Interview with Elayne Escribo

Published 2016-05-17.
What's the story behind your latest book?
My latest book published at Smashwords is a joint effort between myself and Jay L Miller. When I met Jay, we talked about our writing and he sent me some of his unpublished stories. I felt that they were good, and started helping him edit them and ready them for publication. Then he suggested we write a book together. "Catching a Ride" came from an experience I had of finding a new friend by picking up a hitch hiker. Not recommended in this day and age, but the experience was a good one, and I keep in touch with my friend. We worked the story out one chapter at a time, each adding to the story and editing, reworking and doing a lot of research on my part. The writing of the book has been a life changing experience, and we are excited to be starting the sequel in May of 2016. We don't have a projected publishing date yet, but hopefully before the end of the year.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
For me, the desire to write doesn't go away. It may fade from time to time, but then it rears its head like a sleeping dragon awakened by a tiny thief stealing his treasure. Smashwords has made publishing easy, and perhaps in the future I'll be noticed by the 'big' publishing companies, however, the important thing is to get my work out to those who want a good read. A book without a reader is a sad, sad thing.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The greatest joy of writing is to hear that someone has enjoyed the reading of it. I'm working on several other stories and books, so I hope to see many smiles on many faces as my work is discovered. Writing, for me, is like eating a wonderfully prepared meal of all my favorite foods. I feel satisfied, and I know that deep inside a writer is not only what I am, but who I am.
What do your fans mean to you?
At the moment, I have only a few fans who have read my unpublished works. They are my very special friends. I hope that those who read my books will contact me and they can become special friends, also. Those who read and love my books are the most wonderful people to me. They are unique and very important to me.
What are you working on next?
Our next book is a sequel to "Catching a Ride" by Jay L Miller and myself. We also have a collection of short stories in the works called "The First Time" with short stories by Jan and me about many firsts that happen in the lives of us humans.
Who are your favorite authors?
My first two favorite authors were J.R.R. Tolkien and Andre Norton. Since then, I have fallen in love with Isaac Asimov's many works, and in the adult genre Evangeline Anderson. As you can see, my taste in reading leans toward fantasy and science fiction, and I hope to write a science fiction story for my fans when I get a chance.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Life! There is so much to do, to see, people to meet, things to do! I'll never live long enough to do ... or write... everything I want to. I'm working to get more healthy because I want to be around for a long time so that I can write books to leave to posterity.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I am a photographer, artist, musician and songwriter. I also love cosplay and belong to a lightsaber choreography group in the Phoenix area. I do play a few games, Dragonsoul being my most consistent waste of time!
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
I love Bookbub and just browsing the categories that I enjoy. I have downloaded way more books than I can ever read. But they are there when I get time to read. It's a great thing to do when I have to wait somewhere - read a few paragraphs on the latest book. Time goes faster that way.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
The first story that I remember vividly was in seventh grade. We were assigned to write 'something we had not done, but wanted to do.' I wrote about taking a trip in a spaceship to explore Venus. I researched what I might find there and what would be involved in the trip, and thought I had a good story. The teacher informed me that I could not write about that because it could never happen and I was not a scientist so I couldn't write about science. She failed me on the paper and the class, because I refused to rewrite the paper. I'd do it all over again, too!
What is your writing process?
I think first, then write. Sometimes I think on an idea for weeks, but when I write it just flows. I love writing!
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I think the first story I ever read myself was "Dick and Jane." (Laughing.) I just remember that I thought it was wonderful that the squiggles on the page were actually making sense finally. My mother refused to teach me to read when I was four, and I had to wait until first grade to learn. I do remember one impact... I was helping a friend who was having problems and I got in trouble.

The first book that I remember actually having a huge impact on me was "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien. I immediately fell in love with fantasy writing. Andre Norton's science fiction was soon after and it had a huge impact on me, turning me on to science fiction at about the time Star Trek first aired. An even bigger impact was when I learned that Norton was a woman. At that point, I knew that I could do it too.
How do you approach cover design?
I try to keep it simple and related to the content. I love doing the cover art, and so far have done my books and Jay's. Gives me a break from the keyboard and keeps the juices flowing.
What do you read for pleasure?
I read Popular Science magazine, and humor books. I love jokes and "Uncle John's Bathroom Readers" for those visits to the throne room. Occasionally I'll go on a binge read of science fiction or adult romance novels. The cereal box is often with me during my breakfasts. If there are words, I am reading!
What is your e-reading device of choice?
My iPad is my favorite for e-reading. My phone is too small for these eyes and my computer is too stationary. I like to read in bed in the company of a box of bon bons.
Describe your desk
Having just moved, my current desk is a TV tray sitting behind the couch. Hopefully I'll get a real desk soon.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up on a farm outside of a small town in northwest Illinois about two hours west of Chicago. Since I became an adult I've lived in many places and met many many people. I'm not sure that my growing up had much impact on my writing, but I must say, I had a wonderful set of parents and sisters whom I dearly love, so I'm sure some of that positive energy comes through in my writing.
When did you first start writing?
I've been writing something all of my life. After a teacher told me I couldn't write science fiction because I wasn't a scientist, and my high school counselor told me I couldn't be a scientist because I was female, I gave up on writing stories for a very long time. I had a wonderful teacher, Mr Andrews, who encouraged me to write poetry, and I have continued doing that. Then, in the 1990's I joined a Star Trek writing group and everyone loved my writing. After that, I've done more writing both fiction and non-fiction, including writing for and editing an international SCUBA newsletter for five years. So, now we get to the books!
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
I feel that Smashwords has been the one thing that has encouraged me more than anything to get my books out there for others to read. A writer can feel lost when looking at the 'self-publishing' industry. Smashwords makes publishing possible and exciting and I am so glad to have the opportunity they offer writers from all over!
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.

Books by This Author

Catching a Ride
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 46,300. Language: English. Published: June 10, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Erotica » Menage/Multiple Partners
Elanna never expected her Craigslist ad to bring someone like Greg into her life, but that one post changed her entire future. Come along for the ride as Elanna is guided into the world of BDSM by the handsome Greg as he introduces her to pleasures she never knew existed.