Interview With Author Laura NElson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a former librarian who loves to read and write anything related to history, romance, or fantasy. Usually a blend of all three. I’ve written numerous books and published fourteen of those since 2021. When I’m not writing, I’m spending time with my kids and sometimes playing video games where I can escape into fantastical new worlds.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Modern Day Muses. It’s the second book in my Tempus Viatores series and it is inspired heavily by some of my favorite books and television shows growing up, including Doctor Who, the Librarians, Warehouse 13, A Wrinkle in Time, the Percy Jackson series, and even Outlander. It was also inspired by the lack of men in the past going forward into the future in most time travel novels I’d read. I always wondered why the women would stay in the past (where life would have been less awesome for them) as opposed to the men traveling forward. So I decided to play around with that idea and explore what it would be like for a man from the past to travel to the future.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to write wherever I can. With three young children, a lot of time that means I’m in the car writing either on my laptop or my phone. I also have begun writing while listening to ASMR writing videos on YouTube, which has been fun (when I’m not getting interrupted!)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
More authors than I can count honestly. But a few off the top of my head would be Diana Gabaldon, Tamora Pierce, Madeleine L’Engle, and Rick Riordan. I love the blend of fantasy, mythology, and magical realism.
What are you working on now?
Some many different projects! Mainly I’m working on more books in my Tempus Viatores series. Modern Day Muses is the second book in the series and I have three more in the works that I plan to release this year. The next book takes place in Fes, Morocco during the 9th century and taps into one of my favorite subjects, women in academia.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I mainly promote through social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads) where I am @llnelsonauthor. But you can find more information on all of my books at my website, www.llnelsonauthor.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing, hone your craft and believe in yourself. Definitely choose one social media platform and connect with people on there, even if you’re not published yet.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing, hone your craft, and believe in yourself—those are the only things truly within your control.
What are you reading now?
The Chronicles of St. Mary’s series, a bunch of books on Fatima Al-Fihri, and a whole bunch of non-fiction books about direct sales and mindset.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing! Seriously. There is a chance that I’ll have to slow down my publishing schedule depending on what 2024 brings my way, but I’ll still be writing a lot. Those stories will be on my Ream site—The Bōchōrd Community Library (www.reamstories.com/llnelsonauthor) before they are anywhere else. That is (and will be) the place to find early access to my stories (first drafts), bonus content, and exclusive stories from the worlds of my stories.
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?
ooh, that’s a hard one. First and foremost, SAS Survival guide (or something similar) because if I’m going to be stranded on a desert island, I want to know how to survive for more than a few days. Second, a guide to foraging and identifying different plants, so I can figure out what plants are safe to eat. Third, a homesteading book, so I can make myself a solid base camp. Fourth, an omnibus of Brandon Sanderson’s most popular works. That should be plenty of reading material until someone finds the island 🙂
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