Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, well, I’m Elizabeth and I’ve written 4 books.
Writing is my ultimate passion and ever since I sent off my first manuscript when I was 12 to Harper Collins (and received a very kind refusal letter) I’ve been determined to carve my way in the world of writing.
The Girl with Nine Lives is the first of a series of books spiralling around the lives and adventures of Ellena Blackwell and her talking cat Benedict. Ellena likes a rum and coke as much as the next gal, but Ben probably likes his catnip a bit too much.
Having a bit of a meltdown around her work place, struggling under pressure, lifestyle conventions and expectations- not to mention a non-existent love life, Ellena turns to Ben for guidance. Not to mention the fact that her boss wants to kill her is complicating things, and the detective that wont leave her alone.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My series The Adventures of Benedict and Blackwell have simply been inspired by places I want to go- and I don’t necessarily mean the physical ones. If I’m lonely, sometimes I’ll create a friend. If I want a drink, the character will drink- if I feel as though I want to blow off some steam, then my character will probably get into trouble and have to fight out of it.
The inspiration for this book was simply needing a friend, and along came Benedict.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ll enjoy listening to whatever music will convey a certain feeling within scenes. If I’m writing a battle scene for instance- I’ll put on the soundtrack to 300.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Kim Harrison inspired me especially- her books, full of fantasy and the supernatural gave me the confidence to simply write what I wanted to read instead of trying to be something I’m not.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a fantasy- I’m so excited about it and I’m aiming for an Autumn release.
It’s called Daughter of the Damned (working title) and you can catch an extract here: http://www.inkitt.com/stories/16782
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesomegang of course!
I find it’s all about having a good online presence and replying to your readers. It’s good to have a twitter and facebook and to keep proactive. Writing and releasing a book is one thing- promotion is long term work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make sure your front cover is SPOT ON. Don’t try and do it yourself. Make sure you get as many reviews as possible as fast as possible. You have a good two months of really pushing your book into a hype. I made a lot of mistakes when I first published and it’s only now after making those mistakes I know better of it!
Don’t pay hundreds of dollars towards promotional campaigns unless you know the authors they’ve promoted are bestsellers. If you see a site that you want to go with- click on some of the authors they are showcasing. Their ratings will hint at the site’s effectiveness and readership number.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t stop.
What are you reading now?
I love reading, but at the moment it’s a distraction I can’t afford. I need to write when I have the creative energy. I get attached to books and their authors and find it difficult sometimes to find books that cater to my wants.
That’s why I write my own.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Bigger and better 🙂
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?
Bear Grylls Survival
Lord of the Rings
The Crimson Petal and the White
The Chronicles of Narnia (is that cheating?)
Author Websites and Profiles
Elizabeth Earle Website
Elizabeth Earle Amazon Profile
Elizabeth Earle Author Profile on Smashwords
Elizabeth Earle’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account