Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a relatively new author, writing Oligarch series in hard-boiled, political and action thriller sub-genres.
For many years I’ve been practicing law and doing business in former USSR countries. Witnessing there a meteoric rise of a small number of individuals from modest Soviet citizens to mighty billionaires I felt compelled to expose to the world the unique phenomenon taking place in this less familiar part of the globe. In the fictional plot of the series I combine real and imaginary events with some ‘lawyers’ folklore’ and known corruption and criminal schemes customary for Ukraine and other former USSR republics. The imaginary characters are designed to reflect real behavior and mentality and provide decent entertainment for the readers.
Remember movies based on Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg’s biographies describing their path to wealth and glory? Although they are truly amazing, I think the rise of some of their Eastern billionaire peers is just a little more thrilling and unorthodox.
At the moment two books are published – “Rise of an Oligarch” and “Mortal Showdown”, while the third – is in its final pre-release stages.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Mortal Showdown” is the latest. It was inspired by ….. the cliff-hanger of the first book -:). I was so curious to find out what happens next that I’d sat down and written a sequel in a gritty, snappy and action-packed style.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, but I can say that some of the most bizarre ideas come to my mind on particularly hung-over mornings -:)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many of them, I think. My inclination towards adventures and exotic places might be the result of reading many Jules Verne books in the childhood, intrigue – of Alex Dumas. Definitely ‘Godfather’ of Mario Puzo had an influence, as ‘Rise of an Oligarch’ is a bit similar to it, but Russian style. There are more..
What are you working on now?
I’m at the pre-publication stage with the third installment, which should conclude the series, at least for the time being, and it has a little surprise in it.
Michael, the Oligarch, tops Forbes billionaire’s list only to find out that those, who really dominate the global economy, rule illicitly and stay away from public eye. He needs to confront the ancient cabal in order to survive and to save his country… For good or bad, it’s a transgressive, radical, uncompromising, grotesque, action-packed and philosophical read.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is still to be found, I hope. So far I’m promoting mostly through letting bloggers review my books on their sites and by socializing on Goodreads. Not much of a promotion really…
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I say: Make money elsewhere and come enjoy being an author -:). It’s really very nice to write books, to interact with readers, bloggers and fellow authors, but for 99% of the authors there is no money there. On the contrary, usually there are expenses for editing, cover design, etc which are rarely recouped.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not to worry about promotion and marketing that much, but rather enjoy the writing – the creative part of the process. Good advice, but not necessarily a practical one.
What are you reading now?
‘Putin’s Kleptocracy’ by Karen Dawisha. Someone who read my books insisted that I must read ‘Kleptocracy’ so much that he even cared to mail me this book. After all his efforts, although I rarely read non-fiction, I don’t really have a choice with this one -:)
What’s next for you as a writer?
To release the third installment soonest, to make sure it receives some reviews and then start working on the next project. I have an idea of how it should be, but it won’t be easy to implement it…
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?
One of them should be some kind of DIY about how to survive, weather well and escape.. Nowadays, I rarely look back to what’s already read, so other three – should be thick, new to me, with high probability of being enjoyable books, because there is no room for mistake..
Author Websites and Profiles
Nik Krasno Amazon Profile
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