Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m first of all a short story writer and novelist. I’ve published one book and am writing another, and have had several short stories published. I’m also a journalist, it’s how I make my living, and it gives me a lot of ideas for stories. I’ve covered the Middle East and its conflicts for the past 30 years. Fiction is primarily my escape route from what often appears like a no-way-out tragedy in this region. It allows me to imagine a world where people reach out to one another despite the madness.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Goddess of Battle is the name of my latest book and it was inspired by my reporting of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The characters stem from a collection of women and men I met over the years, who impressed me with their humanity, for whom I never had enough room for in a 500-word news story. The book was written from a deep need to show the world the humanity of all the sides living the conflict, and the possibility of bridges that could be built between the various narratives.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Since I have a crazy job, and a family, I often just write in my head, keep my characters close beside me so that when I do have time to write, usually for a few hours on a Saturday, the words just come rolling out.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many. Each book I pick up is a world I dive into and come out a different person. My favorites authors are Margaret Atwood, Paulo Coelho, and so many more. Most recently I loved All the Light We Cannot See and am deep into A Little Life, which I am loving for the way it turns ordinary lives and people into subjects the reader begins to love.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a novel of historical fiction set in ancient Canaan right around the time when monotheism was beginning to catch on and the Hebrew tribes were fighting to take over some of the city states. There are two main characters — a woman who rules one of the ancient city states, and a modern-day young woman working at an excavation of the site that once was the woman king’s city.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not sure, I’d have to ask my publisher.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s going to be hard work marketing your book, but don’t give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write your passion.
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