Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write paranormal/fantasy books with romantic elements, usually set in iconic cities like New Orleans, San Francisco, etc. Growing up in New Orleans, I was always fascinated with Gothic architecture, cemeteries, and other paranormal things.
I’ve written about 10 short stories and 4 books so far. Three books are in my Elemental Clan Series, and I also wrote No Grits No Glory, which is Book 1 of the Southern Ghosts series. I plan to have more books released in both series in the next year, so stay tuned!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
No Grits No Glory. It’s a suspense ghost story set in Savannah, Georgia. So many things inspired it! I love Savannah; it is such a haunted place anyway. My husband’s family had all (at one time or another) stayed in one apartment in our local area. Some relatives lived there briefly after a divorce, some college grads stayed there, but this one apartment had about 4-10 different people live there over a decade or more. It got me to thinking: What if those walls could talk?
That led to the ghost story, which led to the intrigue, etc. The book has evolved over the years, but I’m happy with it now.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only that I need caffeine and music to write. I write better in cafes than at home, and I use headphones to help tune out all the din.
I do make “soundtracks” for each book. Each book is different, has a unique theme, and somehow the playlist evolves during the writing of the first draft. Even now, if I hear a song off my playlist, I am immediately taken back to the characters of that particular story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Those authors who have great characters but also great plots. I love Dennis Lehane’s crime novels. He can make the words sing, much like Pat Conroy or Terry Kay.
I also like most genres and tend to read widely.
What are you working on now?
I’m finishing the touches on my Elemental Book #4 while plotting/planning/outlining the ghost series book #2, along with outlining for a few offshoot novels. My brain multi-tasks!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve had good success with a few websites like e-reader news today and other venues. Bottom line, it takes time to build a following.
My website is www.elainecalloway.com and I like to think it is all comprehensive with info.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Continue to write, believe in your writing, and always back up your material! My brand new laptop broke 3/4 of the way into writing my very first book. I had to retype 100 pages (I had them printed out, thank goodness) and I completely lost 60 pages that I had to recreate. Never again – always always back up your documents!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To enjoy the process. Writing is solitary; if you’re going to be a writer, you’re going to spend a lot of time alone. You need to be excited by your story, enough to push through when you don’t feel like writing. To keep that excitement no matter what is great advice.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a few novellas by KF Breene. I just finished JOYLAND written by Stephen King.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep the books coming! I have so many ideas for books and not enough time to write them all 🙂 I hope to plan and put out 4 books at least in 2015. I also have another idea for a contemp romance series.
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?
Life of Pi
Anything by Dennis Lehane
Eat Pray Love
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