Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Elyse Salpeter is the author of seven novels and a host of short stories. What she loves doing is mixing “the real with the fantastic” in her books. She loves taking different scenarios and suddenly creating worlds where things just aren’t what they appear to be.
Her YA Dark Fantasy Series, THE WORLD OF KAROV and THE RUBY AMULET take us to other realms filled with magic and evil. Her adult contemporary fantasy thriller, THE HUNT FOR XANADU, is about a young girl on a mission to avenge her parents, murdered in their quest to find the mystical land of Xanadu. It is steeped in Tibetan spiritual mysteries, romance and international intrigue.
Her two YA novels, FLYING TO THE LIGHT and FLYING TO THE FIRE are represented by Peter Riva from International Transactions. These books are about a young deaf boy who knows what happens to you when you die and now people are after him for the answers. The books are fast paced thrillers that keeps the reader on their toes, never quite knowing who, and who not, to trust.
When she’s not writing, she’s cooking, eating crazy food in her Gastronaut club (think brains, bugs and other unedibles) working out, running after her twins and crazy ferret and gardening – or trying to, that is.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Hunt for Xanadu is my latest novel. I wanted to write a really smart thriller that made people think. I wanted a strong female protagonist who really isn’t what she appears to be. I did a lot of research for this novel and I think it’s something that everyone will enjoy.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, just silence, please.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lots of authors have influenced me, most recently Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child. They create characters and scenarios that are so compelling I think about them long after the books are done. Stephen King is another fantastic author.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on THE QUEST OF THE EMPTY TOMB which is the sequel to THE HUNT FOR XANADU.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Good question and I wish I could answer this better. I use FB, twitter, goodreads, linkedin – all the sites to promote the books. I’ve advertised and done sweepstakes. I won’t lie, it’s tough getting the word out there, but I try.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is to just keep writing and getting your books out there. They will eventually find their market. I’ve been told that I shouldn’t fret until I have 4-5 books out there and hopefully at that point you’ll have more exposure in market and it will be easier for folks to find your books.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To write MY book and not what I think will sell.
What are you reading now?
I am about to start Rebekah Lyn’s Winters End – I just won it in a Goodreads reader contest.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing, keep trying this dream. I have a few book signings coming up. One is in March at a tea shop as this novel has an Asian flavor. We thought it would be fun to do.
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?
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodson Burnett, Still Life with Crows by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child and I know this is silly, but Happy Birthday to You by Dr. Seuss. It was one of my favorite books to read as a child – the illustrations were so fantastical and I adored them.
Author Websites and Profiles
Elyse Salpeter Website
Elyse Salpeter Amazon Profile
Elyse Salpeter’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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