Today's Interview is with Elizabeth Loraine - the Author of the YA Fantasy Series Royal Blood Chronicles which consists of 7 Books - released in 2011/12 - received lots of praise, and has a lot of fans.
Interview with Author Elizabeth Loraine
Elizabeth Loraine: I have no background in writing at all. I have always made up stories, but until two and a half years ago I had never written anything down.
Who are your favorite writers, your favorite book, and who or what are your writing influences?
I love anything fantasy, Anne Rice was probably my first influence, but I love J.K. Rowlings too, the descriptive way they both write lets you picture everything in your mind.
Tell us about your writing process. Do you have a writing routine?
I write every week day. I think you have to treat it like a job and that’s what I do. It also lets you get into a good flow with a story, that makes it easier.
What do you find easiest about writing? What the hardest?
Writing is the easy part - marketing and promotion is the hardest part.
When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
When I found out that it would really be possible for me to actually do it. I came from a very small town and had a family, a business, it seemed impossible at that time. When I finally sat down to write, I immediately realized it was what I was meant to do, even if no one ever read my stories.
Elizabeth, please tell us a little about your YA Fantasy series 'Royal Blood Chronicles'.
It came about because I was tired of everything I was reading in the genre. They all seemed to be alike. I longed for strong female characters, which were few and far between. I also wanted to know more about these long lived creatures: vampires, I decided that I would approach them in a new way, as a race; born not the undead. They are from the royal houses of Europe where they had wealth, safety and were already separated from human populations. They were hiding as you will in plain sight. It’s not as much about vampirism as it is of Katrina and her friends being chosen at a young age as the Five which fulfills an ancient prophecy of humans. They are chosen as the Protectors of all peaceful races of the world including those humans. We find in Royal Blood Chronicles that there are other races hiding as well, elves, witches, warlock and wizards. It’s a magical journey as the Five discover their gifts, hone their fighting skills and face the challenges of what they’ve excepted to do.
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| Click to Read an Excerpt |
Who do you see as your target audience and where can we buy the book?
It’s YA and 12 and up is my audience, but I find it’s mostly age 24 to infinity that are now reading YA.
"[...] I had no idea that I would have this many readers."
How would you describe the success of your book so far? (Sales, Awards, Reviews)
It’s phenomenal, I had no idea that I would have this many readers. Though I had three books in print, it wasn’t until September of 2010 that I had my first ebook available. I’ve sold 25,000 since then with double that in free downloads. Reviews have been very positive too.
How long did it take it to write the book?
The first book took four months, that’s about what each takes.
Please, tell us where you self-published the book.
Amazon, Barnes and Noble
"[...] the marketing is on you, so be prepared."
How smooth went the self-publishing process? Any issues? What are things to look for when self-publishing a book?
First of all whether you self publish or publish with a large publishing house, the marketing is on you, so be prepared. You may need a lot of help or you may not, with formatting, editing, cover design etc. I had no idea, but now you can find good help every where.
Did you hire an editor and/or Cover Designer for your book?
I found help for editing, I had no money and I have since had them re-edited a few times. I do all the cover design myself. I have an artistic back ground and my sister does all the computer, techy things for me.
"Write consistently and don’t worry [...]"
Can you give some tips for other Indie Authors regarding the writing and self-publishing process?
Don’t be afraid, go for it. Get help, ask someone you trust to tell you the truth to read it. There are beta reader groups out there too. Write consistently and don’t worry if you get stuck, write through it. I don’t plot, but you may have to if that’s what you need to do.
Are you working on another book project? Can you tell us a little about it?
I am currently expanding a novella I wrote last year. Lillian, a vampire tale. Book eight of RBC will be next and then book three of my paranormal fantasy series Phantom Lives.
Are you planning to move forward as an Indie author or are you looking forward to have one of your next books to be traditionally published?
I am always open to any option to attract new readers, but I’m very happy the way things are right now.
Where do you see the book market in 5 or 10 years? Will there be only eBooks and will book stores disappear like record stores disappeared?
I don’t see print ever disappearing, but eBooks are here to stay. The convenience, the reasonable prices and the fact that you can find authors you never would have been able to before is good for readers and authors. Book stores and publishers need to find new ways to embrace them.
Do you write full-time or do you have a day job?
I write full time.
How can readers connect with you?
Via my website, Twitter, and Facebook. [see Links below]
Thank you so much for the Interview, Elizabeth.
About the YA Fantasy Series Royal Blood Chronicles
Katrina, a young royal blooded vampire, chronicles her life from the age of seventeen beginning in the 1800's forward in the series Royal Blood Chronicles
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Katrina is thrust into something she never could have imagined growing up in the aristocracy of Europe. Once the fashion of the day, and girlish gossip filled Katrina and her new friends days, but their lives changed the instant their race was threatened and they were chosen as 'the Five', and the protectors of not only the vampire race, but all the peaceful races of the world!
If you are looking for a new, exciting vampire series, with strong female characters you've found it in Royal Blood Chronicles. It starts here with Katrina, The Beginning.
Links to the Author and the Books
Link to Elizabeth Loraine's website
Connect with Elizabeth Loraine on Twitter: @bloodchronicles
Link to Book 1 of the Royal Blood Chronicles on Amazon with Excerpt
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