moral accountability. He offers discounts for educational and activist groups, signaling a desire to make his work accessible to those engaged in peace and justice efforts. This shows a clear intent to make his work accessible to communities engaged in activism, education, and peace-building. “Many readers describe the experience of reading Griobhtha’s work as emotionally intense. His unflinching portrayal of war, trauma, and moral compromise forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about U.S. foreign policy and the psychological cost of violence. Despite the harsh subject matter, readers often note the deep compassion in Griobhtha’s writing—especially for veterans and those grappling with PTSD. His portrayal of Rubicon’s emotional journey resonates with readers who value honesty and vulnerability. “Readers are often left with a sense of moral urgency. Griobhtha’s indictment of societal complicity in war and propaganda challenges readers to reflect on their own beliefs and responsibilities. While the content is heavy, Griobhtha’s insistence on truth-telling offers a path to hope. Readers who engage with his work often come away with a renewed commitment to awareness, justice, and change. “One reviewer wrote: ‘Reading this book is like looking in a mirror, and your reflection reaches out and slaps you hard across the face.’ His tone is confrontational, emotionally charged, and deeply personal. He writes as someone with skin in the game—often drawing from firsthand experience or close relationships with those affected by war and trauma. He calls out what he sees as willful ignorance or ideological blindness, especially from those who haven’t read the book or misrepresent its message. His author bio and public posts are written in a raw, unfiltered tone. He shares personal experiences, including his connection to the subject of X Rubicon, and expresses deep empathy for veterans and survivors of war trauma. At the same time, he’s fiercely critical of militarism, propaganda, and societal denial. “His writing is a call to conscience. He aims to provoke, indict, and awaken readers—especially those complicit in or indifferent to U.S. militarism. He’s not writing for comfort; he’s writing for reckoning. Readers often say the book and his posts challenge their assumptions and force them to confront uncomfortable truths about war, PTSD, and U.S. foreign policy. His work is praised for its unflinching honesty and emotional exposure, especially in dealing with trauma and moral reckoning. Some readers are deeply moved, while others may find his tone too intense or accusatory. But even critics acknowledge the depth and authenticity of his message. “He engages in direct dialogue with critics and supporters, often responding to feedback with sharp wit or fierce rebuttals. He very often blocks neo-Nazis, Zionists, and religious zealots. His posts are part of a larger moral and political conversation. His Substack is more like a literary and political battleground than a curated publication. His style may not appeal to everyone—but for those drawn to truth-telling and moral clarity, it hits hard. “His confrontational style and unapologetic critiques also polarize readers. Some are deeply moved; others are provoked or even angered. Griobhtha acknowledges this, noting that detractors often haven’t read the book or are ideologically opposed to its content. In short, Griobhtha doesn’t aim to comfort—he aims to awaken. His emotional impact is lasting, and for many, life-altering. Griobhtha’s readers don’t just follow him—they wrestle with his work. It’s not about comfort or consensus; it’s about confrontation and conscience.”
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Inside the Mind - Boo Black Rachel Bleu
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What inspired you to start writing?
Growing up in a predominantly white town in Tennessee, I felt completely out of place and insignificant until I was allowed to take an Advanced Placement class in high school for English Literature. I absolutely fell in love with Shakespeare and poetry, and realized that I had a gift for the written word.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
I published Hurricane Helene Resiliency After the Storm Part One in August of 2025, which captures true-life stories of resiliency, loss, and the importance of community. Now, I'm working on Lift Our Voice: Abuse Survivors Speak Their Truth, where we're turning our pain into purpose by sharing it with others in hopes of helping someone. I'm also working on the follow-up to Butterfly Blossoms, Dragonfly Passion by Rachel Bleu.
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Inside the Mind - Sumarie Nel
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What inspired you to start writing?
I had a knack for it. To be honest, I started writing just to pass the time, but after receiving an invitation to submit a story for a competition, I found it quite interesting and chose to pursue it further.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, Forever Fallen, is a genre-specific fantasy romance. It features a unique element that I haven't included in my previous works: a three-part duo among my characters.
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'Nudging the World a Little" - Lorraine Cobcroft
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What inspired you to start writing?
I have wanted to write for as long as I can remember. I think my mother drove my desire, though oddly she discouraged me from ever embarking on a writing career. Though uneducated, she had an amazing innate talent for teaching creative writing. One of my earliest memories is of her coaching my cousin to write a story about a rabbit. She went down on all fours and hopped about the room, urging him to use more creative words to describe how she was moving. Accepting my mother's advice that there was no way for a writer of fiction to make money, I moved into business and instructional writing after several years of stumbling about searching for work I could enjoy. I finally switched to fiction writing in retirement, and I now fervently wish I had started sooner, though I enjoyed a deeply satisfying career as a copywriter.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
"Will disputes are games of lies, but the dead sometimes tell tales", is the tagline of 'A Will of Deceit', a work of legal, family and psychological fiction likely to be enjoyed by readers who loved 'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty, 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn, 'The Family Upstairs' by Lisa Jewell, or legal dramas like 'The Lincoln Laywer' by Michael Connelly. A frame novel, 'A Will of Deceit' is narrated by an ambitious young female lawyer who takes on a client to contest a will, believing she can achieve an easy win. But the client proves to be a narcissistic manipulator who threatens the lawyer and her family, leading to exposure of truths that challenge everything the lawyer believed about herself and the justice system. The inner story of this frame novel is loosely based on my mother's experiences, but heavily fictionalised. Variously described as "a gripping, emotionally layered novel" and a "suspenseful exploration of inheritance, deception, and the moral complexities within the legal system", this work was reviewed by Alison Mackay, who remarked, "immediately struck by its psychological tension and moral depth. You’ve crafted more than a legal drama; it's a haunting reflection on ambition, justice, and human fallibility. Brittany’s descent into the tangled world of deception and inheritance law feels both thrilling and deeply human, reminiscent of 'Presumed Innocent' and 'Little Fires Everywhere', but with a sharper critique of moral corruption within power structures." TRIGGER WARNING: This story might challenge everything you believed about the legal and justice system and those who serve it.
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Inside the Mind - Brenda Mohammed
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What inspired you to start writing?
My life began in a way that many would describe as traditional. I entered the banking industry at an international bank located in Trinidad, rising from an entry-level clerk to Commercial Credit Manager. My visionary leadership helped transform rural communities into thriving towns, contributing to the economic development of Trinidad and Tobago. It was in this phase of my career that I built the foundation for my success: a deep understanding of community-building, strategic thinking, and leadership. After I retired from banking, I moved into Insurance and qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table six times. Yet, it was an unexpected life event that radically altered the course of my life. Diagnosed with cancer, I faced a life-threatening challenge that many could not survive. However, my resilience became the hallmark of my character. After winning my battle with cancer, I wrote a memoir, I Am Cancer Free, which not only became a bestseller but also garnered international acclaim. This book marked the beginning of my literary career, one that would ultimately see me publish 67 books, 67 audiobooks, and three screenplays, spanning a variety of genres, from memoirs to self-help, romance, mystery, science fiction, Christian books, children's books, and poetry.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
My 67th book is CHRISTMAS MESSAGES, faith-based and inspiring poetry, to remind us of the reason for Christmas. The book is intended to remind readers that Christmas is not simply a season, but a story, the story of God's greatest gift, His Son, given out of pure love for humanity.
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Inside the Mind - Johnn A. Escobar
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What inspired you to start writing?
Me inspiró la necesidad de crear mundos imaginarios donde todo es posible. Donde la lección de una vida ficticia pueda inspirar a vivir en la vida real.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
La trama de mi libro más reciente, titulado "La Cúspide de los Espíritus", gira en torno a una ciudad misteriosa y repleta de historias aterradoras las cuales son narradas al protagonista que es un periodista. Paso a paso irán conociendo el terror dominante en Penumbras City.
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Inside the Mind - Carla D E Godfrey
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What inspired you to start writing?
Jane Austen! I loved reading her when I was growing up; my stories used to be four pages long, first they involved my family and then I started creating characters.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
To be absolutely honest - I haven't written it yet! But I will say it's an intense office romance - I'll be releasing a snippet, a sort of prologue, in December along with my latest newsletter.
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Inside the Mind - BeTheVersionOfYou
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What inspired you to start writing?
What inspired me to start writing was this activist Maya Angelou, and her story behind her and how she emerged into a writer and a performer with being a memoirist and a poet
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is on Amazon; self-publishing is called Unbroken Scars; The Phoenix Arisen. The book is a sacred memoir of survival, transformation, and spiritual resilience. Through poetic storytelling and raw truth, I trace the journey from trauma to transcendence, offering readers a path lit by ritual, advocacy, and fierce compassion. These pages honor the scars that remain and the fire that rises from them.
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Inside the Mind - C. Robert Cales
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What inspired you to start writing?
Certainly not my mastership of the English language. Had I known what my life passion would be I would have paid closer attention in school. As a writer I'm pushed by my imagination, which has been my constant companion throughout my life. It's very proficient in making up intriguing stories whether I do anything with them or not. Eventually it started demanding an outlet. I thought about making movies, but start-up costs were well beyond my reach. Pen and paper, on the other hand, were dirt cheap and that pushed me to take my first step on the path toward the writing craft.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
Artificial Intelligence is an ebook only novella that follows twin brothers, builders of fast cars in Atlanta. After work, with all the tools cleaned up and put away, they head upstairs to the apartment they share and engage in their other passion, gaming, more specifically, digital warfare gaming with their 6 man fire team. They play for hours, taking time away from the action for only the basic needs, including sleep. The next day the cycle of creating fast cars and gaming begins again. On a whim the brothers buy PowerBall lottery tickets for a record smashing 4.2 billion dollar jackpot. When the news revealed the winning numbers they had the only winning ticket. One of the members of their fireteam, a local friend spread the word and it went like wildfire. Within an hour an impromptu party broke out in their parking lot. A pickup hauling beer kegs and another pulling a huge smoker grill arrived first and then the people came, many friends, some they hadn't seen in years. They opened up all the bay doors to accommodate a local radio station for their remote broadcast location and shortly after more people arrived. It only took about 24 hours of the constant party to realize that they needed a new place to live and money was no longer a factor. Near Denver a decommissioned ICBM silo has been converted into a high-tech entertainment center, complete with a digital Imax movie theater and performing arts theater, separated by a glittering circular bar. One floor down is the personal visitation lounge with its own smaller movie screen and smaller circular bar. Another floor down in a complete restaurant-quality kitchen. The final floor is an atrium connecting four bedrooms, each with its own digital screen. The DoD computer system that once controlled ICMB launch and guidance has been converted to civilian use and is poised to run everything related to the complex including contracting for all services, contracting with companies of actors and directors, selection of all plays and movies as well as promotions. The site conversion is complete and is being offered for sale. The price would be completely shocking to most buyers.
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What were you thinking!
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You write... good on you, but why?
I've always been creative, and up until a few years back, I created a lot of visual art items, paintings, photographs, prints, etc. I realised they took up too much room, writing, on the other hand, I could store away on websites. All of a sudden, I had a new outlet for my creativity. My main story device is a character called Janey, a feisty teen with spirit and a touch of angst. Her history project becomes a bigger thing than she thought, and carries with it a gathering of wisdom and values. The story goes on from there in my mind, and, oh well, we get to follow her on as life takes various twists and turns into adulthood. Janey defends herself, learns a bunch of fascinating things along the way, and oh yes, she falls in love...
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Why a female lead character?
It seemed logical, I wanted to make a statement about being strong, defending yourself, having resilience and a whole heap more. I recalled the various girls I worked with as well as students at school, and Janey came to mind, someone who has an attitude but the ability to learn, and make her way in the world.
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