20 Questions
(Author Interview)
Brought to you by
Debby P.
1.Tell us about your current project.
It’s a fantasy called, Maisie, although, I can’t say too much because it’s a secret and something I haven’t tried before. I will say that it involves a seven-year-old blind girl who has no idea who she really is.
I’m also working on missive four of the Henry Ian Darling Oddity paranormal series. I like Henry and think he has a distinct voice. I’m not quite sure where it’s going to lead exactly. But then that’s how all my books are. I have a spark of an idea and see where it leads – usually led by the characters.
2. What sparked the idea for this project?
The spark for Maisie came in a dream and was linked to something else I’d written. Many of my stories come from dreams.
Henry gave me his name and voiced his loose intentions through another dream.
2a: When can we expect to see this project?
I’ve been having physical problems so it’s been difficult to write, but Maisie is about three-quarters through. Henry – not sure. Hopefully the end of this year (2016 or early next).
3. How do you choose your book covers?
I design all my own book covers. I love designing and like control not only of my writing (independent author) but of my covers. I have the ideas and peruse for the correct photos and /or use and incorporate them into my design programme. It’s not Photoshop, that’s far too complicated for me. But it is reasonably good for producing my designs. I think they are all brilliant!
4. Music seems to influence a lot of authors, what are your musical influences, if any?
I enjoy all kinds of music, it depends on my mood; although, I cannot write with any distractions, including music. It’s me, the keyboard, PC screen – fingers and brain connect only in this way for my stories. It’s sort of magical.
My favourite song of all time is Over The Rainbow by Eva Cassidy.
5. How do you handle "writers block"?
I don’t believe in writer’s block. If I’m ever stuck on one piece of writing because I’m not sure where it’s going or I want to think about it some more, so I write another story while waiting.
6. Who has been your greatest influence?
Reading; especially fantasy stories. Although my dad has given me the drive to always work hard.
7. Do you or have you ever had a muse?
No. However, I did write Gone because of what happened to my daughter, Samantha. She was severely brain damaged at the age of two, her shell surviving for a further seventeen years. I had a question: Where had my daughter gone? because her essence had vanished.
So I created a world and went in search of her. Gone is the result.
It’s not a depressing read, but one of questions, choices, hope and inspiration. It also deals with those tangle of emotions we have when faced with loss.
Slings & Arrows is a non-fictional account of that waiting time.
Both, I’m sure will help others – I hope so.
8. What one subject is TABOO in your writing?
I don’t like to think about anything being taboo; however, I don’t think I’ll ever write erotica because I can’t see the meaning within it. I consider writing to be a vehicle for important and significant subjects.
9. What do you do when you aren't writing?
Ha! When I do have time away from writing or designing or publishing or editing or marketing (hate that), I do like creating cards, jewellery, scrapbooks, 3D art, encaustic art (wax & iron) and anything really imaginative.
I love to read!!!
And, of course, there’s that thing called, life!
10. If there was one book you wish you'd written, which would it be?
Harry Potter! Imaginative, fun, adventurous, wise, thought-provoking and filled with magic.
11. What is your greatest passion?
Writing. (My hubby may not see this). LOL
12. What one word best describes you?
Thinker.
13. If you could change places with one of your characters, would you?
Which one and why?
Charley from Gone. She learns so much, has amazing experiences and gets to meet her daughter’s essence – while her twisted shell is here on Earth.
14. Is there one, current, tv show that is "can't miss" for you?
I don’t get too much time to watch TV, but, I do like The Walking Dead. It has fabulous characters and is intense, suspenseful and full of twists and turns.
15. Money is no object, where do you go?
I’d live in Florida – preferably in Cinderella’ s castle with Tinker Bell as a neighbour.
16. Tell me, please, the first two books on your TBR list.
The Island by Amy Cross
Persona by Amy Cross
17. How do you choose character names?
They come to me in dreams, usually. Sometimes, especially with fantasy lands, I need the correct names, which mostly come from mythical sources, so that they have meaning. Henry Ian Darling, for example, announced himself through a dream.
17a: Are you any of your characters inspired by someone you know in "real life?"
Yes.
· Charley and Jenny (Gone) were inspired by me and my daughter who suffered brain damage.
· Jack (Knowing Jack) inspired by my son who has amazing intuition.
· Penelope (Gone) my mother, whose memory and mishaps make me laugh.
· Chamber (Gone) my father – sort of grumpy with a big heart.
· Dorkas (The Avalon Trilogy) inspired by my eldest daughter, who sometimes needs to be inside bubble-wrap, as she is accident prone and very funny.
· Some of my horror story characters are inspired by the despicable people who rule the world.
· I think many of my characters are sparked by dreams, therefore, are from what my brain has processed during my lifetime.
18. Tell us one thing we may not know about you.
I love Tinker Bell. I’ve met her and have her autograph!
19. What do you want to be when you grow up?
No growing up here. Though, wouldn’t it be amazing if I could be a bestselling author?
20. Of the 7 Deadly Sins, which one have you committed most recently?
Probably envy – of those who sell loads of books. Strangely, I’m happy for them at the same time.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/starjewelz
Amazon UK: http://goo.gl/YUQu68
Amazon US: http://goo.gl/pFsY1e
Goodreads: https://goo.gl/DcTSOO
FB page 1 - https://www.facebook.com/julieelizabethpowellsbooks
Audiobooks
UK - http://goo.gl/Un3ExL
USA - http://goo.gl/zUFdWK
0 Comments