Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
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Exclusive Interview with
Ellie Douglas
When did you start writing?
I started writing a long, very long time ago. I then put it aside as I had children and my focus had shifted a lot, especially when I had my twin daughters. I then picked writing back up in 2010 and haven’t stopped.
What makes writing your passion?
Writing for me can be rather cathartic, a way to put things into perspective, to enhance what is happening in my life. It can act as an escape, much like an actor in a way. And at times it is a thrill to have an idea pop into my head, and to then see it take form. Those are the reasons why I find writing my passion.
How long have you been writing?
This is an extension from the first question :) Which in answer to that, would be the same for this. From 2010 :)
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Excited. Exhilarated. Scared. Actually utterly terrified. Proud and relieved. That would be the words I would use to describe the first time I published a book.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
The expenses behind it all.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
If I feel 'stuck' in writing, I will put the story away. Return to it in a week, sometimes two weeks. Then I will read what I've written and that unblocks any writers block. That always works for me.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I keep going because it betters me as a writer. The better I get the better my stories are. So, my advice would be to be prepared about the expenses behind publishing. Everything from book covers, proof readers, beta readers, editors, promotions, etc. My other bit of advice to a new author is to do your homework, to research the subject you are writing about. You'll want to have as much information as you can.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
I would tell my younger self to put time aside and write. No excuses. Just go forth and do it!
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes, I read my book reviews. I look forward to seeing them. Both good and bad. I ignore the bad ones. I might be annoyed about it, but I will just ignore them and carry on, if they have offered something constructive then I will listen and better myself. If they are petty and just mean, I'll just laugh at it and ignore it.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
The feeling of a great review is very rewarding. It is a confirmation that my work is well written and has been enjoyed. It is such a thrill.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes, all the time. Far too many things to go into details, but I take from my life, the good and the bad and work them into my stories.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
An outstanding book cover is vital. It is the first thing that is seen. It is the very thing thing that will see readers picking up your book or bypassing it. So, yes, it is super important, the story itself is equally as important. They go hand in hand.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I love connecting with my readers. I love chatting to them and have even held contests, where they can be a part of my stories. The engagement between reader and myself is to me really important.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
Shy. I'd have to say I go very shy, but after that initial awkward stage of being recognized, I wear the brightest smile ever, as it is very enjoyable to be recognized.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I have a few favorites.
Since you've only asked for one, It would have to be Stephen King. Why? Because he is a master at what he does. I've learned a great deal from reading his books.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I'd love to be as big as Stephen King and James Herbert. The dream of course is to be as big as either of them :)
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Yes and I have. Why? Because they were not properly edited.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
If I could switch places with any author, I'd say Stephen King. I'd love to get inside of his head, I can imagine it would be awesome, inspiring and extremely thrilling, as well as super scary.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
Not much one can really say to the trolls. They will always be there. If I could speak to one, however, I would tell them to stop being an ass, and to respect others. To use the smarts they have on something else. To stop wasting precious time, and to spend it on doing something positive.
What would you say to your readers?
I would say, THANK YOU :) thank you for reading my books. Thank you for buying my books. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you!!!
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in Auckland, New Zealand. No I'm not a Hobbit, at least not currently. :) I am Married to a wonderful man, coming up 24 years now. We have four children together. Family is everything to me. Two cats and one dog :)
What is your day job if you have one?
Being a mum :)
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
If I'm fortunate to have some free time, I love walks, and the beach. Swimming. Photographer. Video maker. Animator. Book cover designer. Cooking. Reading. Writing. Listening to music. Watching movies and TV shows.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
I believe that the way children are taught in schools today is very poorly done. They need to go back to how it was done in the 80's. The kids would actually learn and be better off for it. These days schools have no control over children, it is the children that run the schools. This could start a pretty big debate. There is much to discuss on the subject and I'm passionate about it.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
What is your favorite music?
I love all music. Though I am partial to loving the music from the 80s and 90s.
Share a secret with us 🙂