Smashwords Interview with Ani

This is a short interview with my e-book publishing company/distributor Smashwords recorded in June 2024.

Who are your favorite authors?
Robert A. Heinlein, Ken Follet, John Grisham, John Le Carré, John D. MacDonald, Joachim Meyerhoff, Erich Kästner, Kurt Tucholsky, Mascha Kaléko.

When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Singing, cooking, baking and usually annoying my friends with political discussions.

Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Indeed, I do. I had just turned 13; my parents had given me a type-writer for my birthday, since I had declared I would be a writer some day. So, I immediately had a go at it. The story was a science fiction thriller; very badly written, I might add, but full of interesting characters. With time, I got better!

Do you remember a book you read as a child that left more than a lasting impression on you?
I was 12 at the time, my father had given me a SciFi novel by Robert A. Heinlein to read: " Glory Road"! What a great reat book! That's when I fell in love with Heinlein's writing.

How do you approach cover design?
I love design and art... I usually know what I want

What are your five favorite books, and why?

• In meinen Träumen läutet es Sturm (German; a collection of poems by Mascha Kaléko; beautiful)
• The Door Into Summer by Robert A. Heinlein (simply great writing and stellar story)
• The Cat Who walks Through Walls by Robert A. Heinlein (published in 1985; another great one)
• Tom Clancy's Hunt For Red October (I am a fan of good spy novels)
• Dr. Erich Kästners Lyrische Hausapotheke by Erich Kästner (German; a life saver)
   

What do you read for pleasure?
I think I just answered that by listing five of my favourite books, which are by far not all. I've simply got too many favourites.

Describe your desk
Currently chaotic

What's the story behind your latest book?
That is still work in progress. But, here is the synopsis:
Set in New York City and The Hamptons. The story revolves around the Storm family consisting of financial magnate Robert Storm, his wife Vanessa and their son Robby. One day, an anonymous accusation is made that the Storms are abusing their son, and from then on, they become entangled in a web of deceit and murder. Apart from their loyal “Man Friday”, Japser, their only allies are company lawyer Jack Foreman, child psychologist Jill Ashley and two NYPD detectives, Gloria Jackson and Hank Miller. When the first murder happens, Robert Storm quickly becomes a suspect. He has been framed, but he needs to prove it. When the real murderer is finally unmasked, all are in for a big shock.

What motivated you to become an independent author?
Many frustrating attempts with publishing houses and the fact that an author gets to keep the least amount of money.

How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
In a big way. Great service for a truly modest fee. It helped me gain a wider international readership. 

What is the greatest joy you find in writing books?
Losing myself in another world, developing interesting characters.

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