Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Elsie and I’m brand new to the authoring world. I chose to write this book, and soon-to-be series, because I had a very specific story to tell about my international long distance relationship.
Today, I’m still learning the ropes of my new country. I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter and pup and doing as many of the things I used to do back in the USA as I can. When I’m not staring at a computer screen, you’ll find me binge watching my favorite TV series, taking language lessons and trying to improve my skills as a novice gardener.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The inspiration for this book came from a chance online meeting back in 2014. I met a wonderful person who happened to have joined the site the same day as I did — though we didn’t know that until years later. I was the first person he messaged and he was the first I answered. Both of us were happily single at the time and enjoying our daily routines.
As it turned out we lived thousands of miles apart on two different continents. Though we were from completely different backgrounds we learned we had a multitude of the things in common. After a few months we gave in to an “official” relationship. This led to a tremendous amount of doubt at first about whether it was even possible to make an international long distance relationship work. As one can imagine, it was incredibly lonely at times, and honestly never easy, but in the end we endured and now are together in his hometown building a life together.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I completely lack any concentration in a quiet room. I must always have music or TV on in the background if I’m trying to write anything.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read so many different authors and genres I can’t say that any one stands out.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the next two books in the series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As an absolute beginner to both writing and promoting, I’d have to say that Google has been the biggest help in promoting my book. I’ve learned so much from so many different sources. There is an endless amount of information out there for aspiring writers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a newly minted author myself, I have no advice to give other than keep learning and keep on writing. You don’t have to be the best writer as long as you have something interesting to say.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Whatever book you publish is infinitely better than someone else’s masterpiece that’s still sitting unpublished in their desk drawer or on their hard drive.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading mostly nonfiction. I have an ever growing book list that I’ll probably never get around to.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to keep concentrating on nonfiction but expanding to other related topics.
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?
Well, if I stranded on a desert island the most practical books to take would be survivalist books. And, maybe a Harry Potter book just to take my mind off all the hut building and fish spearing I’d be doing.
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