Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the author of the Freefall Trilogy, a story of one woman’s fight to stop the apocalypse all while holding her own world together. These are my first books although I’ve got more planned. I’m married with two kids, two dogs, and two cats. I love to sing karaoke, read, and crochet. I’ve been writing since I was a child, and even spent a few years as a moderator on an online creative writing workshop.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Freefall Trilogy was inspired by all the different angel mythologies from many different religions. It actually all started out with a writing prompt that went something like “a broken wristwatch and a hug that lasts too long.” The wristwatch ended up being edited out, but if you look for it you can find the hug.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I have a playlist for each book so I have music to listen to that inspires what I write. And I always write after my son goes to school, so it’s super early in the morning. I also keep a notebook where I write quotes that inspire me as well.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Madeleine L’Engle and Diana Gabaldon are huge influences on me and are my favorite authors. I can’t really say if there are any particular books that influenced me more than others. I read voraciously so it just depends on what I remember at any given moment.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on a book about an orphan who is adopted by an assassin in a crime syndicate and trained to be an assassin herself. It’s pretty much fantasy, with a little dark thrown in for good measure.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find that doing takeovers at Facebook events for other authors works really well as it exposes me to new readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get your stuff professionally edited, get a professional cover designer, and make sure everything is perfectly polished before you publish or query agents/publishers.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When you’re writing a scene use the rule of 3: choose three senses and describe, sparingly, your scene with those three senses to really bring the world to life.
What are you reading now?
Currently I’m reading the Captive Prince books by C. S. Pacat.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to query agents with my new book that I’m currently writing, and At Death’s Door (the first book of the Freefall Trilogy) is currently in the query process as well.
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?
A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L’Engle, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, and The Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller.
Author Websites and Profiles
Astrid Tallaksen Website
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