Interview with Australian Author – Elisabeth Cannell

“Australian Authors” – Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?

Elisabeth – I live on a hobby farm where chickens free range in the Japanese garden my husband created,show Boxer dogs, and am training my Shetland pony George into harness with the help of a friend. I grow many of my own medicinal herbs and use them, as I am a qualified Naturopath and Remedial Massuse and Bowen Therapist.

“Australian Authors” – What made you want to become a writer?

Elisabeth – I have always dabbled, even as a child and in my teens. Back then using a typewriter was laborious. Don’t get me wrong though, I have a soft spot for very old typewriters, collect them, even take them out and caress their enamelled keys occasionally. Life also got in the way. I’m at that stage of life now where, with the forgiving help of the modern word processor, I can give free rein to my creative juices.

“Australian Authors” – Now, the big question, are you working on another book?

Elisabeth – Yes. I am working on one more book in my current series, then I plan to really cut loose and write some paranormal romance and sci-fi.

“Australian Authors” – What genres do you prefer to write in?

Elisabeth – Romance, Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction, Science Fantasy. I have numerous tales planned. I just need to live long enough to write them 😉

“Australian Authors” – What do you think about the ebook revolution?

Elisabeth Cannell – Love it. I believe the eBook revolution lends to freedom of expression. It means we won’t lose good authors, overlooked by traditional publishers, who see thousands of manuscripts and have finite resources, and often will not read a submission beyond the letter of introduction. People still love the feel of a paperback in their hands, and this is still an option. Most independent authors have these available too.

“Australian Authors” – Do you start a book with a definite plot, or do you just write?

Elisabeth – I start with a plot idea, and then just write.

“Australian Authors” – Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or are you always in control?

Elisabeth – I give my characters a life, and then document them living it. Yes… ok… they often hijack the story.

“Australian Authors” – Are your characters based on real people or completely imagined?

Elisabeth – They are imagined, but may be based on real events I have heard about.

“Australian Authors” – Who are your favourite authors?

Elisabeth – Winston Graham, Isaac Asimov, Anne McCaffrey, Diana Gabaldon, Stephenie Meyer, Cassandra Clare.

“Australian Authors” – What’s your advice to Authors? On writing? Publishing? Marketing?

Elisabeth – Get your covers done professionally. As an independent author you will have more control over your work but stick to tried and true story arcs. Books and movies do need to move at a certain pace. Use lots of Beta readers, and set your finished work aside long enough, so when you pick it up again you see it with fresh eyes. Employ a copy editor if your budget can afford one.