Interview With Author Emily Astillberry
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author and RSPCA Inspector from Norfolk. I have a degree in English Literature and Linguistics from York University and have been investigating animal cruelty and neglect and rescuing sick and injured animals for almost 20 years. In my day job, I deal with very difficult and often emotional situations and meet all sorts of people from all sorts of backgrounds. My career provides some of the inspiration for my fictional work.
I live in an old cottage in the country. I have a husband, 5 children, 2 dogs, a cat, 2 giant African land snails and currently one rescued hen who thinks she is a dog, so finding time to write can be a challenge. I am happiest outdoors, growing fruit and vegetables in the garden, walking the dogs and family holidays usually involve walking up mountains in summer, skiing down them in winter and sleeping in a tent whenever possible.
I love spending time with my large, noisy, chaotic family, cooking meals for friends and playing board games. I always have at least one book on the go and have always dreamed of writing my own novel. I now dream of writing more.
The Essence of Bliss is my debut novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Essence of Bliss
I’m honestly not sure where the inspiration came from. I have been saying that I’m going to write a book for at least the last 20 years but have never found quite the right time or quite the right inspiration. One day, about 5 years ago, I woke up one morning and knew what my book was going to be about. That’s when the hard work began.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I prefer to write outside. I have a double camping chair and I put it on the lawn and sit at one end with a dog on the other. Bobby was my canine writing companion during the writing of The Essence of Bliss but sadly we lost him before he was able to see it published. Bonnie has now taken up his mantle and joins me on my chair in the garden. In sunny weather, I wear a hat. In cold weather, I wrap up warm. On rainy days we retire to the conservatory and write to the soothing sound of the rain on the roof.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I believe that I have been influenced by every book that I have ever read. There is something to take from everything. When I am moved by a book, I yearn to be able to similarly move others. When I am disappointed by a plot or a style or the writing of a book, I am determined not to make the same mistakes. I love books with some element of magic, from a whisper of otherworldliness to outright fantasy but am particularly inspired by those set in the world as we know it, with a twist. I think of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon and The Time Traveler’s wife by Audrey Niffenegger when I think of the books that I would most like to have written.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the sequel, The Essence of Insanity. I am hoping to have it finished and published in 2025. I also already have a prequel in mind, born out of characters that developed as I was writing and realised that their story needed telling too. I believe that there will be more books in the series to come. My head is full of ideas. I just need the time to get them all on paper.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am very new to book promotion and have no experience to fall back on. At the moment, I am sharing my publishing journey through my Facebook and Instagram accounts but hope to branch out and reach a wider audience in 2025.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I always knew that I wanted to write but never felt that I was in the right place in my life. I was working, I was getting married, I was having children and being a mum. I told myself that when I had children and had some time off work, I would start to write. It didn’t happen. I told myself that when the children got a bit older and started school, I would start to write. It didn’t happen. I eventually realised that there is never a perfect time to start writing but if you want it enough, you have to make the time. Even if you’re stealing 45 minutes in your lunch break or half an hour between eating dinner and starting on the packed lunches for the next day. Get up 20 minutes earlier. Go to bed half an hour later. Delete that game from your phone and just get on with it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Life is fragile, it is short, it is gone before you know it. Live the life you have, be thankful for what you have and enjoy it every day.
What are you reading now?
Go Tell The Bees That I am Gone, Diana Gabaldon. Outlander series book 9.
I am reading it extremely slowly because I don’t want it to end.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve only just got started and I don’t want to stop. I’m working on the sequel and have the prequel and the next book in the series mapped out in my head.
One day I’d like to work on a series of books based on my career and I’d like to explore a fantasy series for teenagers and young adults with dyslexia.
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?
Cross Stitch, Diana Gabaldon
Gone With The Wind, Margaret Mitchell.
Daughter of the Blood, Anne Bishop.
A Child Called ‘It,’ Dave Pelzer
Emily Astillberry’s Social Media Links
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