Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, I’m a bit of an introvert, for starters. I enjoy being by myself, and if I have a book or a notepad and pen with me then so much the better! My three favorite things are books, horses and superheroes, which is probably why I write books about superhero horses (or maybe I’m just a bit strange).
Currently, I have nine books out that I wrote by myself, and one that I co-wrote with my sister, Frances. They are all children’s books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the seventh in my Super Sporty series, and it’s called Super Sporty 7: The Fight Before Christmas. It didn’t really come in a sudden flash of inspiration; more like it gradually grew over time. However, the first concept came from a piece of logic that went something like this:
“The theme of the Super Sporty series is teamwork and friendship, so there has to be a story about Christmas in there somewhere. After all, Christmas is a time for spending time with the people you care about.”
(Christmas is also for eating chocolate, but that’s not important right now).
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, but what I write about IS unusual. I mean, superhero horses are weird enough, but it gets ever weirder when you find out that they are Texan superhero horses who play basketball and eat pizza. And one of them has a pet iguana.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Steve Cole’s Astrosaurs series was my favorite as a child. Super Sporty has been rather heavily influenced by it, not least because I first came up with Super Sporty when I was seven years old, and still completely addicted to Astrosaurs.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing Super Sporty 8: The Attack of the Pegasi. I’m also in the process of finishing a Super Sporty short story, called Down to Earth, which I hope to publish next month.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think that probably the best thing that an author (especially an author who self-publishes with Amazon) can do is get on Goodreads. Admittedly, I have not followed through with this advice yet, but I plan to very, very soon. My logic is that, since people go on Goodreads to find books to read, that’s the best place to market your books. All your potential customers in one place — what more could you ask for?
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing, and keep reading. That’s all you need to do.
What are you reading now?
Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Goodreads. And then … THE WORLD! (insert evil laugh here)
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’d bring books 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Wrinkle in Time quintet. I’ve been meaning to read them for so long, but haven’t quite gotten round to it.
Author Websites and Profiles
Ellie Firestone Website
Ellie Firestone Amazon Profile
Ellie Firestone’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account