Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Murder In Absentia: a story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic is my first novel. Between being the story I always wanted to read (a combination of Ancient Rome, Detective Mystery, and Urban Fantasy) and the awards it won, I felt I just had to write a sequel…
In Numina, the second Felix mystery, is due out in April.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In Numina, the second Felix mystery. Just like Murder In Absentia, it is a story of Togas, Daggers and Magic – for lovers of Murder Mysteries, Ancient Rome and Urban Fantasy. This time, Felix is hired by a rich landlord to figure out why tenants are abandoning his properties. Word on the street is that the apartment blocks are haunted!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to put on a tin-foil hat to stop the orbital mind control lasers from stealing my stories…
Just kidding. I write on the train commute to and from work, as that’s the only quiet time I have. I work on my books whenever I can, and try to disconnect the Internet to help focus 🙂
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! On the Roman historical fiction side, probably Colleen McCullough, Steven Saylor, Lindsey Davis, and Ruth Downie stand out. Except McCullough, they all write historical mystery novels set around ancient Rome. I will only add the amazing Boris Akunin for his incredible Erast Fandorin historical-mystery series.
On the fantasy side too many to mention, from classics like JRR Tolkein and Fritz Leiber, to modern authors like Neil Gaiman and Terry Prachett.
There are other historical fantasy detectives out there too… I’ll mention Barry Hughart, with Bridge of Birds – one of my all-time favourite books!
What are you working on now?
Getting ready to publish In Numina! So close, I can smell the ink on paper 😀
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
awesomegang.com, of course 😉
More seriously, put your book in front of readers in a way that engages them. Don’t whack people with “buy my books” repeated posts, but be genuine and active of sites where you feel comfortable on.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you’re new to publishing, it may seem daunting. So here are the two biggest factors that help turn a manuscript into a professional looking book:
* Professional editing
* Professional cover design
Never skimp, and don’t think you can just get by. Employ professionals to help with these tasks.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing.
Park you butt in a chair, and keep writing.
What are you reading now?
The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. A modern-day urban-fantasy detective.
What’s next for you as a writer?
In Victrix – the 3rd Felix mystery. I have the plot all planned out, and am itching to start writing again.
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?
Tough question. There are certainly books I’ve read more than once – but generally speaking, my to-read list is longer than my life expectancy. There is just so much more I want to read!
Author Websites and Profiles
Assaph Mehr Website
Assaph Mehr Amazon Profile
Assaph Mehr’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account