K.S. Hello and welcome to the blog. I am very excited to have you here. Why don’t we start off with a small introduction? Tell us a little about yourself.
I.K.: I was born in 1985 in Moscow and grew up in South East Asia. Upon my return to Russia, I received a master’s degree in Marketing. My first novel, The Russian Renaissance, has won the Grandmaster Award from the Clive Cussler Collector’s Society.
K.S. When did you realize you wanted to be a writer? What sparked the desire to pen your first novel?
I.K I realized that no one but me could write the story that begged me to be told.
K.S. What genre do you write?
I.K Action, adventure, espionage, international thrillers
K.S. What would you say has inspired you most in your writing career? Or, who is your favorite author and why?
I.K Robert Ludlum, Clive Cussler, David Morrell, Daniel Silva and Trevanian have influenced me most. A combination of ingenious plotting, adventure, great craft, heart and depth.
K.S. What does your family think of your writing?
I.K My parents are my biggest supporters.
K.S. What was one of the most surprising things you learned while creating your book/s?
I.K Facts are sometimes scarier than fiction. Such as the tragedy of the Aral Sea.
K.S. What inspires you?
I.K Human emotions.
K.S. Can you tell us a little about any of your novels?
I.K Here’s the blurb for The Russian Renaissance:
“Constantine can no longer hide in Europe. As he discovers a century-old secret, he must flee back to Moscow, chased by assassins.
Only one man can save him. Eugene Sokolov: an officer in the world's most elite rescue unit, a martial arts legend… and Constantine's brother.
They face an enemy unlike any other. In a game run by a KGB spymaster, the fate of Russia will depend on their survival.”
K.S. Where can we buy your novel?
I.K It’s available on Amazon, in paperback (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1460971612/) and for Kindle (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004PLMJ3G)
K.S. Do you have a website, fan site, or Blog that we can visit?
I.K Visit me at www.iankharitonov.com and join facebook.com/rusren and twitter.com/rusren
K.S. Do you have any closing advice to aspiring writers?
Don’t listen to advice.