Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Alexandra Swistak has traveled the world in her study of languages, culture and architecture.
She has degrees in education and art history, specializing in Early Renaissance paintings. A dream job move to Asia triggered a career change by the time she returned to Canada. She brings art, travel and an interest in the supernatural to her writing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Red Bride’s Noose is the first book in a series.
The idea came to me as I was travelling through Islamic countries and Asia, but I was not ready to juggle a book around a demanding career. Eventually, I realized I would never have more time and I had to learn how to make time for this book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, but I do like to follow a certain procedure before beginning a new creative project.
I need to feel like I’m in a brand new place, so I begin with an office renovation. It seems extravagant, but a fresh coat of paint and reupholstering a chair are small expenses. Still, my preparations may seem a bit much, but it’s a necessary step for me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
What makes your mystery thriller unique?
The reader experience’s life in a closed culture and the brutality against young Camille is chilling. Her modern attitudes are incompatible with her family’s beliefs and it could end up getting her murdered.
I can’t think of any other mystery like it.
What are you working on now?
During Nazi Germany, in Russian occupied Estonia, a tragic scene forever changes the lives of two little girls.
I can’t say much more as it’s very early stages.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I question marketing strategies that begin with giving away a brand new release.
When Larry D. Thompson did an Amazon cash gift card giveaway, I won and I have been buying his books ever since. Building brand loyalty and strong relationships with readers is very important to me.
I structure my cash contests and giveaways the same way many of my favorite authors do and it’s been good for me. I’m in the process of doing another $200.00 cash giveaway very soon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
1) Hire at least 3 editors
2) Hire a good cover designer
3) Package your book as beautifully as possible to compete with established names.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Where do you feel most inspired?
Nothing compares to living and working in Europe. Nara, Japan is also a power point for me.
What are you reading now?
In Falling Snow by Mary-Rose MacColl
http://mary-rosemaccoll.com/
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to write many more books, but my neighbours keep flooding my office.
People like to hang clothes on fire sprinklers. A couple months ago, someone put a towel over a gas fireplace and a huge fire broke out. Luckily, this time the originating unit was several floors below me.
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?
I would be happily stranded with any new work by:
Susan Hill
Ann Cleeves
Tana French
Anne Perry
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