Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am originally from England and have lived in the US for two-thirds of my life, mostly on the west coast. When not capitalizing on my immense imagination and writing it down, I enjoy parenthood, history, travelling and wine, besides cooking.
Frontiers is my first published novel and am working on my second novel to be published by Spring, 2014.
I’ve had many articles relating to English football, wine, aviation and business published in a few periodicals and websites.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Frontiers is my recently-published novel that takes place mostly in Russia.
It was inspired by my love of aviation, and life-long interest in the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Given my love of history, when I happen upon a key geographical setting or event in the novel-whether historical, topical, political or otherwise- I spend two-to-three paragraphs outlining the background or significance.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing a normal OCD, over-achieving writer wouldn’t partake.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tom Clancy’s early geo-political thrillers, Herman Wouk, as well as some of the autobiographies of Kim Philby (his second one following “My Silent War”), Yuri Modin and Mitrokhin given my interest in that period and subject.
What are you working on now?
I am trying my hand at a Sci-Fi thriller that is not as involved as Frontiers (717 pages), ergo my second novel will be half the page count as my first published novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter for social media and am now researching and investing in more online book review sites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up, finish your work (novel), and get it published. Your first work’s publishing will truly be a wonderful journey and learning experience. Mine was. And still is for the promotion aspect.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Get it (novel) out there!”
What are you reading now?
I digest alot of print daily and weekly. I enjoy reading autobiographies now, which was how I cheated when I had the mantra of “I will never read another’s work of fiction until mine is published.”
What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing my second novel by mid-Spring, 2014 then working on a few other novel ideas I currently have orbiting my head.
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?
Aviation, wine, foreign language and an autobiography book.
Author Websites and Profiles
R. Simon Anderson Author Profile on Smashwords
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