Series: Avery #1
Release date: September 25th 2014
Synopsis via Goodreads:
***Mature YA - This book contains mild adult language and sexual content.***
Nearly a century ago the world was decimated by a magical war. In their defeat, elves were captured by humans, cut off from their magic, and broken down into lifeless, drone-like slaves.
Avery is different. Somehow, her magic has always simmered beneath the surface. Never completely broken, she must pretend in order to survive. When Zander, her master’s nephew, brings her magic out in full force, she finds out what it’s like to truly be alive.
Ripped from Zander’s side and sent to The Farm, Avery doesn’t know if she’ll be able to hide her light and make it out alive. But there, she’ll meet someone who knows her true purpose.
The war isn’t over, and if Avery can survive, she could be the one to set her people free. All it takes is a little hope and a Spark of Light.
I would like to thank Elizabeth for taking time out of her busy day to answer these questions.
When did you first realize
you wanted to be a writer?
I’d always enjoyed writing in different forms, but never considered
[seriously] writing a book until the end of 2012. I had devoured all of Denise
Grover Swank’s books and was in contact with her on Facebook. Something about
her and her work sparked my need to start writing. I think it’s always been
inside, I just never paid much attention to it. Once I started, I knew this is
what I wanted to do with my life.
How long does it take you to write a book?
That’s hard to say. So far I’ve had a few other things going on as I
write and it’s taken me between 4-5 months to finish a first draft. I think if
I was focused on one thing it would only take 1 or 2 months, tops, to finish.
But then there is editing, and I don’t have much of a measure for that yet. It
really depends on how much of a mess the first draft is.
Writing a series, how hard
is it to stay true to the characters from Book One to The End?
I’ve only written 8 chapters in book two so far, so I couldn’t say.
With a series, how do you
decide when the story will be completed?
Originally this was going to be a two book series. I have an outline for
book two complete and though it could be the end of the story, it didn’t feel
complete to me. I couldn’t put my finger on it for a long time, but then one
day it hit me. There was a whole side to the story that was never explored and
needed to be told. I’m not sure there is a formula to it. I think you just
know.
How hard is it to keep
track of various storylines and characters when you have more than one series
being written at a time?
The story and characters are so different I didn’t have any trouble stepping
in and out of the worlds. I think if they were more similar it would have been
a little harder.
What do you think makes a
great story?
Great characters, hands down.
What is your work schedule
like when you're writing?
What’s a schedule? :-) I’m HORRIBLE at keeping schedules, and I get
easily distracted. I just try to write whenever I can. I did slack off a lot
this year, but now that Spark of Light is out and I actually have readers who
are waiting for more, I’ll have to make myself be more disciplined.
How do you balance family
life and your writing?
Not well, but I’m working on it.
Where do you get your
information or ideas for your books?
The idea for Spark of Light just came to me one day. I’d been trying to think
of something, so it wasn’t out of the blue, but the story itself was pretty
random and I have no idea how my brain came up with it. My short story, Autumn,
and my paranormal, Archer, were also stories that came from trying to think of
something. With those I knew the kind of story I needed and even did some
brainstorming on paper. The only story I have that came to me out of nowhere
one night while I was almost asleep, and I had to get up and write it down.
It’s a paranormal I haven’t got the chance to explore much yet. It came to me
in the form of a paragraph where the MC is telling me how his world came to be
and what he is. It’s pretty exciting. I can’t wait to flesh that one out.
What was one of the most
surprising things you learned in creating your books?
Your brain is an amazing and crazy place. Even though these character
come from my mind, they really do seem to have one of their own. They know who
they are and where they want to go, and they’ll fight with you if you don’t
listen. I love it.
How many books have you
written? Which is your favorite?
Spark of light and my short story, Autumn, and the only finished
projects. Archer, my paranormal, is complete, but in draft mode. It’s kind of a
mess. I don’t know if I can pick a favorite. That’s kind of like picking a
favorite kid.
Are your characters based
on anyone you know?
One looks a lot like someone I know, and that was on purpose, but on the
inside they are all their own character. I’d say which one, but I also named
the character after said person, so I’ll just plead the 5th on that one.
Do you have a favorite
place you love to write?
Not yet.
What do you like to do
when you are not writing?
I’m trying to think of thing that don’t make me sound like the most
boring person ever, but really, between writing stuff and taking care of my
kids, I just like to mostly read, sleep, and binge on Netflix.
Do you have any
suggestions to help aspiring writers better themselves and their craft? If so,
what are they?
Just write. Like anything, practice is key, but also, get feedback. Join
a writing group, or at least find a couple critique partners who you connect
with. Note: You might not find the right people for you right away. It’s okay
to keep looking, even though you might feel bad about it. But once you find your people,
you’ll realize it was worth it. Don’t stay in a writing relationship that isn’t
working.
As a child, what did you
want to do when you grew up?
For a long time I wanted to be a teacher, but I’m glad I didn’t follow
that career path. I don’t think teaching is for me at all.
For an aspiring writer
what do you feel are certain do's and don’ts for getting their material
published? (GREAT ADVISE!)
I’m completely indie. It makes sense to me, and I don’t have much
interest in trying to get published by one of the big guys, so I really don’t
have any advice on that. But, if you’re looking to self publish:
Do:
Your homework. Know the business.
Hire an editor. You can self edit all you want, but eventually you need a
fresh pair of eyes that know what they’re looking for. Reviewers can be brutal,
and spelling and grammar errors will have them jumping on you.
Don’t:
Publish before you’re ready. It’s not a race. Make sure your book is the
best it can be, but don’t stall either. If you nitpick, hoping for perfection
you will never get there.
Listen to advice that doesn’t sit right with you. There is a ocean of
opinions out there and if you’re not careful you’ll drown. For every one there
is someone else with just as much experience saying the opposite. While it’s
good to seek the wisdom of other writers, you still have to decide what works for
you. Every writer is different. We all have to find our process.
Five For Fun:
What is your favorite
drink?
Sweet tea and lemonade
What are your favorite
board games?
I LOVE board games. My favorites are Checkers, Battle Ship, Scrabble, or
anything Trivia. (I have board games
galore! ~ Word to Dreams)
What is your favorite
season?
Fall. I love the colors and smells, and being able to wear a hoodie
pretty much all the time.
What is your favorite
movie of all time?
I can’t do favorites for anything entertainment related. I’m too easily
amused. My “favorites” are limitless. But I can give you at least 5. I’ll just
name the first ones that pop in my head. Divergent, The New Guy, Crazy Stupid
Love, Harry Potter (all of them), and P.S. I Love you. (P.S. I Love You made me ugly cry ~ Word to
Dreams)
What TV shows do you
like to watch?
I don’t have cable, so I’m usually way behind by the time I discover
something on Netflix. The ones I love that I still have some catching up on
are: Arrow, White Collar, Teen Wolf, New Girl, and Supernatural, and How I Met
Your Mother. I’ve managed to keep up with Outlander. And ones I’m finished
with, but could watch again are: Dexter and Raising Hope. There are tons I want
to watch but have yet to start, and ABC Family shows are kind of a guilty
pleasure. Me=Netflix junkie
About the Author
Elizabeth’s first writing award was in the 2nd grade with a story about a cat and a dog that overcame their differences and became friends. Satisfied with that success, she put her writing career on hold until the winter of 2012. Now, she spends most days in her pajamas making things up and writing them down. Her other interests include board games, being in nature, and binge watching shows on Netflix.
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