AUTHOR INTERVIEW - ELIZABETH LORAINE

What is your name, where were you born and where do you live now? 

My name is Elizabeth Loraine and I was born in the small northern Minnesota town of Park Rapids and I live in Florida now.

Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

 No I didn’t, I only started writing a few years ago at the age of 52. I always had stories in my head, but I’d never written them down.

When did you first consider yourself as a "writer"? 

When I started doing it everyday.

Did it take a long time to get your first book published? 

It took about eight months.

Do you work another job as well as your writing work?

 No, not any more.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it in less than 20 words what would you say?

 Redemption is book seven of Royal Blood Chronicles; it just came out this month. I am writing the continuing story of a novella I did called Lillian, because the readers wanted to know more about her.

Who is your publisher? or do you self publish?

I am a proud indie.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

It takes about four months.

Which of your books were easier/harder to write than the others?

 Katrina was harder because I didn’t even know if I could write! Once I started however the characters voices started to speak and I just wrote it down.

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?  

Many more of both of my series, Royal Blood Chronicles and Phantom Lives will have one more. Then a new series is in my head. I love fantasy and I love YA so they will probably always be in that genre.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

 Yes, so many are in my head. I need a clone, then I could get everything done I need to do.

What genre would you place your books into? 

Young Adult, although I write for age 12 and to infinity. I’m a TwiMom so that is really my audience.

What made you decide to write that genre of book? 

Just because I love it myself and I couldn’t find what I wanted to read.

Do you have a favourite out of the books you have written? If so why is it your favourite? 

The one I am currently writing is usually my favourite, it’s hard to choose.

Do you have a favourite character from your books? and why are they your favourite? 

I think Katrina, because she started it all. She’s strong, brave with a good heart, a loyal friend, but vulnerable.

If you had to choose to be one of your characters in your book/books which would you be? and why? 

Katrina, for all the reasons above.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write? 

Is started in 2009, I did it for me, but I love many authors and have always loved to read. Anne Rice was the first woman author that I loved because of her Vampire Chronicles.

Where do you get your book plot ideas from? What/Who is your inspiration?

 It could be anything, mostly history for me, it’s fascinating and full of mystery, and exciting events.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

I start early, do all my email, facebook etc and then start writing. I usually have the news or something on.

Do you have anybody read your books and give you reviews before you officially release them? ie. Your partner, children, friends, reviewers you know? 

The editor and proofer read it first of course, family has to wait like everyone else.

Do you gift books to readers to do reviews? 

I gift books, I hope if they like it they will leave a review, but it’s not why I gift books. I want them to read what I write and hopefully I gain a reader.

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

 I usually do, yes.

What was the toughest/best review you have ever had?

 I had a two star review, when I saw it, I though oh no, but when I read it I thought it was actually a good one, because it wasn’t that she didn’t like the writing, but she was upset that Katrina had chosen the wrong man! She was so invested in the characters, how wonderful is that?

Would you ever ask a reviewer to change their review if it was not all positive about your book/books?

 No, it’s their opinion, I leave it at that. No one likes everything.

How do you come up with the Title and Cover Designs for your book/books? Who designed the Cover of your books?  

I use an idea from the book or characters, surrounding etc. My sister is really good with the computer and we do them together.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title? 

Most of the time the title doesn’t come until the very end, but sometimes I have a title in mind, but that’s because the book and characters are already pretty clear in my mind.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books? 

They may just come to me, other times I look names up to match the character I am drawing for the reader. His heritage, etc, and I may want one that means something.

Are character names and place names decided after there creation? or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?

 I do it as I go along.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along? 

Yes I do it while I’m writing. With lead characters I know who they are already.

Do you basic plot/plan for your book, before you actually begin writing it out? Or do you let the writing flow and see where it takes the story? 

No, I’m a pantser, it comes as I write.

How do you market/promote your books?

 Blog tours, like this, I have a website, facebook pages, I twitter, go on goodreads. Any where there are readers.

What do you think makes a book a really good/bestseller?

 You have to make the readers want your characters to be interesting. They want to cheer them on, cry with them, and relate to them.

Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"? 

No, if I get to a point where I don’t know which way I want to go I take a break for the day and then write my way through it.

What do you do to unwind and relax? Do you have a hobby?

 I cook and garden, both keep me happy and sane.

Have you ever based characters on people you know or based events on things that have happened to you?

 No, not really.

Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..") 

That doing the right thing isn’t always popular or easy. It’s just right.

Is there a certain Author that influenced you in writing? 

Anne Rice.

Which format of book do you prefer, ebook,hardback, or paperback? 

Ebook is the most accessible for people, but I love a print book in my hands.

What is your favourite book and Why?  Have you read it more than once? 

I love Lord of the Rings, yes many times.

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favourite/worst  book to movie transfer? 

I’d love to see my books made into movies. I think Eragon was disappointing to me as a movie.

What are you currently reading? Are you enjoying it? What format is it?(ebook, hardback or paperback) 

I read when I get a chance, mostly YA, or something funny. I’m reading Starfire Angels by Melanie Nilles.

Do you think ebooks will ever totally replace printed books? 

I don’t think so, but they are going to be less the norm than they are now.

Do you think children at schools these days are encouraged enough to read? and/or do Imaginative writing?

 No I definitely don’t think they read enough for fun.

Did you read a lot at school and write lots of stories or is being a writer something newer in your life? 

What was required, but I had a sister who was six years older and she read to me every night before bed.

Did you have a favourite author as a child?

 Hans Christian Andersen

Do you have a treasured book from your childhood? 

If yes, what is it? It’s that book of fables, Elves and the Shoemaker is my fave.

Do you have a favourite genre of book?

 YA fantasy of course.

Is there a book you know you will never read? Or one you tried to read but just couldn't finish?

 I’m too busy to read anything that takes too long to get into. If it’s not interesting in the first few chapters I’m out.

Is there anything in your book/books you would change now if you could and what would it be?

 Nope.

What do you think about book trailers?

 I think most are too boring. But I love the great ones, the ones that make you want to find the book!

What piece of advice would you give to a new writer? 

Keep at it, don’t get discouraged and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you could invite three favourite writers to dinner, who would you invite and enjoy chatting with?

 Stephenie Meyer and J.K. Rowling with Anne Rice would be very interesting I think.