Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I absolutely love to read YA and adult fantasy. Especially books about the supernatural including vampires, shifters, mermaids, and unicorns. I have a special place for books that take place in Asian inspired fantasy realms such as those written by Nicolette Andrews and Julie Kagawa. In fact, one of my major projects is set in a fantasy Japan.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current book is called Stubborn as a Bulldog and I’ll be honest, this wasn’t a planned book. I actually have several other books I’m working on but when I saw this cover on one of the pre-made cover pages on Facebook, the ideas started to flow. I sat down and began to type and, here we are! I wanted to write a shifter reverse harem that was different and unconventional, especially since the main characters isn’t a werewolf but is actually a bulldog, a French bulldog to be exact and she has big plans! Much of the story elements were inspired by movies and TV series. I invite my readers to see if they can pick out where my inspirations came from.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do most of my writing on my phone in a series of emails. Since I have a young child I don’t get to just sit and type for very long periods of time so I ‘ve gotten used to just typing things up in an email and then sending it to myself. I’ve written entire chapters like this!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Yumoyori Wilson, Nicolette Andrews, AJ Anders and Julie Kagawa are the authors I love!
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on book two in Pack University (hint, it will have more foxes in it) as well as finishing up my Asian inspired YA novel and an adult science fiction featuring dinosaurs.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like to use Instagram and Twitter. They are both easy to use, the audience is huge and responsive.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Sit down and write! I know that sounds like a no-brainer but, if your a mom like me, it isn’t as easy as everyone says it is. So you have to get creative about it – like when I use my phone, or I’ll leave my computer on and type between passes while picking up toys, or during nap time and for a few hours after laying my kiddo down for bed at night. I try to get at least 2k words a day written but, sometimes it just doesn’t happen and that’s OK! Don’t beat yourself up about it, write when you can.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your audience will find you. Basically, this means that you shouldn’t stress over if anyone will like your book or not. No matter what you think there will be someone out there who will love your book and they will convince others to love your book as well, that’s how a fandom starts. Let your audience grow organically.
What are you reading now?
Oh wow, I have a huge TBR list. Right now I am reading/trying to read: The Cerulean, The Tiger at Midnight, Soul of the Sword, We Hunt the Flame as well as
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, as I said I have book two of Pack University in the works as well as outlining for a third book in the series. I have another series planned as well which will involve dragon shifters as well as maintaining my website and blog.
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?
Oh man, I hate this question because it’s always so hard to choose! Ok, so here goes. I would bring:
The Unlikely Ones by Mary Brown. This was one of the first fantasy books I read as a kid and it was the book that started it all – a unicorn in love with a prince, talking animals, a fiery female protagonist, it was awesome. I’ve read it so much I had to buy a newer copy!
Venom in her Veins by Tim Pratt. This was a Forgotten Realms novel I read from back in my serious D&D days (I still play) about my favorite race, the Yuan-Ti. The main protagonist is another strong female, Zaltys, who doesn’t take any crap, what she doesn’t know is that she is a humanoid Yuan-Ti and so was going to be sacrificed for her “ugliness” when she was rescued by humans who mistook her for a normal human child. Like the previous book, I’ve read it a dozen times and I’d always read it again.
Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa. I loved this book because Yumiko is not only a kitsune but also self-assured and determined to carry out her mission no matter what danger she faces. She grew up believing that her kitsune powers were evil but, as she learns more about herself on her journey, she finds that her kitsune powers come in handy but must resist the allure to abuse them or run the risk of becoming a wicked fox.
Author Websites and Profiles
Sabine Elrod Website
Sabine Elrod Amazon Profile