Elle Marr
Author Interview - Elle Marr
Author of LIES WE BURY and THE ALONE TIME
About The Alone Time:
Fiona and Violet Seng were just children when their family’s Cessna crash-landed in the Washington wilderness, claiming the lives of their parents. For twelve harrowing weeks, the girls fended for themselves before being rescued.
Twenty-five years later, they’re still trying to move on from the trauma. Fiona repurposes it into controversial works of art. Violet has battled addiction and failed relationships to finally progress toward normalcy as a writer. The estranged sisters never speak about what they call their Alone Time in the wild. They wouldn’t dare―until they become the subject of a documentary that renews public fascination with the “girl survivors” and questions their version of the events.
When disturbing details about the Seng family are exposed, a strange woman claims to know the crash was deliberate. Fiona and Violet must come together to face the horrifying truth of what happened out there and what they learned about their parents and themselves. Before any other secrets emerge from the woods.
About Lies We Bury:
“Two decades ago Marissa Mo escaped a basement prison—the only home she’d ever known. At twenty-seven, Marissa’s moved beyond the trauma and is working under a new name as a freelance photographer. But when she accepts a job covering a string of macabre murders in Portland, it’s impossible for Marissa not to remember.
Everything is eerily familiar. The same underground lairs. Sad trinkets and toys left behind, identical to those Marissa had as a child. And then there is the note meant just for her that freezes Marissa’s blood: See you soon, Missy.
To determine the killer’s next move, Marissa must retrieve her long-forgotten memories and return to a past she’s hidden away. But she won’t be facing her fears alone. Someone is waiting for her in the dark.”
Author Interview - Elle Marr
Author I draw inspiration from:
2024: I've been a huge reader since I was a kid, so the sources of inspiration are endless. In terms of books that I love, Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston immediately comes to mind, followed by The Regulators by Richard Bachman (Stephen King), A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers, and countless others.
2021: I fell hard for Gillian Flynn, Stephen King, and Harlan Coben long before I became an author, but I also really enjoy the works of Jodi Picoult (Click here for my list of Best Jodi Picoult Books), literary fiction by Celeste Ng, and Sci-Fi writer Mike Chen.
Author Interview - Elle Marr
Favorite place to read a book:
2024: Anywhere there's a quiet room! With little kids, it's hard to find the space but I do love reading on my couch, directly next to my bookshelf for easy reading access.
2021: Seated beside my bookshelf, which is stacked with books. There's something about reading among old friends that I find enjoyable.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
2024: Hercule Poirot, in Murder on the Orient Express by the great Agatha Christie. I would love to pepper him with questions about his process of investigation, his upbringing, his opinion of the modern justice system -- all kinds of things! He is an endlessly fascinating character.
2021: Evie from The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
Author Interview - Elle Marr
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
2024: I was probably nine years old, when I began writing my own stories in a small diary with one of those cheap plastic locks that came with two keys. The joy I felt from writing and crafting (what I thought was) the perfect sentence resonated deeply in me.
2021: I was probably nine years old and sneaking into an online writing forum for adults. As I published several chapters posing as a twenty-year old, I knew then that I wanted to write stories.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
2024: Paperback. I will never not love the smell of pages in the library or a bookshop.
2021: ebook to read on my phone. Paperback to get cozy with beside my bookshelf.
The last book I read:
2024: First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston was an example of incredible plotting. I loved the innocuous way we're introduced to Evie's world because she draws us in deeper to completely upend our expectations and predictions.
2021: The Stepdaughter by Georgina Cross
Author Interview - Elle Marr
Pen & paper or computer:
2024: Computer all the way. I have never written on paper because I'm too slow and become too sloppy in the process. When I start writing a book, I work off of 3-4 Word docs, 1-2 Excel spreadsheets, and a very cluttered computer desktop.
2021: Computer, 1000%
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
2021: Rachel Chu; Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Author Interview - Elle Marr
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
2024: An archaeologist. It's another childhood obsession of mine that I think would feel like fun every day, and not necessarily work. Writing, although it is definitely work—
2021: Archaeologist; digging up old stories or formulating new ones based on a few bones would be right up my alley.
Favorite decade in fashion history:
2024: I love the visual appeal of the Forties' fashion but appreciate the take-no-prisoners attitude about the Eighties' style.
2021: 80's; Give me the leggings and loose-fitting sweatshirts all day!
Place I’d most like to travel:
2024: Thailand. I've traveled a lot internationally but never made my way there. The food, the temples, the natural landscapes are all enticing to me. But mostly the food!
2021: Fiji
My signature drink:
2024: Cotes du Rhone red wine.
2021: Red wine, ideally from France and costing no more than 5 euros.
Favorite artist:
2024: Jane Austen.
2021: Lady Gaga; I think her talent, style, and exuberance for life in general is amazing.
Number one on my bucket list:
2024: Visiting all the national parks. I've got a long way to go!
2021: See the Aurora Borealis
Anything else you'd like to add:
2021: It's a dream come true to be a published author and I'm so grateful for every opportunity to discuss my books. Thanks for chatting!
Find more from the author:
https://www.instagram.com/ellemarrauthor/
https://twitter.com/ellemarr_
https://www.facebook.com/ellemarrauthor
About Elle Marr:
Author Interview - Elle Marr
Elle Marr is the number one Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Missing Sister. She graduated from UC San Diego before moving to France, where she earned a master’s degree from the Sorbonne University in Paris. Originally from Sacramento, Elle now lives in Oregon with her husband, son, and one very demanding feline. For more information, visit the author at www.ellemarr.com.
