Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am originally from Austria, and have lived in several European countries before being transferred to the States where I lived in Chicago, Boston, New Hampshire (too cold), and San Diego. I am now retired and live in a diversified lake community in Arkansas (the countryside, lakes and beautiful woods remind me a little of Austria). Besides, I am not the only one here with an accent–between me and native Arkansans, we have had some hilarious misunderstandings.
So far, I have published six books:
Khamsin, the Devil Wind of The Nile
(Book 1-Legends of the Winged Scarab–Historical Fiction)
Sirocco, Storm over Land and Sea
(Book 2-Legends of the Winged Scarab–Contemporary Thriller)
Edward, Con Extraordinaire
(Contemporary Novella—Edward later plays a pivotal role in SIROCCO)
Shadow Sanctuary
(Contemporary Romance—about one of Edward’s victims)
Pasha, From Animal Shelter to A Sheltered Life
(Non-Fiction; Cats, Dogs, Pets)
Moments of the Heart, A Book of Poems and Short Prose
(Poems-Assorted Short Stories)
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Shadow Sanctuary (Contemporary Woman’s Fiction/Romance)
The theme for this novella has rattled around in my head for years. Its title morphed from Mountain Meadows to Mountain Shadows (both used by too many other authors) to Shadow Sanctuary—inspired by the cover taken from a photograph my father took in the fifties of one of Austria’s highest peaks.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have always read a lot (first in German, then less so in French, and finally most of my adult life in English. And I always loved big books where you could completely lose yourself in the story, and if the setting was exotic, the better…James A. Mitchener, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Thomas Mann come to mind with their wonderful family sagas.
What are you working on now?
Southern Trades (Book 3 of my “Legends of the Winged Scarab”-Series that takes place in South America (too bad that “Mistral” was a wind used too often). It would have been a completely different book.
If you are wondering what I am talking about, Book 1 is entitled “Khamsin, The Devil Wind of The Nile,” (Ancient Egypt), Book 2: “Sirocco, Storm over Land and Sea,” takes place in modern Egypt, and Cyprus and Crete.
So you see, I needed another windy title–and the southern trade winds came to mind–thus, I took the action to an island off Venezuela.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I actively participate in discussion groups on Goodreads and try to list my books on other sites such as this one.
I have not managed to get into and onto FB or Twitter; but I do have two blogs.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
For what it is worth:
If they have a finished—and by that I mean polished and edited—manuscript, read all the instructions on the various self-publishing sites, especially the formatting tips. Check out community threads where other authors offer excellent advice. Today’s ability to find writing/publishing tips is endless. Most of all, keep writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t let the bastards get you down.” Actually, a rather elegant man told me that once (I was shocked). But I had had a bad day and now, that I am less prissy, I remind myself of it when things don’t go my way. Other than that: Just keep writing.
What are you reading now?
I have several excellent Indie books on my list; however, since I am doing research for my work-in-progress, there is little time to read for enjoyment.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully, a few more stars (not only in my eyes), but next to my book listings.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Off the top of my head: “Hawaii.” But then, I think of “Memoirs of a Geisha,” and—since I am interested in animals—the delightful James Herriot series of a Yorkshire veterinarian. Oh, don’t get me started—there are just too many I love and reread.
Author Websites and Profiles
Inge H. Borg Website
Inge H. Borg Amazon Profile
Inge H. Borg Author Profile on Smashwords
Inge H. Borg’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile