Friday 30 December 2016

Author Interview: Enlightenment by Liz Keel






Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?

I normally let a story ferment in my head for a good month or two and will occasionally dream about the characters as well. Then when I’m ready, I just start writing.

Do your characters ever want to take over the story? 

Yes! And that’s why the majority of the story is written from Thea’s point of view, (t
he main protagonist in the story). It’s her life we follow as it’s turned upside-down when she’s thrust into the unknown world of faey.

What is your favourite food?
Sushi…yum!

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Definitely Night Owl however work and the kids mean I consider myself an early bird as well!

Where do you dream of travelling to and why?

New Zealand. I’m lucky enough to have been there three times already and one day want to live there. The landscapes are stunning and I’ve always found it so peaceful.

Do distant places feature in your books?

Absolutely. The main part of
Enlightenment (and book’s two and three), takes place in Aroben, the Faey kingdom in the otherworld.

Do you listen to music while writing?
Always. It’s a must have for me. You can check out my playlist for Enlightenment below:

Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
Enlightenment, (#1 in the Driel Trilogy), a Young Adult Fantasy Romance.
Without giving too much away, the story revolves around a girl called Thea who gets thrown into the unknown realm of Faey. Here she is forced to determine the difference between reality and fantasy, in a world ruled by a dark elite and a society wracked by intolerance and prejudice. On this journey, she has the support of her new friends to help her as well as a mysterious dark haired, blue-eyed guardian who watches her every move.

What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?

There are so many things I’ve already learnt, but the one that stands out has got to be to keep persevering! Enlightenment was published at the end of April and in preparation for this, I had to set up social media sites as well as my own website which has been good fun but hard work. And then it’s about supporting the publishers by getting the word out there about your book, something that takes up a lot of time but is well worth it; connecting with your readers as well as potential audience is so rewarding.

Is there anything you would do differently?

I don’t think so. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but even so I’m a firm believer you learn from your mistakes and if anything become stronger as an author. It isn’t an easy ride becoming published but so worth it in the end!

Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?

I’m sure if you’ve read the Harry Potter series you can understand why I’m mentioning that as being influential. I love how you feel you’re there with Harry as he sets off on his journey of discovery. The way J. K. Rowling has created a whole new world in such detail is awe inspiring and it wasn’t long before I wanted to create my own fantasy worlds as well.

Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

Don’t Give Up! Have faith in yourself and know that you can do this. It won’t be easy and you’ll feel like pulling your hair out half the time, but when you finally do it…see your book out there for people to buy, it’s the most amazing feeling ever and makes all the heart-ache worthwhile.

I would also recommend connecting with other authors out there who are in the same position as you on sites such as Goodreads; they can become your rock when needed as well as providing advice and a sounding block for all those questions you may have.


What are three words that describe you?

Loving, determined and loyal.

What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?

Any of the Kricket series by Amy Bartol.

Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book

After losing everything, all seventeen-year-old Thea wanted was to be a normal teenager. Instead, she was attacked by a mysterious creature she thought only existed in fairy tales. Now thrown into the unknown realm of Faey, Thea is forced to determine the difference between reality and fantasy, in a world ruled by a dark elite and a society wracked by intolerance and prejudice.
With the support of her new friends and a mysterious dark haired, blue-eyed guardian watching her every move, Thea will discover that when it comes to Faey, nothing is what it seems. Will her courage and desire to save this new world from darkness be enough? Or will Thea be the next victim to fall to the dark whispers of fate…

List of previous books if any
None

Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.




https://www.instagram.com/lizkeelauthor/



Enlightenment
The Driel Trilogy
Liz Keel

Publisher: Fire Quill Publishing

Release Date: 21st April 2016

ISBN: 9780996974875
ISBN: 9780994664198

Book Description:

After losing everything, all seventeen-year-old Thea wanted was to be a normal teenager. Instead, she was attacked by a mysterious creature she thought only existed in fairy tales.

Now thrown into the unknown realm of Faey, Thea is forced to determine the difference between reality and fantasy, in a world ruled by a dark elite and a society wracked by intolerance and prejudice. With the support of her new friends and a mysterious dark haired, blue-eyed guardian watching her every move, Thea will discover that when it comes to Faey, nothing is what it seems.

Will her courage and desire to save this new world from darkness be enough? Or will Thea be the next victim to fall to the dark whispers of fate...






About the Author:

I live in Surrey, England, a short walk from the beautiful Windsor Park, with my husband Richard and our two gorgeous children Noah and Olivia. For me, writing is nothing short of an addiction and I often find myself sneaking out to my writing shed for just a few minutes, which can often turn into hours of pure, unadulterated bliss catching up with my characters and continuing their story.

In-between writing, I teach in a primary school where there’s never a dull moment! I will also often be found Kindle in hand, reading a wide variety of genres but with YA fantasy and paranormal romance at the forefront of my reading list. Although I’m currently writing the second book in the Driel trilogy, other characters involving all things fantasy, paranormal and YA romance are jockeying for position, wanting me to write their story next, so watch this space! It is such a privilege to share my stories with you the reader. Thank you enough for taking the time to find out more about me.
To find out more about Liz, visit her website: www.lizkeelauthor.com








No comments:

Post a Comment