Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Seattle-based author with a passion for intercultural understanding and protecting children. As a former professor of English Education at Chonnam National University in South Korea, I have authored many textbooks for Korean high schools. Recently, I turned to personal writing and have published a memoir as well as poems and a children’s book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I wrote “Swedish Again” in response to a “life is stranger than fiction” situation. I ended up back in the country of my birth re-parenting my former stepchildren and juggling motherhood across four countries and 11 children! When my second ex-husband died, his children turned to me. Only problem was, I lived in Seattle and they lived in Stockholm. I had not been a Swedish citizen for over 30 years. And thus it began…
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write as a gift to myself (having been a busy parent for many, many years), so I always try to remember to keep it fun. That said, I write early in the day so I can check it off my list. I love checking things off my list, apparently!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many, many. I love Stephen King for his voice and the feeling that he’s sitting right next to me telling me a story. I also love Margaret Atwood and Alice Munro. I read a lot, and I’m willing to try out anything which grabs my interest, from literary fiction (The Vegetarian by Han Kang) to the simply fun (Death By Dumpling by Vivien Chien.) My goal is to write in a clear, simple and engaging way, and I see other authors as my teachers.
What are you working on now?
That’s a secret! Last time I told someone what I was working on, my creativity ground to a halt. I will say, though, that at some point I will write about my 15 years living in South Korea, and at some point, I want to write amusing fiction.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I keep an active presence on Facebook and other social media, and I have a website and newsletter. I also try to connect with people who have an interest in Swedish culture (for this book). I track my promotion activity in an Excel sheet, so I can keep that stuff out of my brain as I continue to write.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Remember the difference between writing and publishing. Write for yourself, and enjoy the thrill of creation. Then consider if and how and when to publish your writing. It’s totally OK to write something which only you or a family member might enjoy.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice is to focus on the emotion of the story and the underlying conflict rather than the action or setting. No one really cares what time my character got up this morning. They care that she dreaded getting up because she feared going to work that day.
What are you reading now?
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. It’s good!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m hoping for a sunny, warm spring with nice students and time to write. I love spring!
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 take Baha’i Prayers, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, and the Complete Works of Shakespeare. I’m gonna be there a long time, right? If allowed a 4th, I would take a very thick notebook in which to write!
Author Websites and Profiles
Anna Dahland Website
Anna Dahland Amazon Profile
Anna Dahland’s Social Media Links
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