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Interview Author Elizabeth Vaughan + Giveaway
Filed in Elizabeth Vaughan , Giveaways , Interview , The Smutty Lover Posted on May 20, 2011 @ 6:00 am
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We are so proud to have author Elizabeth Vaughan here at Book Lovers Inc today. She writes one of the best fantasy romance novels out there and we here at BLI are huge fans. We can’t say enough how happy we are to have her here. The latest novel in her Chronicles of the Warlands series was released this month. She is here to tell us about Warcry
and give us some insight into her series. Please give her a warm welcome and feel free to ask her anything you want- she will stop by today and tomorrow to answer all the questions you might have. And there’s also a wonderful giveaway- so keep the questions coming.
BLI: Elizabeth can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
and give us some insight into her series. Please give her a warm welcome and feel free to ask her anything you want- she will stop by today and tomorrow to answer all the questions you might have. And there’s also a wonderful giveaway- so keep the questions coming. BLI: Elizabeth can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
Elizabeth: Ah, well now, the truth is that its my stories that are interesting, not me. I live in the US, I have three very spoiled cats and a demanding day job. When I get home at night, I like to wander off into my fantasy worlds, writing the stories that my characters whisper to me.
BLI: Describe a typical day of writing? Are you a planner or pantser?
Elizabeth: I get up early to write before I go to work, and then I usually write in the evenings as well. If I am under a deadline, I also use the weekends to meet my goals. What works best are two ninety minute sessions in a day.
Usually, I am a planner, with a lovely outline to help me as I wind my way through the first draft. But with my newest book, I am wandering in the woods in the dark with a flashlight and characters who think its funny to hide from me. Trust me, I prefer to use an outline.
BLI: What do you think is the difference between a reader and a real Book Lover?
Elizabeth: Oh, I think a Book Lover is someone who falls headfirst into a story, allowing the words and the characters to carry them off and away. You know what I mean? When you are reading and you suddenly look around, confused as to where you are and what time it is. Someone who gets so deep into a tale that it’s a physical wrenching of the spirit to get pulled out by someone calling your name. A Book Lover turns the lock on the door, turns off the cell, draws the shades, gets comfortable, and disappears into the worlds that books provide.
BLI: We read on your website that you’re not only a passionate fantasy writer and reader you also love to engage in fantasy role-games in your spare time. Where does your love for everything fantasy come from? What makes the fantasy genre the most appealing to you?
Elizabeth: Honestly, I think it comes from my love of history. I was always fascinated by the tales of the past. I steal from history every chance I get. But the real lure of fantasy for me is the ability to combine magic and mythological creatures into the story.
BLI: We here at Book Lovers Inc are huge fantasy lovers too- and if there is some romance in it we are sold. But we noticed that nowadays not many readers love or even know fantasy as much as we would love them to. Do you have any recs for all those aspiring fantasy lovers?
Elizabeth: Wow, there is so many choices. But I have to say tht my favorites are Anne McCaffery, Dennis McKiernan, Mercedes Lackey, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Andre Norton, just to name a few.
BLI: One of the best things about a fantasy novel is always the setting. Your Warprize trilogy is set in a fascinating medieval world which is full of surprises. What can we expect of Warcry?
Elizabeth: Well, you will be looking at the world from Heath and Atira’s point of view. They are returning to Xy, and while they care for one another, each has a different view of their futures. How they resolve those problems, and how they work together to protect Lara and Keir . . . well, you are going to have to read the book to find out more.
BLI: Which 4 characteristics should the perfect hero have and does Heath fit that bill?
Elizabeth: Conflict: Our hero has to have a problem. Something that he hasn’t been able to resolve on his own.
Honor: Our hero has to have a strong sense of integrity. In many ways, this makes his efforts to resolve his problem even harder.
Complications: Our hero has to encounter a complication to his already existing problem. Something that makes his life difficult, more challenging, something that sparks his interest, and his heart. Something in the form of a woman . . . .
Strength: Strength of his convictions, strength of heart, but most important of all . . .the strength of his manly frame, so to speak.
And don’t worry, Heath has all of the above.
BLI: What was it like revisiting the characters from your original trilogy? Do you know who will be narrating the next book in the series?
Elizabeth: It was like gathering with old friends I hadn’t seen in a while. We picked up our relationship just where it left off. They sat me down and told me what had been happening in their lives, bringing me up-to-date with all the goings-on. It was wonderful.
Now that I’ve finished WarCry, Simus and Joden are demanding that their stories be told.
Now that I’ve finished WarCry, Simus and Joden are demanding that their stories be told.
BLI: Will there be any crossovers with any characters from your Plains and Warprize trilogy?
Elizabeth: I think that is a possibility!
BLI: Will there be more books in this series? What is next on your schedule?
Elizabeth: Yes, although I am not under contract for a ‘War’ book at the present time. Right now I am working on something new, that’s making me tear my hair out. See the note above, about wandering in the dark with a flash light.
BLI: Your characters and settings are very vivid what cultures did you base your characters from?
I steal from history every chance I get. The Plains is an odd mixture of Mongols, American Indians, and a smattering of tribal rituals from across the world.
Elizabeth: Marcus and Liam from the Warprize trilogy have a lot of unresolved issues, but their love story is a firm fan favourite, will you be resolving this in the new series?
Resolving? Those two stubborn idiots?
Let’s just say that I am working on it.
BLI: Now to the mean ones: If you was given a chance to visit a fantasy world (they can be from books/tv or movies) which one would it be and what characters would you like to meet and have a nice cuppa with?
Elizabeth: Just one? That’s really cruel . . . .
I’d say Pern, and Robinton, but there’s thread . . . .
I’d say Mithgar, and Dalavar Wolfmage, but there are all those vulgs . . . .
I’d say Middle Earth, and Legolas and Gimli (yes, I’d want to sit with both of them together) but there are Nazgul . . . .
I’d say Valdemar and Solaris . . . .but the truth is that I can’t pick just one. Why do you think my shelves are crammed with so many books?
BLI: Can you tell us 3 reasons why people should read your books?
Elizabeth: Well, first, I think I write compelling stories that sweep you away from the reality of our day to day lives. I love crafting tales that keep the reader engaged, and turning the page.
Next, I would say that my stories are just ink on the page until they enter the theater of your mind. There is no story without a reader, and I treasure mine.
Finally, I would say that writing is as close as I will ever come to wielding true magic. The simple idea that the words I write will come into the hands of a reader years from now, and touch their minds and hearts gives me such joy – I can’t even begin to explain. If you pick up one of my books, you and I share a creative experience that is unique and very, very special.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*~*Giveaway*~*~
Elizabeth has generously offered one signed copy of Warcry and a vanilla scented soap to be won by one lucky commenter!
All you have to do is ask Elizabeth a questions or leave a meaningful comment.
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)
Elizabeth will be here today and tomorrow to answer your questions.
Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).
This giveaway is open worldwide!
Giveaway ends on Saturday, May 28th and we will announce the winner on Sunday.
Good luck!
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Thanks for the great interview!
My question is: Your love for the genre is obvious 🙂 but are there any different genres you're secretly thinking about dipping into for any future books? I'm really curious about that!
danaan at gmx dot at
I loved the Warprize series of books and I'm so glad you are continuing with them. I'm going to re read them so the stories refresh in my mind before i go on to read the new one.
irgl7(at)bonzo15(dot)plus(dot)com
i agree with you r defenition of a book lover! i get so immersed sometimes i dont even hear people calling my name, my head is so into the story.
I have a question!
What is your favorite part of writing fantasy novels?
forgot my email >.<
trancespiderx(at)gmail.com
I enjoyed your interview. I would like to ask what author and book has influenced you most as an author?
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Good morning, all!
Birgit: I am working on a new book at this time that is not fantasy. Still romance, still paranormal, but I am having to deal with cell phones and guns. Swords are much easier.
Beth
IreneRJ,
I love doing that with a series – rereading the books to get everything fresh in my mind. But to be honest, I wrote WarCry so you didn't have to do that if you didn't want to. If I did my job right there are just enough reminders so you don't have to go back to the start.
But don't let me discourage you from re-reading them!
Beth
LunaMoth,
That's tough – I love just about eveything except copy edits. I am a horrible comma abuser.
But if you are going to hold me to one thing, it would have to be that 'AHA!' moments. When the perfect twist, the perfect scene, the perfect bit of dialogue comes into my head. I love when that happens.
Beth
Debbie,
You know, that is so hard to answer, because I have so many faves – and not just in fantasy. I think the autors that I have mentioned in the interview have all had strong influences on me. But that leaves out the hard scifi, the mysteries, the historical fiction that I also love. I am a HUGE fan of Collen McCullough's First Man of Rome series, and in awe of her research and the sheer volume of her work.
And Dana Stabenow is another author that I adore – in large part because she is not afraid to hurt her characters.
Which is a long way of saying I am not sure.
Beth
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for an interesting interview. You are a new-to-me author and I've never ventured out to read books in your genre. First time for everything as they say. I'll be checking your work out to see if it's a fit for me!
kkhaas at bellsouth dot net
kkhaas,
Thanks for being willing to give me a try!
Beth
I haven't read you yet but after the interview I know I will. The Warcry series sounds just up my alley.
Thank you for the giveaway.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
Victoria,
No problem . . .anything to lure new victims . . . er . . . readers to my books.
Beth
Thank you for the great interview and giveaway! 😀
I agree with your definition of Book Lover. You described exactly what I do before reading! >_<
Giada M.
fabgiada (at) gmail (dot) com
Giada,
That's what I love to do, but it can be hard to find to do it nowadays!
Beth
Hmm, my comment got cut off:
That's what I love to do, but it can be hard to find the time to do it nowadays!
That's better.
Beth
I have read three of your books so I would sure love to read more 😀
I have been wondering about something. So the War and Star books are in the same world or? if so how far apart are they?
blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com
Blodeuedd,
Both the War and the Star series are set in the same world, and Destiny's Star actually takes place on the Plains.
I did not know this when I started Dagger-Star. But if you read both series in the order in which they were published, you will see the two series interweaving in ways that I didn't really anticipate.
Beth
LOL, I would absolutely pick Pern as well. Never thought of Middle Earth as a choice… but the Elf glens are awesome 🙂
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
I definitely understand what you mean about what you feel is a real book lover – I've always felt that way about reading. I love discovering a new author that I haven't read before, and after reading this interview, I'm looking forward to checking your books out.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
Robin,
I know, right? Except with my luck the Nazgul would be the first to find me – not the elves!
Barbara E.,
Thanks for giving me a chance!
And for everyone, I should mention that while I am not really much of a social networker, I do have a quarterly newsletter that you can subscribe to for more information about my books. Check it out at http://www.eavwrites.com.
Beth
I love your list of authors. Reading your books descriptions made me think of the Arthurian Series by Mary Stewart. Have you ever read it? They aren't fantasy in the same way as your books but they are cool because most of the books focus on Merlin and his quest. I am adding you to my wish list. I don't have a lot of fantasy books on my list. Thanks for the giveaway.
jepebATverizonDOTnet
I would love to read your books. They sound very good. Please enter me in contest. Do you have any suggestions for anyone who would like to be a writer. Tore923@aol.com
A medieval fantasy romance! *-* That sounds so much better than ordinary romances!
"writing is as close as I will ever come to wielding true magic" I believe that is true, writers CAN touch a reader's mind and heart, help us forget our problems (or maybe even help us look at them under a new light) and have some fun at the same time. 🙂
thank you for the giveaway!
kah_cherub at hotmail dot com
Jen B.,
Oh yes, I read those years ago. Wish I had time to re-read them!
Beth
Tore,
That would take a long time, because I love to talk about writing! But seriously, the best advice I can offer is tht you need to educate yourself about all of the ways people will try to take advantage of your dream. The best place to start is Writer Beware. Here is the link:
http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware/
I hate to say it, but having this dream makes you very vulnerable to those that would prey on you.
Beth
Karla,
Exactly! Which is why I keep writing.
Beth
Hi Elizabeth:)
I totally agree with your description of a book lover as opposed to a book reader. The other day I was waiting in queue, so I pulled out a book and totally immersed myself in it, to the extent that I gt weird stares once I lifted my head up because I had a funny little smile on my face. Needless to say, that got me blushing and I left the queue and rushed off to read my book in peace. I think that qualifies me as a book lover, right? Oh! And the book I was reading was Terry Goodkind's Wizard's First Rule:) I love fantasy!
sarah.setar@gmail.com
I've read Blodeuedd's reviews of your books and I so want to delve into your worlds. I thank you for the opportunity to win one. They are on my wishlist!
books (dot) things (at) yahoo (dot) com
Great interview! I love the tough-girl covers!
meredithfl at gmail dot com