Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in the Norwegian Arctic but left the long winters behind in 2001. Then I earned a physiotherapy degree in the Netherlands, where I also worked with elite athletes. After a screenwriting stint in L.A. in 2007–08, I eventually ended up in the suburbs of balmy Atlanta, Georgia. Among other jobs, I’ve worked for four years as a healthcare director, hiring medical personnel and treating patients while writing stories. But usually not at the same time. The Norse gods just wouldn’t leave me alone, and so far I’ve written three books about them.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Last God Standing is the title of my latest book and it will be released on February 15, 2017. It’s based on Norse mythology, but I’m mixing it up with sports psychology, modern science, and a lot of action and humor. My main character has to take Loki to the land of the giants, and it gets pretty wild and crazy as he attempts to prevent Ragnarok and the end of the nine worlds.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I probably do. I have a pre-performance ritual based on sports psychology that I go through before every writing session. I’m a trained physiotherapist and a former athlete, so I’m using the techniques that work for me and I experiment with new techniques to improve my flow and output. My habits involve some of the techniques that the main character in my books also uses for his performance. A Norse god suffering from chronic self-doubt needs a few tricks up his sleeve.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many. But the most important fiction authors are probably Charles Bukowski, J. R. R. Tolkien, Lewis Carroll, Stanislaw Lem, and Douglas Adams. Influential nonfiction authors are Jared Diamond, Yuval Harari, Jim Collins, Terry Orlick, Lynn Margulis, Antonio Damasio, and Robert Wright.
What are you working on now?
The fourth book in the Endangered Norse Gods series. Yes, they’re an endangered species.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m hoping the Awesomegang’s website. 🙂
Do you have any advice for new authors?
There’s nothing harder than being an indie author. Experiment and find the methods that work for you, and forget about anybody else’s advice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For authors: focus on building your mailing list.
For general performance: Your self-worth stays the same no matter what. From every situation extract what you need and then move on. Do the work and believe in yourself.
What are you reading now?
Carl Hiaasen’s Razor Girl and Jim Collins’s Great by Choice.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Tomorrow’s writing session and then focusing on my To Do-list.
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?
Charles Bukowski’s Ham on Rye, Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, and, since I’m stranded on a deserted island, maybe Bear Gryll’s Born Survivor: Survival Techniques from the Most Dangerous Places on Earth.
Author Websites and Profiles
Erik Brodin Website
Erik Brodin Amazon Profile