Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Who am I? I think I’m still on a journey to figure that one out! I definitely never set out to be a writer; it just happened one day. One Friday morning I sat in front of a blank computer screen and by the end of the day, I’d written the first chapter of my debut book “Lerkus: A Journey to End All Suffering.” Twelve Fridays later, I had twelve chapters. Then the hard work began for the next twelve months – elaborating, revising, editing and deciphering what I had written. Writing is one of those rare treasures that makes me loose all sense of time.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Lerkus: A Journey to End All Suffering” – In the book’s dedication, I explain that I ended up writing the book that I always wanted to read, even though I prefer nonfiction. I guess my constant search for truth and meaning inspired it. Initially I sat down to write a short children’s story involving an odd character named Lerkus, who lived inside a young boy. However, when I began typing, a very different tale of Lerkus was transcribed – I’m so grateful this book can be shared.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I just open a new document and start typing and story eventually appears. The words fall into my head and I just type like crazy. Even if the words don’t make sense I keep typing them because I’ve learned too often that they are usually part of a twist or subplot that I don’t even know about yet. I love it!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Life is my biggest influence.
What are you working on now?
“The Zombie who Saw God” – it’s definitely not the typical Zombie book. I’ve never even watched a Zombie movie or read a Zombie book. And I avoid horror! But it’s a gripping yet beautiful tale that wanted to be told… again, there was no plot planning. So we’ll see how readers respond when it is released soon!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Be true to myself. Be honest. Take action but surrender the outcome, otherwise it does my head in!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you enjoy, not what is popular or what you think others will enjoy.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stephen King’s advice is definitely the best ever: “An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this.” After hearing this, I read a few of his “killer opening lines”. Wow! After trying it with my current book, I can see how it not only instantly draws the reader in but it also radically improves plot structure.
What are you reading now?
“The Law of Karma” by Paramahamsa Prajnanananda.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing to write regardless of the outcome.
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?
Each year I ask myself, “If I could only read 1 book for the rest of my life, what would it be?” And for many years now, the answer has not changed: “An Autobiography of a Yogi”. So I’d pack light and only take 1 book.
Author Websites and Profiles
L.A. Golding Website
L.A. Golding Amazon Profile