Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an unequivocal day-dreamer, anime enthusiast, partisan of fantastical things, and unshakable devotee to story-telling.
In addition to writing, I sing, draw, read (of course!), play console games, work on occasional concept art commissions, and volunteer at a local animal welfare centre.
I love fantasy and sci-fi, so it’s no wonder those are the genres of my writing interests. I have written and illustrated two children’s books (one published, one on standby), a short story (currently available in eBook format), and am at present working on a five-part fantasy/ adventure series (the first book now available).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, KIN SEEKER (Book One of the Dragon Calling series), was originally a ‘children’s fable’ in another fantasy story I was working on – kind of like a story within a story. But instead of continuing on with the ‘main’ story, I was intrigued by the main character I assigned for the fable, and wanted to know more about him and what made him to be the ‘hero’ of that fable.
I am not exactly sure what inspired the initial plot, but it grew from the most basic of tales, into something enormously detailed and fully-formed. An entire world exploded from out of that tiny little idea, and with it, some of the greatest adventures I have had the pleasure to follow and unfurl.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Define ‘unusual’ … I love to do character profiles and world-building! Right down to the most random of details, whether it be the protagonist’s pet peeves, a sub-character’s family tree, celebrated festivals in random towns, the calendar timeline used in a particular culture, the primary economic resources of a particular kingdom, and even the blue-print layout of a town.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favourite, and most influential authors would be C. S. Lewis, Emily Rodda, J. R. R. Tolkien and Diana Wynne Jones.
What are you working on now?
I am planning the next round of edits for the second book in the Dragon Calling series, but what I really want to get back into are the major edits and fixing up the ending of the third book (it really needs a lot of love and attention).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Not sure which is the ‘best’ method, as each platform presents its own opportunities, but I have a website dedicated to my series (where I do a monthly blog), a Facebook Page, Goodreads Profile, and a board in Pinterest.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never be too afraid or too stubborn to ask for help and advice from those in the industry who have gone before you. Be ever-ready to sharpen your skills and improve your knowledge, but never doubt yourself, and never ever give-in to the temptation of comparing your creative style with another.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never stop creating.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading The Fyrelit Tragedy (by N & A Lochel), Monster (by Frank Peretti), and Mockingjay (Suzanne Collins).
What’s next for you as a writer?
Next is continuing in the promotion of KIN SEEKER, and working on making it available in paperback and audio formats. Aside from that, it needs to be go-go-go in getting the second book into shape, and making the alterations to the third book.
What is your favorite book of all time?
The Bible – even the best in fantasy can’t beat that.
Author Websites and Profiles
Naomi Eccles-Smith Website
Naomi Eccles-Smith Author Profile on Smashwords
Naomi Eccles-Smith’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account