Elena Carter is the author of The Dream Tamer Chronicles fantasy trilogy. Originally from Almaty, Kazakhstan, she currently resides in Varna, Bulgaria, and writes in multiple genres.
What got you into writing your own stories?
I’ve always wanted to write. Since I learned to read at the age of four. It took me a while, though—I started writing at the age of forty, encouraged by my husband, who is also a writer.
What genre do you write?
Mostly, I write fantasy. But I also released a nonfiction book recently — a collection of 100 friendly reminders. And I’m currently working on a poetry collection that I hope to release this year.
What comes more easily, plot or characters?
I usually start with a very basic outline. I know roughly what’s going to happen in the beginning, middle, and end. The rest unfolds as I write. And my characters often like to take control and surprise me. So I’m not sure if they’re easy to work with, but it’s definitely fun.
Tell us about your WIP.
There’s quite a few of them, to be honest. I have a short story collection I’m working on, a poetry collection, a script, and a short story for an anthology. Oh, and I started outlining a new fantasy novel too. But first of all, I need to finish my collection of fantasy short stories called The Town—I started it a while ago and have been working on it in between writing my trilogy books.
Do you cross over genres or do you only stick to one?
I cross over. My fantasy trilogy, The Dream Tamer Chronicles, is very close to women’s fiction. Another genre I would love to write, by the way.
What is your "writer's den" like?
Oh, I wish I had one. Recently, I’ve been bringing my laptop along when I take my son to daycare and working in a spare room there. Usually, my “writing station” is in my mom’s kitchen when she babysits for an hour or two. And most of my first book was written on my phone while nursing my baby.
What is your personally most significant achievement as a writer, and why?
I think my first book, Follow the Hummingbird, will forever remain the most significant achievement to me. Because I finally found the courage to follow my dreams. I wrote and self-published a novel in a foreign language. All while raising a baby and a teenager. And I learned so much along the way.
What are you most grateful for as a writer?
I’m grateful for every opportunity to write, because I have very limited writing time. I’m grateful that we live in the times when we can self-publish. And I’m beyond grateful for the supportive writing community I found on social media.
Do you have a day job? What is it?
At the moment, my day job is raising a super-active four-year-old with zero self-preservation instinct. Keeping him both safe and entertained. It requires a lot of skills, I have to admit.
Do you read the same genre you write? Why, or why not?
Absolutely. I’ve always loved fantasy. I love escaping to other worlds and going on an adventure — both in the books I read and write.
Do you read fellow indie authors' works? Why or why not?
99% of the books I’ve been reading for the last several years are books by indie authors. I love supporting fellow authors. I also always leave reviews and share them on my social media. I know how hard it is to be an indie author. And I’m always ready to help. Besides, there are do many incredible books written by indies!
Give us three fun facts about yourself.
My favorite one—which always surprises people—is that I was born in a country that doesn’t exist anymore.
I speak three different languages on a daily basis and sometimes it gets a bit too much, to be honest.
I moved to a different country to live by the sea because I’m obsessed with water. But I can’t really swim.
Do you have any hobbies?
I used to make gemstone jewelry, and even had a shop. I stopped when I had my youngest son (and started writing books instead.) I do hope to return to jewelry making at some point, though. Crystals are my passion, and I miss my gemstone beads.
What's your favorite season? Why this one?
Spring. The most magical time of the year. Also, my birthday is right in the middle of spring.
Do you have pets?
I have a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a tabby cat. They spend most days cuddling with each other, and it melts my heart every time.
Connect with Elena Carter here.
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