Interview with Elizabeth Stevens

Published 2017-05-15.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Coffee, mainly. But, also just life. There's the boring, necessary things like a day job to afford the house and eating, but also the exciting things like creativity and love, family and pets. While I don't strictly need to get out of bed to write, it can get uncomfortable.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Reading, watching TV/Films, boardgames, with family and friends.
What is your writing process?
It varies between books and ideas. Sometimes, I'm a pantser - I just write and see what happens. And, other times, I'm a planner - everything gets planned down to each individual story arc's progression through each chapter. When, the story's finished, I avoid editing for as long as possible, then get into it as best I can.
Describe your desk
There's barely space for my coffee because it's littered with random everything. My printer sits in the corner, my monitor, keyboard and mouse in the middle, and papers and pens and I don't even know what else covering it. I'm a terrible mess, but it's not like I need much clear except my keyboard.
When did you first start writing?
I don’t actually remember when I started writing. My mum worked at my school and I remember I used to use her computer to ‘write’ stories to print and take home to my grandma. I would have been about five and I couldn’t actually type, my ‘stories’ would be nothing more than random strings of letters, but I’d go home and read them out to her anyway. As I got older, I started writing more little stories and drawing pictures to go with them. I was twelve when I sent my first picture book manuscript to a publisher (needless to say, it was rejected, but they were lovely about it). I was fifteen when I decided writing was what I wanted to do with my life and I’ve spent the time since learning everything I can and practicing, bringing my dreams closer to reality.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Freeing up my brain to keep some semblance of normal human function. But, also I love taking the journey with my characters; they're constantly surprising me and I love them for it.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
A few reasons; impatience being one - I wanted my work out in the world and I knew I could do it faster than finding a traditional publisher. Also, freedom - I like that I'm in charge of all aspects of my book, I hold all rights and creative control.
Who are your favorite authors?
Rick Riordan, Kate Forsyth, Isobelle Carmody, Jane Austen, Bram Stoker, Julie Kagawa, Emily Rodda, Mary Shelley, Neil Gaiman, Cassandra Clare, JRR Tolkein, Douglas Adams, Cecelia Dart-Thornton, and so many more.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle. I got one for my housewarming and liked it, so I've stuck with it. I've tried using a second-hand Kobo reader, but there was some serious user error going on, so I gave up. I also use my phone a lot, mainly with the kindle app, but I like that I can get the Kobo app and use adobe reader too.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
Adelaide, Australia. I think the biggest influence it's had is my incredible lack of specific 'real world' place settings. I feel weird using real Australian settings for anything more than a scene or two because a) most target audiences will have no idea what I'm talking about and b) it feels weird. I know very little about the rest of the world to use another setting, so I just kind of put my characters in limbo, or made up places, and hope it works.
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