Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired librarian indulging my long-held dream of writing novels. I have two published books, Split Second and Finding Faith. Both of these books center around relationships and family, redefining or broadening the definition of ‘family’.
I am currently at work on my third novel, Willa. It will follow the same general theme but is a total departure from the first two works.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recently published book is “Finding Faith.” It was inspired by my own life experiences and those of people close to me. It looks at the question of appropriate care of the elderly from a fictional setting. I’m certain that my inspirations for this work were my own advancing age, the experiences I have had with the elderly, both in my family and my work, and our social norms.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably not so unusual, but I tend to write copiously when an inspiration hits me and then will let a day or two go by without getting anything written. During this time I’m mulling over the theme, characters, direction and possible outcomes of the tale, and allowing them to prepare me for next time I commit to writing it down.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Almost all of them. I have been a copious reader since I first discovered that those strange squiggly marks in a book represented words. The authors who inspire me have changed over the years but I still hold onto some of the earliest memories and use them when appropriate. Barbara Kingsolver is one of my favorites, both for her story-telling skill and her engagement with causes.
What are you working on now?
My next novel, working title ‘Willa’, will again be about family and about strong women. The question I ask myself about strong women is “How do we moderate between our own ego and need to be self assertive and the needs of those who enter our circle of life?” Are our own egos paramount or is nurturing others more important? Do we have a responsibility to sacrifice our egos to those entrusted into our care? What happens when our needs and the needs of others clash?
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is my publicist, Catherine Lyon. Having waited so long to begin this new career, I find myself outdated in terms of electronic communication and she has ably taken on that role for me. Additionally, I blog, belong to a local authors group, attend book fairs throughout the state, and do book signings at a local independent bookstore. All of these work together.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep refining your craft. The first book may be okay, the second should be better, the third should be even better, and the next will be exactly what you dreamed it would be.
What are you reading now?
I always have several books going at the same time. I’m reading a biography of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, an inspirational book on tweaking life in small increments, a novel about the inquisition in Spain, children’s books to add to my Little Free Library, and a book on the craft of writing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Not sure. Just starting out on my current title and will be focusing on that for a rather long time. I would love to write a children’s book and may try that next.
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 would have to have my whole library with me; could never limit it to 3 or 4 books.
Author Websites and Profiles
Ellie Pulikonda Website
Ellie Pulikonda Amazon Profile
Ellie Pulikonda’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile