Happy Publication Day everyone!

 

Our fifth Publication Day of 2025 brings a whole new collection of exciting stories, from a wonderful collective of talented authors!

 

To introduce them, we’ve devised a fun feature – Ask Our Authors – where we send all our newly published writers the same simple question to see how different each answer is…

 

For our May authors, we asked them - which would you prefer: watching a film in the comfiest cinema seat, listening to music relaxing in the sun, or sitting with your favourite book free of distractions - and why?

 

Here are their answers…

 

 

 

 

“My favourite out of these three questions is strangely - and I’m sure being an author and actor not expected - is sitting in the sun listening to music playing in the background! Definitely not loud music… nice and mellow smooth music with a cocktail in one hand sunning on the lovely beach of Alicante. I can’t think of anything better!”

 

Luing Andrews, author of 9ish

 

 

“When it comes to finding some peaceful relaxation…  there is only one winner! I love going to the cinema with good company for the obvious reasons; the hot popcorn and bucket of pop… the roaring soundtrack and the sensory pleasure… but there is nothing like reading a book on one’s own to really find some tranquillity and to just escape from life’s to do list. I spend morning till night at the day job listening to music, working on music production projects, and often learning new song lyrics and chords - so the last thing I want to do to relax is listen to more music! So, for me there really is nothing that can beat sitting by yourself and reading a good book - especially when the social battery is dropping, and I just need a bit of me time to get lost in the world of something extraordinary.”

 

Joshua Phillips, author of A Little Red Dragon Called Iolo

 

 

“Sitting with a good book free of interference and distractions, because I like peace and quiet.”

 

Howard Hoyle, author of A Shoestring and a Prayer

 

 

“I like to sit on a sunny beach with a good book. This is not only relaxing but also keeps me topped up with vitamin D.”

 

Rita Haworth, author of A Survivor's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety

 

 

“I prefer to read a book rich in captivating and extraordinary prose.”

 

Michelle Blackbird, author of A Time to Wait

 

 

“If I had to choose, I’d go with sitting with my favourite book, free of distractions—preferably with snacks within arm’s reach and my phone buried under a pile of laundry so I won’t be tempted. There’s something magical about that kind of deep focus where time and place vanish. One minute it’s 2 p.m., and the next thing you know, it’s dark out and you’ve forgotten how to form real-world sentences.

As someone who writes about motivation and habits, I know how rare and rewarding it is to find that kind of flow. No guilt, no to-do lists—just you and a great book, and maybe a strong cup of coffee (or three).”

 

Ola Skodvin, author of Act and Achieve: Become Your Dream

 

 

“Film, music, or books? All three are different, and all three are great. They all create strong emotional mental images, but in different ways.

For me film is a book made short. In a good movie all my emotions are activated as I become enmeshed in the storyline.

All music, with its intertwined rhythms, melodies, and good lyrics combined with an emotional singing voice tells a story and creates pleasure in my brain.

A book, in film terms, is a movie made long. With a book the author can probe deeper with thoughtful unresolvable emotions. More complex stories can be told.

Good films, good music, and good books all take artistic effort to produce. They can be happy, sad, or anywhere in between. For me, all three genres can be extremely satisfying.”

 

William Ingalls, author of Addicted To Love

 

 

“Sitting with a book, free from distractions, ideally by the sea, is one of my greatest joys. Reading by the ocean nourishes both my spirit and my mind.”

 

R. Di Giovanni, author of Adrift

 

 

“Each of these three choices is wonderful in its own way, but after some serious contemplation, and a lot of to-ing and fro-ing, I have settled with sitting free of distractions and reading my favorite book.

There are no distractions, just the pure joy of escaping into a world created by the author, as you become immersed in the storyline, surrounded by characters you can either love or loathe: characters and storylines you can relate to. As you build up a picture in your own mind, and slip between the pages with effortless ease, you are totally transported into the story. You can see the surroundings, feel the love and joy, the pain and sorrow; learn to understand and become each character in turn.  To be lost in a book you don’t want to put down, and entranced by a story you don't want to end, is to be in your happy place.”

 

Anna Hendry, author of Appearances

 

 

 

 

“I’d prefer to sit with my favourite book free of distractions - with endless time and no distractions you could really lose yourself within the story, the characters and think over the themes. I always enjoyed really delving deep into a text when studying English at university - it still appeals to me now, but life is so busy! Having a brief moment like that to revisit my favourite book(s) would be bliss.”

 

Thomas Redjeb, author of Ashbrook Manor

 

 

“Although self-serving, I prefer sitting with a favorite book free of distractions. In a world replete with misinformation, distortion between fantasy and reality, and the need for instant gratification, immersion in a novel in which an author has shared his or her soul and provided insights beyond soundbites is a refuge that engages my imagination and restores my spirit.”

 

Thomas Reardon, author of Beyond Las Vegas

 

 

“My favourite book of course! I love a novel that makes your heart thump with anticipation as it throws you straight into a situation and starts you asking the questions. ‘How? Why?’ The characters are loosely described so that you can build pictures of them in your mind. This is  preferable  to being presented with cinema images, usually over-glamourised, and doing far more to your senses than music ever can. A good book can be picked up or put down whenever you choose, and be left to tease your mind with the possibilities of how the plot will unfold; how the story can possibly end. It will always be my favoured source of entertainment.”

 

Graham Hart, author of Blood of Your Hero

 

 

“Put my chair, put my feet up and read a great book. What is better than that?”

 

Daniel Thompson, author of Borderland Passion

 

 

“Definitely sitting reading a book free from any distractions. Nothing better than escaping into an exciting world of make belief in our historical past, as Richard Sharpe foils Napoleon once again or Sherlock Holmes solves yet another mysterious case. All this make believe takes place whilst you are sat on a winter’s day in your kitchen with a cup of Yorkshire tea and the Aga keeping you warm from the chills outside.”

 

Anthony Chew, author of Broadwater

 

 

“I would prefer reading a book but because of my age my eyes get tired and I can only read a few pages”

 

Keith Fisher, author of Brummies in Australia & Two Brummie Stories

 

 

“I would prefer sitting with my favourite book free of distractions. The most relaxing thing for me is reading a good book.”

 

Mojca Kralj, author of Buffy Found Home

 

 

“There’s nothing better than sinking into my cozy chair and getting lost in the pages of my favourite book. It’s my way to unwind, and I always look forward to that special time!”

 

Maree Callahan, author of Charlie and Digby

 

 

 

 

“I would much prefer to sit reading my favourite book where there is complete quite, then I can lose myself in the story without any interruptions.”

 

F. J. Beal, author of Charlotte's Baby

 

 

“I would prefer listening to music in the sun- and is something I frequent being in San Diego! Music has always been my gateway to creativity, I actually listened to LoFi, Matthew Lennox, Nora En Pure etc when I was writing Coming To. Some headphones, cloud-free afternoon laying in the park is my absolute favorite.”

 

Nancy Elizabeth, author of Coming To

 

 

“I would say, listening to music relaxing in the sun. In my family, music is played every day, all day. You’ll probably notice that in Connecting Souls too. Music is a big part of my life. It connects you to memories, places and people. It simply makes you feel alive.”

 

Valentina Drutti, author of Connecting Souls

 

 

“Watching a film in the comfiest cinema seat.

As a father of three small children, going to the cinema is rare (well to watch a movie that I have chosen and not my children). There is something eventful about going to the cinema. It is a commitment you are making to the movie, staying there to the end, being asked not to look at your phone, being able to relax in a seat and unwind and be taken on a journey.  A real treat!”

 

Nick Stebbings, author of Doctor Ray and Her Magical Patients

 

 

“The three-options sound amazing! Could we mix it up a bit? How about a comfy couch, in the sun reading my favorite book! I would get the best part of each option! But if I could only pick one, I’d go with sitting with my favorite book free of distractions, because that’s a moment when I can immerse myself into the knowledge that makes me feel as comfy as sitting in the sun listening to relaxing music while I make a movie in my head.”

 

Rebeca Esponda, author of Fefi in your Ear

 

 

“Despite the last three weeks of amazing April/May weather the sun's arrival to our shores is far to infrequent. So, my choice would be relaxing in the sunshine whilst it's still hanging around, listening to my favourite music. My favourite book will wait till I retire upstairs to my comfy bed.”

 

C T Sullivan, author of Fractured Web

 

 

“Most definitely sitting with my favourite book free of distractions   My mind and imagination would focus fully on the story/plot, escaping into the world/mind of the author, allowing my everyday worries to just melt away and the story/plot take hold.”

 

A. Jack Wilson, author of Gilbert and the Pixie Cross

 

 

“I'd have to say listening to music, whether in the sun or not. Music is everything to me — it’s the one thing that never fails to inspire me, and spark creativity. It’s also a form of escapism for me as well. When I listen to music, it clears space in my mind, more so than books and films do. In fact, my poetry is deeply influenced by music and song writing — I often find that lyrics and melodies say things that are hard to express any other way. Music is where stories begin in my head, and without it, I don't think I would have been able to write my book.”

 

Jonathan Mair, author of Goodnight, Mum

 

 

“This is a hard question, I love all three. I listen to music all the time, it's always playing in the background, so I get to enjoy it anytime. These days my need to write drives me to use whatever free time I have to write, so I rarely take the time to just sit and read, though I love to. My answer will have to be watching a film. I can enjoy the story while not feeling like I'm ignoring my own creativity.”

 

John Griffin, author of The Heroes of Arkaine: Beginnings

 

 

 

 

“Listen to music relaxing in the sun.”

 

Brianna McMahon, author of Hidden Ancestry in the Middle East

 

 

“I love listening to music with my book free of distractions, It's giving me time to slow down, and reflect on my reading, enjoy the process of engagement with my book on my time.”

 

Estee Cohen Laub, author of I and the Village: Daughter of the Kibbutz

 

 

“I enjoy sitting with my favorite book in a distraction-free environment because reading not only brings me psychological comfort but also nourishes my mind.”

 

Mohamad Ahmad, author of If Not…

 

 

“While I enjoy a good film, I prefer reading a book free of distractions. Books provide a level of detail and plot development that even the best film can't. While a film can provide amazing special effects and remarkable images, none of those compare the pictures a well-written book can insert in the reader's mind.”

 

David W. Guth, author of In the Moment: The Journey of the Class of '70

 

 

“I prefer sitting with my favorite book free of distractions. But then, as I am reading or when I am finished, I like to discuss the story with friends, either online or in person. That usually involves a glass of wine or two and distractions aplenty.”

 

Kathy Kaye, author of Interview with the Tarot Reader

 

 

“I would prefer to combine the last two options: sitting with my favourite book whilst relaxing in the sun. For me, the sunshine brings back the feeling of being on holiday – warm, calm, and carefree. Reading a good book adds to that sense of escape; it’s like taking a holiday from everyday life. There’s something special about being completely absorbed in a story with the sunshine beaming on your face. It’s the perfect way to relax and recharge.”

 

Melanie Barrin, author of L'Apéritif

 

 

“Cinema seat please because life's too busy!”

 

Philip Lowe, author of L'Chaim

 

 

“Music listening in the sun, or maybe just inside the shade, would be my choice. I'm constantly trying to uplift the serene elements in myself. My concern is that these aren't reflected in Longing for Laurie. Reading my own book makes me a little uncomfortable and makes me worry that readers will misunderstand--not the book, but me. Being around a loved one in a coma isn't a tranquil experience, and being "posed" by an alien force to simulate coma even less so. I've written a sequel to Longing for Laurie where I strive for the more tranquil, but it can be an uphill battle for the author. That's the tricky part--will it be uphill for the reader, or more like on the verge of losing control, and coming back from the edge?”

 

MJ Muirhead, author of Longing for Laurie

 

 

“I love the sun there's nothing more pleasing to me than feeling that warm heat shining on my face I can't wait for the dark cold wintery days to pass. At the first sign of a sunny day, I’m out in the garden sitting with my headphones on listening to upbeat music tapping my feet in time to the rhythm.”

 

Catherine J. Drayton, author of Lucretia

 

 

 

 

“I’m free of distractions and have decided to understand why this book had such an effect on me, and how it was, that it really delivered. Now I will rely on my mind to do the rest! But how that works, is difficult to say. But once ‘processed’, who knows, perhaps this could affect my future writings in such a way, that I would have the same effect on others!”

 

Geoff Barnes, author of Mind Fusion

 

 

“I would prefer reading a favourite book because I can take a break whenever I want, rather than sit in one spot until the film ends.”

 

M. R. Thoreson, author of Mud Love Troll

 

 

“As much as I love a good film or a sunny playlist, my favourite way to relax is by snuggling up with a book—especially when I’m reading it with my daughter. There’s something so special about sharing a story together, turning the pages, and watching her eyes light up as the adventure unfolds.

Whether we’re giggling at silly characters, guessing what might happen next, or just enjoying the quiet moment side by side, it’s always the highlight of my day. Reading together isn’t just about the story—it’s about the memories we’re making as we explore new worlds, one page at a time.

So for me, the perfect day isn’t just reading a favourite book—it’s reading it together, with someone you love (and maybe a little snack nearby, too!).”

 

Sean Barry, author of Nibbles School Adventure

 

 

“Listening to music relaxing in the sun”

 

Gabriela Dukanovic, author of No Longer Afraid

 

 

“Sitting with my favourite book free of distractions! Distractions are EVERYWHERE nowadays (mainly social media and my uni work!) and there's nothing more wonderful than getting totally lost in a story and looking up to find you haven't moved! I will never underestimate the wonders of some sunshine though.”

 

Vicki Bolland, author of None Down, Three to Go

 

 

“Reading my favorite book with no distractions would be my preference. Reading is by far my favorite pastime and being able to enjoy a book without interruption would be a great day!”

 

R. R. Smith, author of Obscured Intent

 

 

“That is a trick question. Off I Go... is an amazing story to read undistracted. However, it will be better once it's been turned into a movie. Watching the motion picture of Off I Go... in the comfiest cinema seat wins by a long mile.”

 

Caroline Hey, author of Off I Go…

 

 

“I would prefer to be sitting with a favourite book, free of distractions and that might very well be in the sunshine, sat in a very comfortable seat. I have a very good visual imagination, so it would also feel like I had the screenplay vividly playing in my mind as I read. So, it's a win, win, win for me.”

 

Anne-Louise Quinton, author of On Hold

 

 

“All these activities contribute to a fulfilling life. At the right place and time, they would all be preferred over the others. However, if I had to choose, I would opt for listening to music while reading on holiday or on a lovely summer day. With my dog by my side and a nice refreshing drink to hand, the sense of well-being during those moments is seldom mirrored elsewhere in life. Though the setting lacks the wild euphoria of other events, the reality is that reading in such a heavenly environment enables me to be myself and realign my mind.”

 

Paul T Hart, author of Operation Yellow Typhoon

 

 

 

 

“Reading a favourite book in a quiet, comfortable place would be my choice. A well written book is totally absorbing. The stressors of the day fade into oblivion... at least for a little while. I enter another world and perhaps another dimension. I am not looking for an escape from reality, rather to experience another reality, as I interpret and imagine from text rather than visual images. Such fun!”

 

Blair Wylie, author of Ore Wars

 

 

“I would choose listening to music relaxing in the sun. Whereas sitting with my favorite book free of distractions is very tempting and would typically be the easy choice, I live in a part of the world where winter is cold and snowy and lasts for half the year. So now that it is late May, the allure of warmer weather and sunshine is too great for me to ignore! Also, I make time every day for reading, but I too rarely indulge in the joy of listening to music without distraction or other activity.”

 

Maury Aaseng, author of Pollywog! Not a Frog

 

 

“I would definitely choose 'Sitting with my favourite book free of distraction '. It wouldn't necessarily be my favourite book but one of my 'to read' books. The reason for this is that I have a stack of books waiting on the bookshelf and calling me to read them, however my life at present is on such a full speed that I just can't find time to get to them yet.”

 

Veronica Hart, author of Pyramix

 

 

“In a world full of distractions, I would have to choose sitting with my favourite book with no distractions. It is very rare these days, with life revolving around text messages and emails, to get the opportunity to sit quiet and read with no interruptions. A book deserves to have time spent reading, absorbing and fully appreciating the words chosen by the author to bring their story to life -- sheer bliss!”

 

A. J. Harman, author of Some Bizarre Crackle and an Odious Grog

 

 

“Watching a film in the comfiest cinema seat because then I won't be distracted. I have difficulties watching movies on TV at home because I would have 100 other things that I suddenly considered need doing or attention.”

 

Kent Hung, author of Starry, Starry Night

 

 

“Each choice truly has its own unique charm! I find myself leaning towards listening to music while relaxing in the sun, as it brings such a sense of peace and joy. However, the thought of reading my favourite book without distractions sounds incredibly enticing! Then, watching a fantastic film in the comfiest cinema seat sounds great fun too! It’s so hard to choose! Can I choose all of them? I would be genuinely grateful to have the opportunity to enjoy any of these wonderful options. How blessed I feel to have such choices!”

 

Sarah Greenway, author of The Adventures of OM

 

 

“It would have to be sitting with my favourite book free of distractions. There's nothing I love more than how a great book can transport your imagination to wild and wonderful places. But if I could take a little sprinkle from all three options you have my ideal evening. Sitting on a comfy chair, in the sun, reading my favourite book!”

 

C J Gallagher, author of The Box

 

 

“Difficult question. All three are good options. However, the words "watching a film" and "listening to music" never imply that the music or film in question are good, whereas "my favourite book" de facto has to be enjoyable. For those reasons, I'll have to go with option three.”

 

Eddy Dennis, author of The Coaster King

 

 

“I love all three - films, music and books!! So, I will pretend that it is daytime and there is a power cut. The answer would, of course, be read my favourite book!!”

 

Edward VJ Philpott, author of The Fox of Charente

 

 

 

 

“This is a difficult question to answer! As an author, I am never without a book. The minute I finish one, I pick another one up. And who doesn’t love watching a juicy movie?

But out of these three things, I’d have to say I’d prefer to be listening to music while relaxing in the sun. Truth be told, I always listen to music while reading or writing. Something soft like classical or meditation music. I’ll often play one of my Spotify yoga playlists while reading or writing.

I need music to write, and it’s a vital part of every film because it impacts the emotional and narrative experience of the audience. Music sets the tone, evokes emotion, and enhances storytelling, making the book I’m writing or any film more engaging. Music acts as a secondary narrative.”

 

T. L. Mumley, author of The Money Masquerade

 

 

“The question was posed as being a simple one, but the options given complicated it for me. On vacation, my favorite pastime is to sit in the sun on a beach, listening to reggae music and reading a book. While the first option is also a favorite one, I find reading allows me to visualize the characters in the story and formulate my own scenery and backgrounds based on the author's words. Reading my favorite book with no distractions is also a good option but reading in the sun with music playing is my number one.”

 

Brian Pollard, author of The Next Best Thing and Other Stories

 

 

“I would prefer to be sitting with my favourite book free from distractions.  Films can be fun but visually the whole story is laid out for you. You do not have to create the characters or interpret the plot. Music is wonderful and can enhance your day, but a book lets you escape to a different world, one you only have to imagine to be there.”

 

Kim Hopkinson, author of The Refugee

 

 

“I’m going to have to choose seeing a film in the comfiest cinema seat, or, more specifically, a truly terrifying movie in a packed theatre. There’s no shortage of modern horror, and believe me, every horror movie from gut wrenching gore fest to thrilling panic attack to campy schlock has its place and time, for me every weekend, but the experience of being scared on a primal level, of sinking back into your childish nature, of forgetting the people around you while sharing in that collective hysteria, of insatiably eating popcorn in some effort to steel your nerves; there’s nothing in the world quite like it. Its pure primordial bliss.”

 

Patrick Augustine, author of The Vanity of Perfection

 

 

“I would prefer sitting with my favourite vodka free of distractions because its my down time and its one of my favourite things to do.”

 

Jessica Parker, author of Through My Eyes

 

 

“While all three sound enticing, I'm a huge music fan, and I play a bit of guitar and piano, so I would choose relaxing in the sun listening to music, especially an outdoor concert of some kind. I live in California, so we're blessed with a lot of outdoor music festivals. Good times.”

 

David Callaway, author of Unregulated Militia

 

 

“Not an easy choice. I do enjoy going to the cinema and losing myself in a good plot. A comfy seat and a large box of popcorn all adds to the experience. On the other hand, part of the pleasure of reading for me is to escape into a different world, and to visualise the characters in my head. It is easier to concentrate without distractions.  I am going to be totally indulgent (and unrealistic!) and say watching a film of my favourite book, with the actors, scenery and script all chosen by me.”

 

Elie Hutchison, author of Where There's a Will…

 

 

“Sitting with my favourite book free of distractions!  This is something I make time for every day because I enjoy it so much: relaxing in my comfy chair, sweet dog curled up next to me, cup of coffee and book in hand. Yes, please!”

 

Marisa Atha, author of Written on the Wall

 

 

“I live on the Gulf Coast of Texas. My family and I love to spend our time playing at the beach. We will raise a canopy, play some music and play in the water. Surfing, fishing and snorkelling the day away…”

 

Colin Jones, author of Your Last Bedtime Story

 

 

 

Thank you to our authors for taking part in this feature!

 

Make sure to take a look at our newest titles in our “Latest Releases” category today!

 

Happy Publication Day everyone!