SheilaInterview with Elisha
What genre/s do you write in?
Paranormal Romance. I've also dabbled a little in Historical romance
with a paranormal twist.
How long have you been writing?
I started writing with the aim to publish around 7 years ago.
Do you have any published books or articles? Tell me a bit about
these and what publishing route you took...
I now have 3 books published. I decided to self publish my 1 st book in
2019 using Amazon and their KDP program, and have used the
same method with my following 2 books. I enjoy the freedom self-publishing allows.
Did you use an editor? If so who?
My work is self-edited with several other eyes looking it over for any
issues, spelling, and grammar.
Did you use a book formatter and cover designer?
Self formatted again, and I also do book cover designs which I sell as
part of the Inkwolf Designs group, so I designed my own covers as
well.
Did you self-publish or get traditionally published? How did this go
for you?
I've self-published all my books. I enjoy the freedom of self-publishing
allows, but it's a learning curve getting everything right and it's
something I'm still learning, especially trying to promote.
How do you market your work and promote your brand?(Include
links)
I've tried some Facebook ads in the past with some success but
they've tightened up recently, and some covers are not being
approved, which makes things a little trickier. I try to engage in both
Facebook and Twitter.
Twitter - https://twitter.com/ElishabWrites
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ElishaBWrites
What social media and writing platforms would you recommend?
I have had some success using Facebook and Twitter, and some on
Instagram. But it's all about engaging, not just promoting yourself all
the time.
Do you use an agent? No.
Do you use paid advertising? If so what? I haven't recently, but I
will be trying some new adverts on Facebook if they get approved on
my next release, and will look into Amazon ads as well.
Do you have a blog or website?
What inspires you most to write?
A lot of my ideas have come from
dreams I've had and pushed further, and others have come from
music that has sparked an idea.
The motivation comes from my dream to be a full-time author.
What do you do to help with writer's block?
Normally I allow myself a break and know I will get back to it when I'm
ready, but sometimes I just push myself and keep writing, or go back
to the beginning and edit, refreshing the story in my head which
often gives me new ideas to push through the block.
How do you plan your writing and start?
I don't tend to plan, I just start and make notes as I go, allowing
things to flow naturally before going back and editing.
In my last book, however, I planned out some of the critical points after
hitting a brick wall and found I was able to finish much quicker than
usual, so this is a route I may take in the future to help with my productivity.
Is writing your full-time job? If not, what else do you do?
No. I also work part-time as a supervisor in a book and gift store, as
well as designing and selling pre-made and custom book covers, and
other designs.
What are you working on at the moment?
I'm currently working on 2 of my Otherworld Guardians series, Hunt
Guardian which is a follow on from my debut release, Reluctant
Guardian. Book 1 involves wolf shifters, among other creatures,
following Thane and Anya against the hunters. Book 2 follows a new
leading couple, Erebus a demon, and Heleana a witch, and healer in
their continued fight against the hunters. New enemies, and more
twists and reveals.
I also have some work started on book 2 of my latest release, Touch.
Book 2, in this Demon Warrior series, will follow Rayner from book 1's
brother, Niko.
There is also some planning for a new Historical romance based in a
paranormal Victorian world. Think Penny Dreadful and The
Irregulars.
What is your target audience?
18+ fans of the supernatural, and paranormal creatures.
Readers who enjoy works by Gena Showalter,
Kresley Cole, Nalini Singh, Cyntia Eden, and Rhonda Thompson.
How long dose it take you to write a book?
Anywhere from a month
like my Wolves of Wlfric Manor which was written during NaNo, to 1
year plus, like my debut book. I'm hoping to become more
productive by planning a little more of my writing in the future.
When did you first discover you enjoyed writing?
I used to write all sorts growing up, from short stories to lyrics, and
acting out scenes when playing games, but it was only around 7-8
years ago that I began writing in the hopes of writing and publishing
a book.
What is your writing schedule look like?
With 2 children, one nearly 8years, and the other 4months old, and a
house to upkeep, finding time to write can be tricky but I try to get
sometime during school and naptime, or in the evening/early
morning when others are sleeping. It's all about grabbing the time I
can when and where I can.
What does your family think about you writing?
All my family has been very supportive of my writing. My eldest
even enjoys writing her own stories, which makes me proud.
What do you do when you are not writing?
Other than being a mother and partner spending time with family, I
enjoy drawing, crafts and gaming. Anything from board and card
games to PC and console games.
Where do you get information and ideas for your writing?
Any info I need I tend to google to find what I need or if able ask
some friends in the fields, such as nurse friends for some medical
research.
