Interview With Author Lianis Salum
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey there!
I'm a young author who has read at least a thousand books and always wanted to write. After a while, I decided the best way to do things was to simply start.
Outside of writing, I'm an archer, a baker, and I enjoy studying ancient history and myths.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called "The Emperor's Hand." I was inspired by a lot of things, from the Hunger games to LotR and ancient Rome. Elements of all of those show through my writing pretty clearly.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I spend a lot of time sitting and staring at my computer without actually writing, then I'll write in bursts of 500-1000 words suddenly. It's not efficient, but it works.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.R.R. Tolkien has been one of my biggest influences and inspirations. I like to think I take partial influence from literally everything I read, and it all comes together into what I write.
What are you working on now?
I'm currently starting off on a new novel. I'd prefer not to reveal the contents of it yet, but it's likely to be even better than my first book.
I am also thinking about a prequel to The Emperor's Hand, which will possibly be released within 2 years.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I tend to look for several websites to promote my books for free on. I use the KDP program to offer by book as a free download for short periods of time to boost visibility as well.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You just have to sit down and write. It's hard and takes a lot of effort, but it's going to pay off. Planning is good, but don't plan too much or you'll have a stale book that nobody wants to read. You have to let creativity take control.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Nobody I know personally is an author, and I've not been given any advice on the subject of writing. Outside of that, it was probably to simply never give up, which applies to just about everything.
What are you reading now?
I'm reading books of instruction on publishing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I'm not entirely sure what's next, but hopefully something unexpected. It's possible my currently published book will do well, and then everything will change.
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?
I'd bring The Hobbit, Frankenstein, and Eragon without hesitation.