About Julie Elizabeth Powell:
I cannot ignore my dreams, so many of them, with names and places and ideas that spark my imagination and compel me to write; to create stories, whether fantasy or horror, or mystery or psychological thriller or murder or even humour and adventure. So, my garden is sown, flourishing, with all manner of growth, and still the dreams come.
Julie Elizabeth Powell, my soul lingering within my imagination; maybe you’ll join me?
I am the author of 25 books in a variety of genres and lengths, for adults and children.
What inspires you to write?
I would have to say everything inspires me to write, although dreams are my main source of ‘information’. A character’s name, a place, a sound, colours, a touch, a phrase, an idea – all these things filter into my dream world and I must write about them, it… etc.
Although it’s not only through dreams, but wherever I am and whatever I experience compels my mind to churn and wonder, and then write.
Sometimes it can be annoying, for if I’m writing about one thing, another can interrupt and nag me until I’ve written something about that. Yep, my mind never stops and can be /is chaotic.
Tell us about your writing process.
Panster! The characters usually lead the way and I love how it feels when I’m surprised where the story is going…even if sometimes I think, ‘oops, now how am I going to get out of that?’, it’s wonderful being ‘in the zone’.
The only way I can write is on the PC – my brain, my fingers and the keyboard – it’s seems like a magical process to me.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
My characters are constantly nagging me! When I think a story should go one way, they lead me in a different direction. I don’t always know where the story may lead even if I have a loose idea.
My characters are in charge.
What advice would you give other writers?
Keep writing! It’s not an easy process and folks can be negative regarding this art form, but, if you want to write – do it!
There will be times when you wonder why you’re doing it, although, in my experience, it’s something I have to do.
Don’t think about selling, only the writing. Write for yourself. I don’t follow rules or formulas, but some writers do – maybe that’s why their books are more popular? I have to write stories that are meaningful.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
My stories are important to me and I did try the traditional route but none were interested. The majority of rejection letters told me they were not taking on any new clients, especially if I wasn’t famous.
So, I did nothing regarding publishing until I heard of Lulu; a free self-publishing site that catered for the UK as well as the USA. (I live in England). Later there was Amazon for Kindle editions.
25 books later, I’m glad my stories are ‘out there’.
Advice to other writers? Hmm, well, I can only say that self-publishing gives you total control, if not the hype machine. If a publishing house is interested in your work, you would have to consider all the pros and cons.
Hope you do well!
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
Digital copies seem to be the most popular, even though ‘books in the hand’ give a different experience to the reader.
Unfortunately, digital books are prey to ‘pirates’ and, due to the immense competition, the prices are too low. Free is expected, without consideration for the huge amount of work publishing a book entails.
Yes, I’m an author, but I’m an avid reader, too – vital as a writer, in my opinion. I review every book I read, knowing how important that is, especially to independent authors. I have to read digital copies because it’s cheaper and I only have time to read on my Kindle at night when I should be sleeping. 🙂 Although, I do love a ‘real’ book in my hands.
Traditional publishers are fighting back, which seems to be reflected in the recent changes to Amazon’s review policy (no review without a sale). It’s not supposed to affect books, but it has.
I’m not sure where publishing will go, but I think the modern world is pointing towards digital – if folks will read at all?
What genres do you write?: Fantasy, paranormal, horror, science-fiction, dystopian, post-apocalyptic, humour, mystery adventure, crime thriller, psychological, contemporary, non-fiction
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print, Audiobook
Website(s)
Julie Elizabeth Powell Home Page Link
Link To Julie Elizabeth Powell Page On Amazon
Link to Author Page on other site
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
Thank you very much!