Want to know more about New York Times bestselling author Eric Van Lustbader and his new book Omega Rules? Keep reading to see his answers to all of our burning questions!
What’s your favorite place to write about?
I’d have to say Istanbul. It’s the nexus point of Europe and Asia, East and West. It’s exotic, on the water, with many beautiful places to set scenes. Plus, it has a long history of being a hotbed for spies of all nationalities.
What’s your preferred method for writing? Do you handwrite or type?
I write my notes by hand, never on the computer. No idea why; it just feels right. Also, now that I think about it, a number of scene ideas come to me right after the lights go out for the night and I have to scribble on the notepad that’s always by my bedside. As for the drafts themselves, always on the computer.
What’s your favorite cure for writer’s block?
Honestly, I’ve never had writer’s block, per se. I will say there are times when I can’t quite see a scene in my mind. Can’t write it until the images crystalize.
What song/album/musical artist inspires you?
Oh, so many. Having spent a decade in the music business I’ve never stopped listening to music when I write. I remember years ago playing “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush over and over while I finished the last 30 pages of a Nicholas Linenar novel. That was fun! These days I listen to new acts all the time: The Anchoress, Public Memory, Beach House, Hatchie, Miley Cyrus. And, of course, Depeche Mode remixes. Depends on my mood and the type of scene I’m writing.
What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
When I was in the music business one of the people I interviewed was Keith Reid, the lyricist for Procol Harum (fun fact. “A Whiter Shade of Pale” is one of the few singles to have sold over 10 million copies. When I asked Keith what motivated him to write, he said, “Despair.” My version of that is: “Write about what frightens you the most.”
What’s the book you’ve read the most?
The Night Manager by John Le Carre.
What’s the first book you remember buying?
The Magus by John Fowles
What’s been the most surprising place you’ve visited on a book tour?
That would be Perth, Australia, hands down. One gorgeous place. But the entire Australian book tour was simply amazing, mainly because of the Aussies themselves who were without exception warm, welcoming, and great fun to be with. I would love to go back and see the friends I made there.
Favorite way to unwind indoors?
Reading fiction, of course!
Click below to order your copy of Omega Rules–available now!
nice