Interview with Natasha Salnikova

Happy Friday, Blogosprites! Hope you've all survived the week. What do you say we meet another fabulous author? Is that a yes? Okay, then say hello to Natasha Salnikova.

Hello, Natasha! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Well, I'm Russian. I was born in Kazakhstan and later moved to Moscow. I came to America ten years ago. In Russia I was a TV host, a TV writer for one of the biggest networks, and a novelist, among of other things. Now I write books and also articles for a Russian newspaper based in Miami. I've acted in a couple of TV commercials here and even independent movies. I live in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida with my husband, twin daughters and a dog.

Cool, what an amazing life! How long have you been writing?

I'd say for about 20 years now. Wow, that's a lot. Professionally for about 15. But that would include TV scripts and articles for a local newspaper. I started with scripts for prime-time TV series and grew into novels. Fiction gives so much more freedom for creativity, unlike scripts.

Tell us about your books. What are they about?

Most of my books are thrillers. And their subgenres are psychological, supernatural. I enjoy developing interesting characters just as much as plot, and all of my novels have some level of psychological tone to them. Some people call my recent novel, The Voice of Waterfalls, a horror. If it is, it wasn't intentional. I think horror and comedies are very difficult to write. It's very difficult to scare people or make them laugh. All my books are written in Russian and I translate them. So far two of them are out and I'm almost finished with the third one.

How did the story ideas come to you?

Ideas always come unexpectedly. Quiet River is actually based on a real story. Part of it. The Voice of Waterfalls was "born" in the car. I was driving, there was a car in front of me with one of the back lights flashing the whole way. And I thought, what if there is somebody in the trunk? What if the driver is helping that person, not kidnapping her? What if he's not what she thinks? The novel was supposed to be about werewolves but I'm glad I changed that idea. For one of my novels, the idea came from a dream. That kind of stuff also happens. The writer's head is always on the idea hunt.

So true! Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I have a group of Russian beta readers but not of English speakers yet. I do not self edit. English is my second language and my grammar is terrible. Nanci Nelson Rogers, a wonderful editor, helped with my second novel and she reedited the first.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Legal parts. I try to avoid involving police but sometimes it's not possible. Also the end of the story. No one wants to disappoint readers at the end. Nothing else is hard, really.

Let’s get to know you on a deeper level. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

A cup of black tea and chocolate. That's it. I'm simple. I need my caffeine and sugar.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Healing, absolutely. There are days when I think about it. I hate when somebody close to me is sick and I can't do anything to help. Being invisible would be fun!

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: paper cup, parrot, and opera house.

The opera house was dark, so no one saw a dead parrot by an empty paper cup.

LOL, interesting. Okay, here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

There too many so I just mention the closest. My mom, of course. She's my first reader and my best friend. My husband. I came here ten years ago because of him. My kids. They are the best. My friends for believing in me. Especially Katia and Ulia. And Nanci, my editor, for doing a tremendous job with my novels.

And finally, where can people find you and your books online?

I have two books for sale now.

Quiet River (psychological thriller)
On Amazon
At Barns and Noble

The Voice of Waterfalls (supernatural thriller) 
On Amazon
At  Barns and Noble

They also can visit my Facebook page for latest news.
http://www.facebook.com/Natasha.A.Salnikova

Natasha, thank you so much for chatting with us. I wish you lots of success with your books! Do svidaniya!