Interview with an Author featuring Elena Carter

The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Elena Carter! Her debut novel, Follow the Hummingbird (The Dream Tamer Chronicles Book 1) released on July 30th 2021.

Congrats on your new release! How has release week been going?

Thank you so much! I was absolutely overwhelmed with the support I had from the writing community both on Instagram and Facebook. My proof copy came in late – it didn’t make it here before the launch date – but when I finally got it, I had another reason to celebrate! It’s such an amazing feeling to hold your first book in your hands!

I have also been getting some wonderful reviews from my ARC readers. Fills my eyes with tears of joy every time I see that my story has genuinely touched someone. That’s what the magic of writing is all about, isn’t it?

How long have you been writing?

Since I can remember myself, I have always wanted to be a writer. I have also always been an avid reader, especially in my teenage years. That’s the time when I started trying to write – dabbling in poetry a bit, then making some attempts at fan fiction, but never finishing anything I started.

I guess the dream has always been there, it was just hiding in the remote corners of my soul for most of my life. Until I finally had the courage to give it another shot… at 40 years old! Except this time I didn’t give up.

Describe a typical writing day.

In my case, it’s usually more of a “writing night.” Most of my debut novel was written on my phone late at night, when my baby was asleep and I finally had some time to myself.

When I do manage to get some writing time in the day (usually when my husband or my mom are babysitting my sweet and highly active toddler), I just have to make the most of it. I get an hour or two, so I just sneak out of the room with my laptop, find a quiet place and start typing. And it’s never enough!

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

A good part of my novel, which takes the protagonist on a journey into the world of her dreams, was inspired by dreams of my own. I have always had vivid dreams, and those dreams have always had an impact on my life.

But most of the dreams my MC has in “Follow the Hummingbird”, as well as most of the characters there – they just came to me and made me write about them. Seriously. I don’t know how it works, it’s pretty much like magic if you ask me.

What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

I think what I’m trying to convey in the book is that life is amazing and wonderful, and there’s so much more to this world than we believe there is. And that there’s always a place for hope.

What is the significance of the title?

Apart from hummingbirds being some of the most amazing and extraordinary creatures on our beautiful planet, a lot of cultures have shared the belief that they are in fact messengers from a different world, or guides to one of them. That’s exactly what a hummingbird is in my book – a guide helping the protagonist on her fascinating journey.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Oh, wow. I guess it’s harder than writing a synopsis or a blurb – pretty much a nightmare for most authors, right?

Let me think…passionate, I guess. And open-hearted. And a dreamer.

What was the highlight of writing this book?

We all face battles of our own. They can be extremely hard. And very painful. And can easily bring us down to our knees. But there’s always hope. And there’s always a helping hand. And there’s always a door for you to open, if you have enough courage. And this door can take you to a wonderful place.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

I am currently working on two projects. One is a collection of short stories called “The Town” – I have included a short introduction and one of the stories at the end of my book.

Also, I am outlining book 2 in the “Dream Tamer Chronicles”, where we’ll learn more about some of the characters from the first book and will get to follow them on their journey to different dream worlds.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Believe in yourself even if no one else does. And never give up. No matter what. It will be hard at times. But you need to push through. It’s absolutely worth it.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I guess I just want to encourage people to dream. And to take chances. After all, that’s what I did when I started writing my first book when I was 40 (and writing it in my second language, too). And look, it turned out pretty good, I think!

Thank you Elena Carter for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Follow the Hummingbird today!

~Synopsis~

Where do you go when you close your eyes at night?

Lonely and depressed after her husband dies, Tina gets through her days on autopilot. But her nighttime dreams are anything but regular. Everything changes when she wakes up with proof that her dreams are much more than they seem.

After recovering from the initial shock, Tina sees a life-changing opportunity. Encouraged by her friends and armed with some magical amulets, Tina embarks on the journey into the world of her dreams. That mysterious world awaits Tina eagerly, ready to open its multiple doors to her. Except some doors are better left closed…

While exploring different realms, hoping to reunite with her lost love, Tina faces the danger of losing her soul to a dark ancient force.

On the other hand, she now has a reason to believe that she can find her ”happily ever after” in one of those worlds.

Will she be able or even willing to return from her journey?

Elena Carter was born in Almaty, Kazakhstan. In 2013, she relocated to Bulgaria to live by the sea in the beautiful city of Varna.

She has explored many different career paths, from working as a political and human rights assistant at the Netherlands Embassy to making gemstone jewelry. In 2020, while on maternity leave with her youngest son, she decided to finally pursue her life-long dream of becoming a writer.

When she’s not writing, you might find her chasing her toddler around the house or pushing the stroller along the city streets, while taking pictures of all the cats and flowers around and at the same time thinking of story ideas.

Currently, she is working on a short story collection as well as the next book in The Dream Tamer Chronicles series.