Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Elizabeth Horton-Newton was born in New York City and was 10 years old in elementary school when President John Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. As she watched the events unfold on television she became fascinated. This lifelong interest resulted in her first novel, “View From the Sixth Floor: An Oswald Tale”. With the release of her novel “Riddle” she once again tackled a social issue; the illegal adoption of First Nations babies separated from their families. Small town prejudices against people of color and “outsiders” results in a unique friendship between two young people. Weaving a romantic thriller around the issues she creates rich characters in all her writing that draw the reader into their lives. Soon to be released “Carved Wooden Heart” is her first erotic romance novel. Written with new author Starla Hartless, the story follows a young journalist as she experiences joys and sorrows but never gives up on her dreams. Advanced readers have given high praise to the book which will be officially released on September 24, 2016. With her education in Criminal Psychology, Sociology, and Media Communications she has a unique insight into how criminals think and how society responds to their crimes. Volunteering in local Domestic Violence groups in her hometown she likes to confront social problems in her stories. Elizabeth currently lives with her husband, writer Neil Douglas Newton, along with a collection of rescued cats and dogs in a 100 year old house. Mother of 4, grandmother of 5, and great grandmother of one, she is already working on her fourth book “Stolen” where she returns to her fascination with criminals and an overburdened justice system. In addition she has short stories in nine anthologies, one of which in the collection “Twisted Tales”, has been compared to Stephen King.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Carved Wooden Heart is my latest book. It was actually inspired by the art of Eric Schweig who is a Master Carver of Pacific Coast traditional Indigenous Masks.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Actually I have a few writing habits which could be called unusual. My long haired chihuahua Hannibal and my terrier Scout are always beside me when I write. Hannibal is named for Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs. Scout is named for a character in To Kill a Mockingbird.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been heavily influenced in my horror stories by Stephen King. His novel “11-22-63” motivated me to write my first book since I took an opposing position to King’s belief that Lee Oswald was guilty of the assassination of President John Kennedy. My short stories are also inspired by him. “Riddle” was inspired by Sir Alfred Hitchcock and his collections of short stories over the years.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a novel called “Stolen” which is about a young woman who discovers she was kidnapped as a child. As the story progresses it is revealed her biological parents are gypsies, her mother had been murdered while in the Witness Protection Program, and now someone is trying to kill her. It’s a romantic thriller.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use several methods to promote my books. Both Facebook and Twitter seem to be the best methods although I also find my blog and personal website get a great deal of traffic. I think it’s important to mix it up.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write something every day. It may not be a book; it could be a blog, a short story, or even a book or movie review. Never give up. Believe in yourself and keep writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There are two pieces of advice that I think are valuable; get a good editor and get a good cover designer, The cover is the first thing a reader sees. If a book is poorly edited it doesn’t matter how good the story is.
What are you reading now?
Eromenos: A Novel of Antinous and Hadrian
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have two other novels I’ve made notes for; one is historical fiction and the other is horror/science fiction.
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?
To Kill a Mockingbird, Dracula, Edgar Allan Poe Collection, and Collection of Sherlock Holmes Stories. The last two were books my father gave me when I was a child and I still love them!
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