Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! My name is Elen and I am an Iraqi-Canadian living in Vancouver. I have written 3 books. Two published, one on the way.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is Graffiti Hack. It tells the story of a hacker who wants to make the internet beautiful. She installs lavish graphical design on commercial websites, this leads to all sorts of hilarious trouble. The book was inspired by a visit to the Freer Gallery in Washington D.C. I suddenly had the intense experience of how a work of art can change a person.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do most of my writing lying down on a couch with a laptop sitting on my belly. So glad I get to do this in private, because it looks a bit weird.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Cities of Salt by Abdul Rahman Munif, opened my eyes to the full potential of what literature can be.
Unless by Carol Shields, is a novel I keep rereading and each time I discover something new within its folds.
All the Names by Jose Saramago is book that made me look differently at the world.
What are you working on now?
I just finished writing a novel called Spoonful Chronicles and getting ready to get it published. It tells the story of a woman who want to discover the meaning of her life by recounting all the memorable eating experiences of her life.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I just started focusing on marketing and so I am a novice in this field. Ask me again in 6 months.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be unique. Don’t listen to any advice, find your own way.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You are doing exactly what you want to do, so enjoy it” is the advice my husband gave me when I was feeling stressed out. I try hard to remember that I am lucky to be able to follow my dream. Therefore, this is supposed to be fun. Right?
What are you reading now?
Glad you asked. I am reading Time Skipper by Stefano Benni. It is absolutely amazing. I am deliberately reading it slow to enjoy all the nuance.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Become a super duper marketer for my own books. I have this hunch that marketing a book should be creative activity, same way writing a book is. Experimenting with different ideas.
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?
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Arabian Nights
Robinson Crusoe might prove useful.
Author Websites and Profiles
Elen Ghulam Website
Elen Ghulam Amazon Profile
Elen Ghulam’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account