Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Finnish indie author who writes in English. I published my first fantasy novel, Strands of Existence 1: Island Girl, at the end of August 2020, and now I’m trying to get the sequel ready for next autumn at the latest. Even though this is my first book, I’ve always written stories. The first time I tried to make a book I was 5 years old. I had paper, a stapler, and crayons so there was nothing to stop me. I still have it in a box somewhere.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest, and first book, is called Strands of Existence 1: Island Girl. The stories I write just sort of come to me, and I see them as a movie playing in my head. I usually get a name of a character and then I start to get a feel about who they are, where they are from, and what their world is like. I love building different worlds and getting to explore them and their laws and magic.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I cannot sit normally when writing. I always sit cross-legged with my legs on the chair under me. If I don’t, I start to fidget so much the screen shakes.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My mother read the LoRT trilogy to me when I was 5, so that definitely did the trick in turning me into a life-long fantasy lover. As an adult, I find I like Le Guin more when it comes to style. But oddly enough, I think I read more classics than I read anything else. I really like Dostojevski, Blake, Austen, and Milton. Then there is one Swedish author called Astrid Lindgren who wrote my favorite book in the world which makes me cry each time I read it. It’s called the Brothers Lionheart. It just speaks to me with its bittersweet beginning and ending.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sequel to Island Girl. As the first book leaves the story more or less open, I need to get the next part out soon. I’m also working on the next two installments to the series as it will very likely have four parts in total.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Oh, I’m just starting out, so I don’t have much experience in this. I’ve gotten some lovely reviews on Goodreads by just getting to know other authors in similar genres. It’s fun and beneficial.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just to trust yourself and not to give up too soon. The only thing I regret so far with going indie is that I waited so long. But that doesn’t mean you should rush with the work itself, polish it, have people read it, and listen to the criticism when it’s reasonable.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Sit your butt on the chair and write. It’s a job like any other.
What are you reading now?
I’m actually reading LoTR to my daughter at the moment, so making that into a family tradition. When I get a few minutes to myself, I try to sneak in some poetry or a book by another newbie author I’ve befriended during all of this.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Trying to learn marketing I suppose. I have my authorly escapades pretty set with 3 books still to come in the series so I get to travel with the current characters for quite a while still.
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?
The Brothers Lionheart. I can read it a thousand times and not get bored. Milton’s Paradise Lost. Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. And any credible survival guide.
Author Websites and Profiles
Aino Lahteva Website
Aino Lahteva Amazon Profile
Aino Lahteva’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile