Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Since leaving the military in 2013, I have been travelling the world, visiting around 25 exciting neighboring countries from my new home in Cairo, Egypt. My time in Italy contributed to the atmosphere of this new book, and most of the scene locations have been described from my personal experience there. For the past two years, I have been developing my writing skills and self-publishing my books on Amazon. I currently have five Sparrow titles on Amazon (one of them is an interactive fiction story for children!), and I’m working on #6 (a mansion murder mystery).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is called Carried Away. It’s an action-packed pandemic thriller set in a quarantined Italy, inspired by the current COVID-19 crisis but based upon a different, yet very real global disease.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. Before I begin writing a new book, I create a 3D model of my protagonist that I can look at for inspiration while I’m writing his dialogue.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like to think that my greatest influence was Michael Crichton. I truly appreciate the stunning amount of research that he poured into each of his novels.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a mansion murder mystery, similar to an Agatha Christie novel. My book is set in Egypt, in the 1920s, in a historic mansion called the Baron Palace.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books at www.theshortstoryteller.com, and also feature an eclectic variety of book reviews there.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read. Turn off Netflix, stop playing X-Box.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A writer writes, always. (Throw Momma From The Train)
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Agatha Christie novels for inspiration.
What’s next for you as a writer?
One of my next projects might be a spy thriller, on board a cruise ship. I’m hoping to book an Arabian Gulf cruise for inspiration.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Blank books, so that I could write my own!
Author Websites and Profiles
E.L. Haines Website
E.L. Haines Amazon Profile
E.L. Haines’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile