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A Little About Me:

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_ I am a 36 year old writer currently residing and writing in the heat of south Florida. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, my debut best-selling Sci-fi/Suspense/Thriller: Dark Side of the Moon incorporates knowledge from my previous law enforcement career, and a vivid imagination for the intense and suspenseful.

After being a semi-finalist for The Kindle Book Review: Best Indie Book of 2012, I have begun the sequel to Dark Side, which will be released in early 2013. I am also working on a shocking Crime/Thriller which will be out mid-2013.


I am a Christian, and while I do not write about my faith, it definitely affects how and what I write about.


DSOM Review October 17, 2012 via Raynetta Stocks

Dark Side of the Moon is about Derrick Thomas, a 28-year-old government agent, who finds himself caught up in a whirlwind mystery of intrigue and covert, top-secret intel--only to find that his father and sister are somehow dangling at the center of it.  This book has all the things you love about a great sci-fi story: futuristic weapons, engaging fight scenes, government cover-ups and an extensive list of dead bodies.  The twists and turns this novel takes are inventive and intricate as the plot builds from one discovery to the next.   But Dark Side doesn't open this strong.  I was often confused by the flashbacks and their relevance, and Taylor takes awhile (almost a hundred pages) to bring the reader to the real plot of the story.  There was quite a bit of jumping around in the opening chapters of the novel, and I had trouble getting my footing in the plot lines because of it.   Don't let that discourage you, though; once Dark Side picks up, it doesn't let go.  And the ending delivers a great big WTF, leaving you panting for the pending sequel.

Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews Interview July 13

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How did you start your writing career?
I assume you are referring to anything after the elementary school and the terrible book reports we were all forced to write back then?
I started writing poetry in college where I developed a real interest for creating and putting emotion into written words. I had one poem published in an anthology in 2004 and I was definitely hooked on having my words out there for the public.
I also wrote a mini-play in college, three combined appropriations of Shakespearean plays, and found it exciting to be writing something so in depth.

Tell us about your current release.

My debut best-selling Suspense/Thriller:
DARK SIDE OF THE MOON was just named a semi-finalist in The Best Indie Novel of 2012 contest sponsored by The Kindle Book Review.
When former government agent, Derrick Thomas, awakens to find his family missing and in danger, he must outwit a clandestine organization intent on keeping him from the truth and his family.

Tell us about your next release.
I am currently writing and editing the sequel to
DARK SIDE OF THE MOON which will be out end of summer 2012.
This story picks up with our hero, Derrick Thomas, far from home, and in immediate peril.
Derrick must fight his way through enemies at a secret government installation on the moon to find his missing family, while trying to expose a conspiracy to use civilians in terrifying experiments which leave them in a vegetative state.
Will Derrick find his loved ones before they fall prey to an organization focused on keeping him from discovering what part they may have played in all plot?...(Read Further Interview Here)


Felicia Tatum Interview July 13

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How did you come up with the idea for your book?
My debut best-selling Sci-fi/Suspense/Thriller:
Dark Side of the Moon (DSOM) is a project that is very close to my heart.
The idea came from a dream that I had involving my sister and myself. When I woke up from having this intense dream about being on a “mission” to find my sister, I grabbed a pen and pad and began sketching out an outline.
I did not set out to start writing a full length novel, but I was so impassioned with the idea, and the story kept flowing, and before I knew it I had my first book written.

Do you have a favorite character?

While the story focuses around Derrick Thomas, my favorite character is his sister Jeanie. I enjoyed writing the pieces that focus on her back-story and I truly enjoyed layering the plot around the secrets that she may or may not be involved in.

I have a lot of work from when I was a teen, do you have anything like that? What feelings do you have when you reread it?
I began writing poetry in my teens and in college, and while I don’t have a lot of my work early work on hand, the pieces that I do read just make me smile with amazement. I can always see the passion in what I was writing, but I marvel at how raw I was back then.

I wonder what I will say twenty years from now about my writing now...(Read Further Interview Here)


Naomi Ay Interview June 19

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Ahmad Taylor who has written his debut Sci-fi/Suspense/Thriller: Dark Side of the Moon

Naomi: Let’s start with just a brief synopsis of your book.  In 20 words or less, tell me what it is about.

Ahmad: Ex-Government agent battles clandestine organization to uncover global conspiracy and rescue his missing family.

Naomi:  That’s only 15 words.  You’ve got five more.  Do you want to add anything?

Ahmad:  Grab your copy today… Thanks!

Naomi:  Spot on.  You just made it.  Now, tell me who is your favorite character and why? You can use more than 20 words from here on out.

Ahmad:  This story is very close to my heart and each of the main characters is based upon someone in my life, but having to choose one I vote Jeanie. She is an overachieving heroine who uses familial strife to overcome and succeed in the real world.

Her character appears to be simple and single-minded, but as the story progresses, you see she is a very multi-layered person, with a variety of motivations that are often hidden from the other characters and the reader.

The story follows the main character, Derrick, but the key to the entire story is by far, Jeanie.
..(Read Further Interview Here)


Amy Manneman Interview May 29

Where are you originally from?

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. I lived, worked, partied, etc. there for 29 years, before taking my “talents” to South Beach in 2006 (Ft. Lauderdale more accurately).

What inspired you to become a writer?

Inspiration is an interesting term. I don’t know that I can point to one specific person, thing, or event that inspired me to become a writer; however, I can definitely say that I have always had a propensity for story-telling, my mother can attest to that.

Growing up my sister was always the book-worm in our family. I actually hated having to read, do book reports, etc. My mother used to assign us books to read over the summer and then write a report for her, which may have contributed to my abhorrence of the written-word early on.

I do however have fond memories of a couple of English teachers I had in elementary school (Steven Steinberg & Richard Cimino wherever they may be now; Thanks to you both) who helped me develop my affinity for weaving my tales in a more concrete and constructive manner.

I became very interested in poetry in high school and college. I both read and wrote it a lot in those days, and I guess that’s when I started finding enjoyment in writing.

In my later college years I took several English Literature courses and it was at this point in my life that developed a true appreciation for a well-crafted story. I wrote my first “true” short-story while enrolled in an Appropriations of Shakespeare course my senior year. I had an assignment to write a short 5-10 page appropriation of one of our favorite plays. 53 pages later, I had a mini-play of my very own. I combined 3 of my favorite plays (King Lear, The Tempest & Othello) into one play. For all of my hard work and dedication I only got a ‘B’on the assignment. My professor’s explanation of my lackluster grade was that the plot was “too intricate and convoluted”. I didn’t quite understand at the time, but that was my first introduction to plot-structure and editing.

After that, writing was in my blood I suppose.


What is/are your favorite genre(s)?

I don’t have a specific favorite genre to read, but I wrote my first novel: Dark Side of the Moon (DSOM), as a blend of Suspense & Thriller with a touch of Science Fiction thrown in there for good measure. I like a well-crafted Suspense novel that truly keeps the reader guessing and forces you to concoct you own theories as to the next progression in the plot.

In writing DSOM I tried to set a tone where the reader was locked into the characters, their thoughts, actions, personalities, and motives, and then I tried to throw all of that off with quick plot twists and interruptions in each characters’ mode of operating.

I will be sticking with this specific mixed genre for the near future since I am currently working on the sequel to DSOM, but I have other projects that will carry me off into different directions as well...(Read Further Interview Here)


SciYourFi Online Interview Mar. 9

What are your pet peeves (dislikes) in life?

People who eat with their hands and then don’t wash them after. I feel it’s like; “Really? I need the remnants of your prior meal and back-wash in my general vicinity? Just keep your grimy, saliva-covered fingers away from me!”

Messy people, though I have my moments of laziness, I hate seeing others being slobs.

I genuinely do not enjoy people who preach their particular opinions at the expense of others and their views. It’s very arrogant and obnoxious and only serves to validate someone’s ignorance when they act like they are the “all-knowing”!

Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

My father was and still is the greatest influence on my life. Before he passed in 2004 he was a constant source of strength and inspiration in my life.

Though he did not get passed a year or two of college, he was a very learned man, who read and educated himself constantly.

He lived a very stressful life, tortured by many illnesses, but he showed me and the world that one does not have to be a victim of their circumstances.

He never gave up on anything in life, and fought hard to the end, always giving hope and encouragement to others, and that is what I and most will always remember about him...(Read Further Interview Here)


Jess Resides Here Online Interview Mar. 5

Today’s interview is with author Ahmad Taylor. Ahmad is a great guy and has written a book that I must say has me very interested. As soon as I’m back to accepting new reviews Dark Side Of The Moon will be on the must read list.

Here is blurb on Dark Side check it out and please say hi to Ahmad. I really enjoyed this interview and hope Ahmad will be back on the blog soon.

Government agent Derrick Thomas awakens from a disturbing dream to find a message from his father asking for help. As he sets out to lend his assistance he quickly discovers that not only has his father gone missing, but that a clandestine government agency is out to derail his search before it can begin. After the murders of two of his father’s colleagues and the further disappearances of his mother and sister, Derrick is thrust into a battle for the lives of his family while attempting to uncover details of a secret government program which may hold the key to his family’s whereabouts. Will he be able to save them and uncover the truth before he becomes the next victim of a government bent on keeping him silent?


Please tell us about yourself –


Hi Jessica. I am a Leo, I like long walks on the beach, the wind blowing through my hair, and champagne bubbles that tickle my nose.

Truly a “LOL” way to start things off. I am actually a 35-yr old former NYC police officer who has taken his “talents to S. Beach” (see Lebron James for shady reference).

I am a writer by day, writer by night and hanger-outer by weekend.
..(Read Further Interview Here)


Stacy Eaton Online Interview Feb. 29

It's Writer Wednesday and we are happy to have Ahmad Taylor, author of Dark Side of the Moon here with us today!
Welcome!! 
Tell us a bit about yourself:

Do you work another job when you are not writing?


I am a freelance writer in the private security industry.

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t writing?

Besides constantly checking on my book sale statistics?I love playing sports. I like the exercise and the competition.

What is your favorite color? Why?

This is gonna’ sound super manly, but as a kid it was pink because I loved strawberry milk and I associated the color with the flavor.As an adult I like most shades of blue. Navy is strong and powerful, and light blue is bright and inviting.

What is your favorite season? Why?

There is nothing at all like springtime in NYC (where I’m originally from). When the black snow starts melting, the air warms up, and the city is filled with beautiful people happy to shed their bulky winter gear.

If you could live anyplace on earth, where would it be? Why?

Somewhere in Scandinavia. I visited Denmark and Amsterdam for a month once and found the culture to be very warm and inviting, even when the weather is not...(Read Further Interview Here)


Kim Mullican Online Author Interview Feb. 29

I’m very excited to introduce you to former NYC Police Officer and Author Ahmad Taylor!

KM:  Welcome Ahmad!  Thank you for taking time out to stop by my blog.  Tell us about your book, DARK SIDE OF THE MOON.

AT:  DARK SIDE OF THE MOON (DSOM) is a Suspense/Thriller with a dash of Sci-fi to keep things fresh and interesting.
The story revolves around an ex-government agent: Derrick Thomas, and his attempts to find and save his family who has gone missing.

The Thomas family is a group of well educated; extremely successful; and highly trained scholars who each have served their government in some capacity at various points in their lives.

The story starts off with Derrick receiving a message from his father asking for assistance with retrieving some private data files for a research project his father is engaged in. The reader quickly learns, along with Derrick, that his father’s service with a seemingly benign agency extends well beyond the “occasional researcher”, and when he seeks the assistance of his sister in helping his father, Derrick discovers that his sister has also been downplaying her responsibilities with this very same agency.

The story then takes you on Derrick’s perilous journey to uncover a slew of secrets that he hopes will piece together the puzzle of where his family  is located at and him bring them to safety.

...KM:  Ohh, a clandestine government agency!  Do you think your time in law enforcement aided in your world building in DARK SIDE OF THE MOON.


AT: I have never personally dealt with any clandestine organizations, but then again, how would I have known at the time?
Both my background in law enforcement and private security (over 10-yrs combined) definitely gave me some added insight into working for government agencies both on the local and federal level. Much of the fighting scenes were derived from simple, yet effective self-defense techniques that law enforcement officers receive in their training.
..(Read Further Interview Here)

Lori A. Moore Online Author Interview Feb. 24, 2012

What fact about your life would you like to share with your readers?   
I have some amazing, loving and supportive family and friends. The past couple years have not been the easiest, and I have only gotten through those times with the strength and assistance provided me by those who love me. 

If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be, and why?  
Either Italy for the culture and beautiful women, or Ireland, cause the Irish can drink like champions! 

Do you have any hobbies (other than writing)? What do you do when you are not writing?
I love watching and playing almost all sports, pretty much anything except soccer, cause it’s stupid! Ha!  I play a little Xbox, read, and do the occasional all-night outing with friends to the local distilleries. 

I’m also big into movies but really, who isn’t? I love an intricate suspense/thriller. I am a big fan of the Bourne Identity series. Also, The Usual Suspects is still a big fave of mine. I try to pick up little tips from the great films that keep me on the edge of my seat, and incorporate them into my style of writing...(Read Full Interview Here)

_Book Snatch Author Interview Feb. 13, 2012

_ Favorite reads?
Hmmm. I am a huge Terry Goodkind fan. His Sword of Truth series is pretty great reading. I’m 8 novels in with about 3 to go. It’s a nice mix of adult fantasy with thriller thrown in there. It’s got an interesting heaven vs hell / good vs evil tone running through it. Think Lord of the Rings but way more graphic in terms of sex and violence.

I am also a big fan of Shakespeare. I took a couple Lit classes in college where the main focus was his work. I also wrote a short appropriation of King Lear, The Tempest & Macbeth combined. Once you get passed the Olde English, he is a great read.

And of course The Bible!

Inspirations for the book?
The honest and true inspiration for this novel is my big sister. That’s the short-answer. The long-for version is; I had one of my “crazy dreams” in which my sister and I are government agents working in outer space. In part of the dream, all was well. Fast forward to second part of dream where she was missing and in danger. I had to try and convince people that not only was she not just a random figment of my imagination, but that she was also in harm’s way.

Once I woke up, covered in sweat and a bit traumatized, I grabbed a pencil and pad and started writing. After an hour I had a bare-bones outline. Next day I grabbed my laptop and the rest is her-story...(Read full interview here)
Look for new interviews and reviews coming in the near future (Feb. 29 to be exact)...
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