Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I first went to Ecuador in 2006 and from 2011 lived there for 7 continuous years, 6 in the Amazon Region and 1 in Quito. That, and the fact that my kids are half Ecuadorian, inspired me to write about Inca women. I’ve written Intrepid Dudettes of the Inca Empire, of which part 1 is available, with part 2 coming soon. A free map book will also be available to accompany the series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Initially I was going to write a historical novel about Quispe Sisa, Atahualpa’s sister, because although I had heard of Atahualpa and Francisco Pizarro countless times, I had only recently heard about her. The idea that the Inca emperor’s sister was forced to marry a conquistador fascinated me. I couldn’t believe that she wasn’t super famous, considering what a life she must have led. That inspired me to write Intrepid Dudettes of the Inca Empire.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I wanted to make the experience fun and interactive for readers. So I added questions that people can respond to on my Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram pages and I added little hashtags as commentary on the stories e.g. #HenryVIIIEatYourHeartOut! I want the readers to feel involved in the process and to give their opinions, which I suppose is a little unusual.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
‘The Incredible Incas’ by Terry Deary. I just thought that while it’s a very good book, where are the women? It was a very male-centric book and I decided that Inca women and goddesses deserved to have their stories told too.
What are you working on now?
Part 2 of Intrepid Dudettes of the Inca Empire.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter and Facebook have been great.
What are you reading now?
Boudicca, Britain’s Queen of the Iceni by Laurel A. Rockefeller, available at smashwords.com.
Author Websites and Profiles
Helen Pugh Website
Helen Pugh Author Profile on Smashwords
Helen Pugh’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account