Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Portuguese published author and advertising creative. I’m 34 years-old and I write since I learned how to do it.
Besides writing I love painting, collecting shoes and eating watermelon!
I live in Lisbon with my husband, son and Gucci, the cat.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘The Strange year of Vanessa M’ and was inspired by something I read on the newspaper, about a mother who left her children on the sidewalk and drove away. I immediately started wondering why would someone do such a thing, what drove her so crazy, what was she like, what happened in her life that lead her to that situation
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I write in Portuguese I only listen to english music. Loud.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have so many writers I love, from Portuguese like Saramago, to english like David Lodge, to Latin like Isabel Allende or Garcia Marquez, to russian like Dostoievsky… But I believe I’m more influenced by movies and directors like Woody Allen. Maybe it’s because I do commercials for a living or maybe it’s just a cinematographic style I developed.
What are you working on now?
I just published my new novel (a month ago) so now I’m focused on promoting it. In the meanwhile I’m starting to write several drafts of what might be my nest novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning. My first book was published by a major publisher in Portugal, so I didn’t have to promote it much. But I believe the most important thing is getting reviews. Once you get more than 20 reviews the book starts being recommended to readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep wirting and get a good editor. It’s very important to have someone reading and editing your work.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
don’t give up: there’s an audience for everyone
What are you reading now?
A Boneca the Kokoshka, by Portuguese wirter Afonso Cruz
What’s next for you as a writer?
Becoming a full-time writer- I love working in advertising, but I love writing even more and I need more time to focus on my books
What is your favorite book of all time?
The Adventures of Alice by Lewis Caroll
Author Websites and Profiles
Filipa Fonseca Silva Amazon Profile
Filipa Fonseca Silva’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account