Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The first two books in my Immortal Blood Series are out on Amazon, plus a companion book that will go to everyone who signs up to my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/b_275z
Book Three in the series will be out in the spring and book four at some point this summer (2017).
I’m a history nerd, so that comes out in my writing. I love local myths and legends and things lost in mists of time. My house backs onto a huge Victorian cemetery that was closed for fifty years and has now become an overgrown woodland. It’s wonderful for inspiration because you will be pushing through some blackberry bushes and suddenly find a mock Roman Temple or a Cleopatra Needle grave marker, and stone angels emerge from the ivy at random points.
I’m British and live near to a lot of ancient landmarks, our local pub was built in the 1600’s and we regularly walk on Glastonbury Tor which is said to have been a place of worship for at least 3000 years, and is closely entwined with the Grail stories and those of King Arthur.
I’m a work hard, play hard kind of person, except I’m trapped at home by two demanding hellions (my adorable children), but I have cat minions who provide me with plenty of healthy fresh air as they dig up every flower I plant. We are a happy messy household with books toppling off every surface and chocolate hidden in surprising places.
My greatest ambition is to one day live in a house with a secret passage (or maybe a door into another world).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The most recent book in the series is called Guardian of the Spear, and it is, of course, about the Spear of Destiny.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Mostly I have to write late at night when everyone else is in bed. But if I do have my husband home during the day then I can sometimes grab an hour. My family are pretty loud so during those times I take my laptop up to the attic to write. There’s no wifi up there, and I’m pretty sure spiders lurk over my head just waiting to make me scream, but I dig the dust and “filled with hidden treasures” vibe of the place.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well, let’s see. I completed my school years at Hogwarts, vacationed in Narnia every summer, and trekked across Middle Earth many times. But I’m also a sucker for Christmassy romance and anything involving time travel.
What are you working on now?
Book Three, Guardian of the Thorn, which is about an immortal Scottish Highlander and Morgan Le Fay (King Arthur’s sister).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t really do much promotion, it makes me feel uncomfortable. I wish I could connect more with readers, but I’m kind of scared to in case they think I’m promoting. I’d just love more feedback. I have a facebook page and belong to a couple of groups, but that’s it really.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Set yourself a goal of 1000 words every day. It won’t take long before you can complete that in an hour a day. Within one month you will have the bones of your novel, and by the end of the second month you will have fleshed it out. Then, for goodness sake, get an editor to go over it. Just a basic inexpensive edit will make all the difference. That really is it. I meet people all the time who have spent up to six years on their first novel and I can’t believe it. You genuinely can have a great book done in three months if you apply yourself. Almost anyone can find an hour a day. When I worked in an office I did it in my lunch hour. Now I do it at midnight.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Quit your day job – you got this!
I spent years searching for agents and publishing contracts. Then the Indie revolution happened and I couldn’t believe it was that simple. Suddenly the readers were the gate-keepers. Whether a book sinks or swims is now totally in their hands. How awesome is that?
What are you reading now?
I’m binge reading all the Dresden Files, I’m currently on book eleven.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish this series and then a Steam Punk trilogy. It’s a bit of a genre hop, which I know is bad, but I’ve always wanted to write it. After that it will be back to Urban Fantasy for a new series.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Lord of the Rings
The Da Vinci Code
Interview with a Vampire
Author Websites and Profiles
Elena Bryce Website
Elena Bryce Amazon Profile