Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! As I note in my bio, I am a tale-spinner. I enjoy stories about ordinary people – the ‘you and me’ of the world – who get stuck in extraordinary circumstances and must find their way. And the only thing better than reading those stories is writing them. I started with Cab’s Lantern and that quickly led to a sequel when readers wanted to know what became of the lead characters after their initial adventure. Two other novels have followed since then and another is in the works.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘The Girl Who Watched Over Dreams’ is based on the concept that – while we are dreaming – our mind cannot distinguish between those dreams and reality. In effect, our dreams become our current reality. A facility that put a patient into a permanent semi-conscious state and allowed them to dream continuously – dreams of their own choosing – could provide that person with a future free from their physical and emotional past. In the story, that facility has a sinister hidden agenda and it is left to the protagonist to save the residents before she becomes trapped in their perpetual nightmare.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Like a fish that must move to breathe, it seems that I can only compose ideas while I am walking. I’ll take long, solitary walks and describe the story to myself, over and over. In the process the plot and characters transform into something better. Then I have to rush back and start typing before the inspiration vanishes.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
It started with Jules Verne, but Hemingway has had the most influence. Like myself, my target audience is looking for stories about real people caught in trying circumstances.
What are you working on now?
A thriller/suspense – which something new for me. Like my other stories, there is nothing fantastic or make-believe, but it involves a unique (yet scientifically credible) discovery that throws one person’s life into turmoil and has the prospects for inciting an international incident.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to reach out on all social media, however I’ve discovered that Twitter – by far – has the most reach. I also diversify my promotions across various advertising media to see which provides the greatest ROI.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you love, and then write some more. I’ve learned something valuable from each of my books and I know I have so much more to learn.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up. It applies to everything in life, but especially to writing.
What are you reading now?
An original version of Victor Hugo’s “The Lady of Paris” … which some silly translator renamed ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame.’ Some of today’s works are okay, but to me the classics remain real treasures.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing. After the suspense/thriller mentioned above I have two other projects in the planning stage. Oh the stories we would create if only inspiration came with an equal measure of time.
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?
Any of Hemingway’s works – I’d cherish the time to study his writing style.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jeff Russell Website
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