Elena Bowman, Author of the Science Fiction Romance, 'Sarah's Landing'

Scribal Love Welcomes Elena Bowman.


She is an author of Science Fiction and Mystery Romance Series.  Her series “Sarah’s Landing” Series is available now.  

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.   


Actually, I do not to write about myself in any my characters, I prefer to use a combination of people I know, have met, or have seen in one place or another.


What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? 


Jumping off a moving train.  Working as a secretary in the State House, a secretary and I were supposed to meet our boss and other secretaries on a train that was going out to another city to visit one of our sick employees.  The thing was, we had the tickets for everyone, and as the train left the station, the others hadn't shown up. So as the train was moving out, we decided to do what our boss said and jump off the train to wait for the next one hoping the others would finally arrive by then.  As the train pulled away we noticed that all the others had caught the end of the train and were moving forward to where we were supposed to be.  They waved to us as we stood there on the railroad tracks watching them disappear from view.  I should add that at the time we were both wearing dresses and high heels. 

When did you first discover that you were a writer?


Probably when I was in Grammar School, I loved to read books and go to the movies.  It was the endings of stories and movies that inspired me to rewrite them so that they all ended happily.  From that point on I continued to write short stories and short plays mostly for my own pleasure. 


Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.


I love to read historical, mystery, romance, and science fiction novels.  Non-fiction books about ancient civilizations, space travel, and the Universe.  I generally like well-written books that have a plot and a story to them.  


What other books have you written, whether published or not?


At present I have ten books published all in eBook and Kindle book formats, nine of which are in print.  The tenth one will be coming out in print in January 2011.  Including in these novels are two series…one, The Sarah's Landing Series, consisting of four-books, which is my science fiction series wrapped around a love story.  And the second is The Legacy Series, a three book mystery-romance series bordering on the paranormal.  Three other books are stand alones.  One is based on a true story, the other two are science fiction/mystery novels. 


How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?


Things have been a bit chaotic lately. When my youngest daughter moved back home, she brought her three cats with her.  Now, I'm not much for cats, I’m a dog lover, but these cats, have finally wormed their way into my heart.  My oldest daughter graduated from Law School, adding another degree on to her repertoire is working pro-bono to keep herself busy, while one of my sons along with my daughters and granddaughter are still searching for work.  My husband and I continue to help the best we can, but as long as everyone is healthy, that's the main thing.  Other than that…I continue to write novels, the world is still turning, the planet is still in its orbit and the sun will shine again. 

How do you choose your characters’ names?


That's the hard part.  Sometimes I take the names of places and things, scramble them around to see what I can come out with.  Other times, certain names seem to be just the right ones for the characters in the stories.


What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?


I suppose as a mother I can only say the way my four children have turned out.  What better accomplishment than to have four beautiful children, who are intelligent, talented and creative.  And a granddaughter as well who has the same attributes.  As to my personal accomplishments — that I am a Software Engineer turned author and have ten published books to my credit as well as the love of a wonderful supportive husband.  What more can one ask for? 


If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?


I haven't the foggiest notion.  Since I can't think of who I might be, then I guess I wouldn't exist…as an animal that is.


What is your favorite food?


I have lots of favorite foods.  Among them are:  Lasagna, meatballs, broiled zucchini, steak, stuffed squash, boiled potatoes mixed with olive oil and salt, scrambled eggs and zucchini all mixed up together…delicious!  


What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?


Time…time is always a problem.  Getting time to myself to write uninterrupted is the greatest roadblock.   I haven't really overcome it, I deal with it.  When I sit down to write now, my family understands that they have to let me be until I stop for a break or for something to drink. 


What advice would you give to an author just starting out?


Be persistent.  Talent alone won't make the grade.  If you believe in your work, others will as well.  Don't despair if you get rejection upon rejection.  Keep at it until someone finally realizes what you have is worth publishing.  Trying to get into the big traditional publishing houses is difficult.  With a few exceptions, most of them want manuscripts submitted by an Agent, they don't want to have to go through a slush pile to find the next JK Rollins.  There is always the small press publishing companies who are more easily accessible to new authors.  But they too, only want the best.  


How can readers find you on the Internet?


I have two websites, http://elenadb.home.comcast.net and http://www.sarahslanding.com


From there you can read excerpts and reviews of all my books and my email address.  I also have a Myspace address and a blog.  


http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/elena.bowman1


My books are available from: www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com , www.cambridgebooks.us, www.ebooksonthe.net, and at your favorite bookstore.