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, (the 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.
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.
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