1. What inspired you to write this book?
What first inspired me to write was the typewriter I inherited from my grandpa when I was seven. It was one of those old typewriters with round keys on spindly legs, the letters pelting the paper, snat, snat, as they hit—Oh, how delicious! What inspired me to write this book, The Dreamtidings of a Disgruntled Starbeing, is the question that kept showing up in my life: How do I let go of an injustice when the perpetrator has no regrets and seemingly goes away scot-free?
2. What exactly is it about and who
is it written for?
It’s about the strength, power, and freedom we experience when we let go. It’s about acceptance and forgiveness and is written for anyone interested in the world and the people who inhabit it.
3. What do you hope readers will get out
of reading your book?
My aim has been to write a book with layers so anyone curious enough to look into its pages will find something. My hope, therefore, is that it will be the right book, showing up at the right time, whenever that time is.
4. How did you decide on your book’s title and
cover design?
At first the book’s title was The Dreamtidings of Klara Tippins. Then I realized that, by describing Klara instead of stating her name, the title would be more descriptive, thus I defined her as a ‘disgruntled starbeing.’ The subtitle was added to further clarify the content. The choice for cover design was made with the aim to balance the subtitle, showing that this was not a thriller or horror story, but a story of hope, at times funny and lighthearted.
5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have
for fellow writers – other than run!?
Writing a novel is both impossible and magical and it’s easy to immerse yourself; to have no thoughts to your own life, to forget about food and rest. And so, my suggestion is that you make a deal: x amount of time will go to your characters and x amount of time to you. The time that belongs to you should be all yours, just as the time for your characters was all theirs. Smells, sounds, tastes; make sure to take it all in, to be present and to recharge your batteries.
6. What trends in the book world do you see --
and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?
It took me a long time to write this book, fifteen years as a matter of fact, and much changed during that time. What I see is a great deal of fluidity in the publishing market, where norms and traditions are questioned and new ideas flourish. I think it’s a great time to both be a writer and a reader.
7. Were there experiences in your personal life
or career that came in handy when writing this book?
Yes, both. Growing up I was shy and always aware of the people around me. Later, I became a holistic practitioner with the privilege of taking part in the many challenges we face.
8. How would you describe your writing style?
Which writers or books is your writing similar to?
I will give the honor of describing my writing style to the reader. The writers that have inspired me and who are close to my heart is: Tove Jansson (my first love) who’s writing Neil Gaiman has called “a surrealist masterpiece,” (Neil Gaiman being another favorite of mine,) Margaret Atwood, Fredrik Backman… anyone really, with a big heart and an impish smile.
9. What challenges did you overcome in the
writing of this book?
My biggest challenge was to overcome the idea that I could not write a novel because: a) I don’t have a degree in literature, b) English is not my native tongue, and c) I’m not a terribly patient person. Turns out, none of that mattered.
10. If people can buy or read one book this
week or month, why should it be yours?
I hope those who read it will be entertained and inspired as there is nothing more in this world Klara wants, than for them to take her by the hand.
Linn Aspen grew up in northern Sweden where
the understated beauty and quietness of the landscape fed her contemplative
nature. At age twenty, and thirsty for life experiences, she left Scandinavia
for the USA. Since then, she has raised three children and engaged in many
careers. Most valuable for the writing of her novel, The Dreamtidings of a
Disgruntled Starbeing; Life with a Psychopathic Brother, was her work as a
holistic practitioner. Working as a hypnotherapist, intuitive healer and
channeler, Reiki Master, and Shamanic teacher all gave her intimate insights
into the many challenges we face, as well as the innate strength of the human
spirit. For more information, please see:linnaspen.com
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About Brian Feinblum
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