Interview with Lorraine Hellier…..

Thank you for inviting me to your blog.

For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?

I live near the cathedral city of Lichfield, Staffordshire, overlooking the Trent and Mersey canal. I visit local schools, libraries and bookstores offering Author Visits and Creative Writing Workshops. I love to travel and a visit to New Zealand inspired this novel, “The Elf King,” which is the first of a trilogy. It is a story of the love and loyalty of family and friends on a perilous journey.

I am a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and a local group of writers who support and encourage each other.

The sequel is “The Elf Quest,” official publication April 2018, copies now available.

Where did/do you get your ideas from?

I’m rarely short of ideas but have to make notes of them while I focus on the project I am working on. I often dream or get an idea just as I’m waking. Sometimes travelling, pictures, TV, a chance remark or conversation sparks an idea.

Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?

Without realising, it’s only when I look back on a story, I discover there’s a little of myself in some characters. Unconsciously I use traits of family members but the characters don’t look anything like them.

How do you pick your characters names?

Names of characters are often where I begin something new. Once I have one character I may research others which will work together: For example the flowers and herbs for names of the characters in “The Elf King.” I often just make up a name if it is a fantasy character or use a mythical name.

I resorted to a telephone directory once though.

Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

I brainstorm an idea, make rough notes and I usually know the beginning and end of the story. It’s up to the characters to get me there!

My first draft is always longhand. I type up chapter by chapter rephrasing along the way. Edit, critique with other writers, Edit, Edit, Edit… read aloud. Edit again. Before publisher gets a look!

Who are your top 5 favourite authors?

This is difficult because they can frequently change. I love classics like Charlotte Bronte. I also like Anthony Horowitz YA novels. Recently I find I want to support new authors Patrice Lawrence, Eugene Lambert, Peter Bunzi.

If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?

J. R. R. Tolkien. Can you take me to Middle Earth and share your inspirational thoughts?

Were you a big reader as a child?

Yes, I almost always had a book in my hand. To the extent I would be told to “put that book down and help with the washing up!”

When did you start to write?

I started writing around 2000. I returned from living and working in Guernsey, Channel Islands full of ideas for children’s stories. I joined a writers group and took a writers course. I learnt a lot from other writers and still appreciate their advice and support.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would your title be?

Probably something like “On my Own” as everything I have achieved has been through my own efforts.

What are you working on right now?

The third book of my Elf Trilogy

Do you have a new release due?

“The Elf Quest” book two of Trilogy, official publication date is April 2018 but is now available.

How can readers keep in touch with you?

Readers can contact me via my website http://www.lorrainehellier.com and follow my Facebook page Lorraine Hellier, Children’s Author.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

“The Elf King” is a traditional style “fairytale,” approach reading it with that in mind rather than expecting references to modern technology.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Lorraine 🙂 I live not too far away from you!

The Elf King

Bay Leaf is the new Elf King and must take his Oath of Allegiance. His sister, Sweet Pea, demonstrates her love and support on a perilous journey to the Mountain Shrine.

An enchanted book offers advice and guidance from their ancestors and warns Sweet Pea to take care of her brother. Will her interference resolve Bay Leaf’s heartache?

Purchase from Amazon UK –

http://amzn.to/2EHNCi6

Author Bio –

Lorraine writes from her canal-side home near the cathedral city of Lichfield, Staffordshire. She visits local schools offering Author Visits and Creative Writing Workshops. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators supporting and encouraging other members.

Lorraine loves to travel, a visit to New Zealand inspired this novel.

The sequel “The Elf Quest” will be published April 2018.

Social Media Links

Website http://www.lorrainehellier.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Lorraine-Hellier-Childrens-Author-205398739480807/

Check out the rest of the blog tour for reviews, and more, with these awesome book bloggers…..

Enjoy!