A few random things about me…
Um, let’s see… when I was eight, I had a pet turkey. I used to take it with me on my very short lived paper route. Needless to say, I was terrible at delivering the paper. No one wanted a “Dollar Saver” with turkey poop splattered across the front page. Apparently that’s where the best coupons are.
Books… well, “Treasure Island” is a fantastic pirate tale. I love just about anything by Roald Dahl. I would also like to thank C.S Lewis for sending me on an unrelenting childhood quest for portals to amazing worlds (even in the most unpleasant locations, e.g… the older brother’s closet, etc…)
I write fantasy stories for children. Yep – I am a HUGE fantasy geek. I can’t help myself! It’s too darn awesome to escape to another realm with sorcerers and wizards. The underlying theme in my stories is empowerment, self love, and living purposefully.
When football is on I turn into a different person. I may even use a curse word or two… or three. I enjoy running; which is a good thing because I need to do it in order to fit into my jeans.
I love to cook and really, really love to eat. I have a theory that avocados actually contain super powers and have the amazing ability to make any snack epic. I also love garlic… which, according to my loved ones, also has an unfortunate super power … the pungent breath-inator… or something of that nature.
Few things make me smile more than chocolate, cheese… AND, if the Chargers would make it to the Super Bowl again – just once:)
WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM
Thanks for this interview, Elizabeth. I’ve always wanted to write children’s
books. When did you determine that
writing for children was for you?
Thank you for having me! When my son (now 15
years old!) came into this world I started writing stories to read to him. I
have been writing ever since! It has been an amazing journey that started with
a young boy on an adventure in a magical world...
Children’s fantasy taels are the stories I love to tell. My favorite
kind of story has the prefect amount of adventure and magic. Of course, you
have to have a fantastically flawed hero and “rotten to the core” villain.
What was the inspiration behind your children’s book, Bandits
of Basswood?
Bandits of Basswood is the prequal to Alexander Drake’s adventure. I had already written
about Alexander (Alexander Drake’s Extraordinary Pursuit), Jonn
William’s son. Bandits of Basswood builds out the back story for the
guardians, Imperius and how the adventure really unfolded hundreds of years
before. John William’s adventure begins with the mysterious disappearance of his father in
Azra’s Pith. John William was determined to find him. He had no idea what dark
forces he was up against... a wild adventure was about to begin and his life
would forever change.
How do you get into the mind of a child to create a fun
reading experience? Are you around
kids? Are you a kid at heart?
I am terribly and eternally childish. Adulting is not my
favorite. Other than my crazy mind, my kiddos are an infinite
source of inspiration. They have inherited my fantasy gene and never run out of
characters and other tid-bits that should be in Azra’s Pith. I can just sit and
watch them play and the ideas come pouring in.
What was your favorite book as a child?
After reading The Lion, The Witch, and The
Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, I was forever in search of portals to magical
worlds. Hands down, my favorite childhood book. I Have a giant wardrobe in my
house as a matter of necessity. You never know what may be on the other side 😉
What kind of advice would you give writers who would like
to write children’s books?
Let
your imagination and muses Guide you. Persevere, have the patience of a jedi, grow a
thick skin and learn from constructive criticism... did I mention persevere?
I'm sure this goes without saying; but read and write as often as you can...
even when you’re struggling and the writing looks like rotten bologna on a
computer screen. If you hope to buy a latte or two with your royalties, the
work begins when the writing is done... so be ready! Did I mention persevere?
What are your
goals for the future? More children’s
books?
I have written five additional books in the Azra’s Pith Series. After a
wild publishing ride they are all waiting in line to be revised and
re-released. Quest for Copia will be the next book to be released
(again). It is the sequel to Bandits of Basswood. A lot of questions are
answered in this book and the story takes a heavy turn so I’m taking my time on
this one.
BOOK BLURB:
John William Drake was born an explorer; just like many, many Drakes before him. His adventure really began with the discovery of a book hidden in the ceiling, followed by the mysterious disappearance of his father. He lived every day in misery until his twelfth birthday. A new friend gave him an invitation he could not turn down… follow me and change your destiny.
He never imagined being captured by bandits and taken to a ship riddled with river rats was part of his fate. Not just any bandits – the Bandits of Basswood; known to be a ruthless and wild crew of thieves. Trying to escape would be a ridiculous idea. No one has ever escaped and lived to tell about it. Uncovering traces of his missing father gave him hope and upped the stakes. John William was determined to get off the ship alive and search for the missing pieces of the puzzle. The chase out of Basswood was on. He took a chance to change his destiny and ended up on a wild ride to solve the most important mystery of his life.
PRAISE
“The imaginative world created by the author is especially fun. Some animals can talk (with attitude!), magic is in the air and emu-like creatures provide fast transportation. Yes, I realize this series is for children- and they can certainly read it. Just as soon as I’m finished.” – Amazon Reviewer 5 stars
“I enjoyed reading these books. Great for young adults, even though I’m an adult. I would recommend this series to those kids who like a good adventure…” – Amazon Reviewer 5 stars
“A simple walk into the world of furry and fairy alike. Enjoyed the character building, as the young boy finds himself in a world with furry pirates, and a feisty fairy princess. Even the villains (as a group,) were only bad because of the main villain of the piece. all in all a nice intro to a simply enchanted world. Hope to see more…” – Amazon Reviewer 4 stars
ORDER YOUR COPY
Amazon → https://amzn.to/3okMyYh
GIVEAWAY
E.P. Bellows is giving away a summer goodie bag containing Azra’s Pith swag! Goodie bag includes a coffee mug, tumbler, beach towel, paperback and kindle copy of Bandits of Basswood!
Terms & Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter
- This giveaway ends midnight September 30.
- Winner will be contacted via email on October 1.
- Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
No comments:
Post a Comment