Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up on the move, as a kid I moved 17 times and lived in some of the most beautiful states, but more than that I traveled extensive. So that by the time I got to college I had seen most of Europe, Central America and the US. Its all the downtime from long plane rides and the remarkable beauty of the places I got to visit that really inspired me to start writing. As of right now I have written two books, one of witch is on Amazon for free. They are Ayden’s Trek book one of the Children Under the Stars series and the second book is Scattered Paths in the Snow. The second book is now under editorial review and will be hitting the bookshelves in January.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Ayden’s Trek was inspired by a strange and very realistic lucid dream I had some years ago. To this day that dream has been the most beautiful experience in my life and I am so excited to be able to share it. It was so fantastic that I just had to get it into writing. Initially I just put it in my dream journal as a really long entry, but then quite organically it became a book, that to this day I haven’t stopped writing. I expect there will be about 3-4 more books in the series.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yeah I do! I generally only write while traveling (by plane, or train mostly), and when I write it’s for hours on end without any breaks. I get really focused, just utterly absorbed n the moment and words seem to flow forth.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
That’s easy, I always loved reading especially fantasy and my favorite books include naturally The Lord of the Rings, Eragon (Inheritance cycle), Harry Potter series, and an unusual one on my list, though very near and dear to my heart, is Jean M. Auel’s Earth’s Children series.
What are you working on now?
Besides the tedious editing process of the Scattered Paths in the Snow the second book in the Children Under the Stars series. I’m working on a new series called the Apocalypse Years and the first book in it, Eden in Alaska, is about a third of the way done. It’s an urban fantasy story about the angel of death and how he tries to manipulate the press, and the minds of the public with acts of terrorism to bring about the third and final World War. But to find out more you will just have it read it when it comes out!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well there isn’t just one place or one website, I’ve use an universal approach and It seems to be doing well since I have a fairly good ranking on amazon. #52 in epic fantasy #66 in swords and sorcery and #3594 of all 2million amazon books!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advice, is to read the books you love and learn from the authors. How do they make you fall in love with the characters? How do their plots stand out? Your favorite authors will always be your greatest teachers. Other than that do some basic research about what makes a story good. Also research simple but powerful things like active and passive voice, and how to implement them effectively.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard (in regards to writing) is only write when you are in a complementary mood (to the events/scene). Your writing reflects your mood, and some of your best work will flow forth when your mood and the events of the book align. You can’t write the saddest part of your book on the happiest day of your year.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading Dune by Frank Herbert, my friends have been telling me to get around to it, ad so far I really like it a lot! The Spice must Flow!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Right now I’m focusing on getting the word out about Ayden’s Trek, getting to #52 on amazon for epic fantasy has been a lot of work, so getting a literary agent is next!
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 bring 4 blank books and a pen, with my small handwriting I could turn that into 8 books!
Author Websites and Profiles
Attila Altdorfer Website
Attila Altdorfer Amazon Profile