Interview With Author Lina Hansen
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve done a lot of things in my life, and most of them somehow centered on words. Think freelance travel journalist, teacher, bellydancer, and science communication specialist stranded in the space sector. Okay, strike the bellydancer. That was just a hobby. I dealt with too many technical texts, so I wrote the stories I love to read— cozy and romantic mysteries with a dollop of humour and a magical twist.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Down the Hatch. The name was somehow logical, since the first murder victim is found in the cellar of the local pub. Since I’m writing a series, I also had to find a title that somehow matched my debut novel – In My Attic.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not sure how unusual it is to have notebook and pen on my nightstand, wake up in the iddle of the night and frantically scribble down an inspiration I then can’t read the next morning…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There’s not enough space for this! I read a lot, and I mean a LOT. Often when I re-read a favourite novel, I find something that has ended up in my books.
What are you working on now?
I’m preparing a second cozy mystery series, the Da Vinci mysteries for publication.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promotion sites – like Awesome Gang – are awesome. The help me get my books in front of the people that matter – the readers. I’ve yet to try advertising, and will start with BookBub.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
First, get your story out there. No matter what form and shape it is in – you need a story first. Then the editing starts. Never, ever assume you’re “a seasoned author” and don’t need feedback. Any author needs feedback. The more the better. Your first draft is only that – a draft. It’s not the finished product.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Show, don’t tell.
What are you reading now?
Ricardo Fayet’s guide on Amazon ads, Lucinda Brant’s Roxton Family Saga, Jodi Taylor’s time travel series – and my own novels. As usual, I’m editing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to publish my second series, and perhaps the standalone romantic mystery. I need more books out there.
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?
The faded Sun trilogy by C.J. Cherryh, An Arthur Conan Doyle Compilation, a Merriam-Webster, and Portuguese for Beginners.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lina Hansen’s Social Media Links