Get ready to learn more about the book Who Stole Santa’s Squeakers? in this discussion with sapphic author Elle Armstrong.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Elle Armstrong about Who Stole Santa’s Squeakers?, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Cozy Mystery category in the 2024 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Who Stole Santa’s Squeakers?
I wanted to write a Christmas novella and this story just appeared as I typed. I have no idea where it came from. It wasn’t planned out at all.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
I like them both equally but Hedera is most like me as she gets bullied a little in the book and that’s something I’m very familiar with.
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
The biggest challenge was getting it finished in time to be released in that years December.
What part of Who Stole Santa’s Squeakers? was the most fun to write?
I had the most fun writing the North Pole as I used to dream it would be as a kid.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
I find titles quite easy to come up with and this one just appeared.
How much research did you need to do for Who Stole Santa’s Squeakers?
I did quite a lot like I do for all my books. I checked the climate and industry for example.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
The sequel Saving Summer’s Santa is already published. I’m currently writing the last book in the trilogy and I have a title for it but I’m stuck on a plot point at the moment.
What is your writing process like?
I’m a bit of both (plotter and pantser). I usually have a start, a few middle bits to aim for and a finish. The in between parts come as I write. Even I don’t know what the story will be when I start.
Where do you usually write, and what do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
I have my desk set up in the conservatory. I have a collection of notebooks and stationery that I like to play with and a nice view for looking at whilst thinking (read staring at instead of writing).
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
I would choose Enid Blyton. I’d ask her about her books that I read as a child and I’d also ask her if George was secretly queer.
Is there a particular genre you would love to write but only under a pseudonym?
I have a sci fi book in my head but I don’t have any experience of writing this genre. I will write it at some point. Its characters are the ones in my head constantly and have been for months. But I need to finish my three wip’s first before I even consider it.
Do you have a pet who helps/hinders your typing?
I have three dogs all of whom bark/squeak at people walking past especially anyone coming down the drive. My latest rescue is very clingy too and destroys anything in her path if she’s not having enough attention focused on her. I have to put things out of her reach or cover things up before I can start writing. The other two are more independent.
They are as follows:
Asten age 9 Yorkie. The Boss. Very clever and likes to fall asleep sat perched half on my shoulder and half on the top of the settee.
Bailey age 8 Shorkie (shih tzu x yorkie mix). The snuggle bunny. The nurse. He loves cuddles and will come straight to me if I’m upset or hurt.
Piper age unknown but around 2-3. The homewrecker. Loves tummy tickles, and attention. Chews anything in her path including 3 pairs of glasses. Cute as a button.
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
My health hinders me greatly. I have numerous health issues including fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis in numerous places amongst the many others. Totalled all together they affect my energy levels, my pain and my joints.
What do you do to get inside your character’s heads?
All my characters I picture as a friend and I then imagine what they’d say and do in certain situations.
If you could be mentored by a famous author (living or not), who would it be?
Lee Winter
What author in your genre do you most admire, and why?
Jae. She’s amazing.
Have you ever cried when writing an emotional scene?
No I don’t cry when reading books or watching movies. I’m not wired that way.
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
I have always loved romance, mystery, thrillers and paranormal but have started to read more sci fi and fantasy.
What books have you read more than once in your life?
Who’d have Thought by G Benson. I love this book. It has humour, snark and wide ranging emotions and it balances that with writing about dementia and homophobic parents.
