Interview With Author Elden Walseck
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a rocket engineer, father to four wonderful, young kids, and a life-long reader. I’ve been writing since I was young, but only recently started publishing my stories. I am the author of the Middle Grade adventure series, Wyoming Bones, which currently has 4 books in it. Book 5’s first draft is almost complete.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Wyoming Bones and the Nether Journey is the fourth book in the series, and is up for pre-order on Amazon now. I wanted to let Wyoming, Leila, and Blurble (everyone’s favorite slime) explore a completely new area and face dangerous challenges, and the Nether was the perfect setting for it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write most of my first drafts on my phone! I get most of my writing time in at work during my lunch break, because when I’m home I’m Dad first. So, while I’m eating my leftovers, I pull out my phone and my portable keyboard and start typing away.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading David Eddings and his Belgariad series, Patricia C. Wrede and her Enchanted Forest Chronicles, and so many books from Grace Chetwin. My current favorite author is Brandon Sanderson.
What are you working on now?
Wyoming Bones and the Founder’s Blade is the title of my current Work In Progress story. It’s the first book set in Wyoming’s home town, and I wrote it because I wanted to let my readers find out more about Wyoming’s past.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth so far! Friend of friends of friends are reading my books, and several have reached out to let me know they love my characters, or I’ve turned their reluctant readers into excited fans. That makes my day, every time.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The most important thing a writer can do is WRITE. Butt in chair, hands on keyboard, just write. You can’t edit a blank page, so get words on there, and just keep writing until you get to The End.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing advice? Don’t compare your first draft to the finished, polished books you read. Books get better and better as you edit them.
What are you reading now?
Dreadgod, book 9 of the Cradle series by Will Wight.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I eventually want to write a more “grown up” fantasy novel- the ideas keep bouncing around in my head. Right now, however, I am focused on getting a good number of Wyoming Bones books out.
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?
Belgariad, by David Eddings. The world building, the magic system, the characters… Maybe it was the age I first read it, but I can still go back to read the story again and again.
Author Websites and Profiles
Elden Walseck’s Social Media Links