Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written three books so far: Dogs with Bagels, a tale of the immigrant experience gone terribly wrong, Stray Dogs and Lonely Beaches, a book about a young woman who runs away from her life, and Lost Path to Solitude, a follow-up to Dogs with Bagels, requested by readers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Lost Path to Solitude. This is a book readers asked for. It revisits the cast of characters of Dogs with Bagels ten yers later, yet it’s not necessary to have read the first book to enjoy it. The Lost Path is a symbol, a metaphor for our inability to go back in time, back to someone we once were but took a detour from. Solitude is an imaginary town in Southeast Texas.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sometimes write on the Pages app on my iPhone. It’s because I hate carrying stuff, and get caught in all kinds of places (a train, a plane, a NYC sidewalk) when inspiration strikes.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Jane Smiley. My favorite book of hers is Duplicate Keys. I re-read it periodically. I love the simplicity of her style, yet I don’t write that way. I also love Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. The way she evokes homesickness or nostalgia for past selves tugs at my heartstrings each and every time. On some level I do try to replicate that.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on two books. One is the story of a woman who runs away from the stifling social pressures of a small town. The other might turn out to be a young adult novel about a juvenile delinquent of sorts.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Some day I’ll figure it out and let y’all know. 😉
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Come to terms with writing for yourself. Keep in mind that you do this because you enjoy it. You are your number one reader. When others don’t get you, don’t be disappointed. When you don’t have sales or reviews, don’t give up. Always come back to your number one reader, yourself. Don’t lose the fun of writing. Don’t lose the joy of reading your own work.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t scrimp on food.
What are you reading now?
Deadline by Adina Rosetti. I love love love it so much that I’m making myself read the last few chapters slowly. I don’t want to finish it yet.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Maybe a book of poems in my dog’s voice. I write these on my blog when I run out of inspiration, and I’ve discovered I have a lot of fun seeing things from her perspective.
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?
Duplicate Keys, by Jane Smiley, Gone with the Wind, The Night of Time by Munoz Molina.
Author Websites and Profiles
Maria Elena Sandovici Website
Maria Elena Sandovici Amazon Profile
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