MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR ELIZA TILTON
What’s your name and what genre would you consider your books to be?
Eliza Tilton and Upper YA—Fantasy/Adventure/Romance
Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?
My latest book is called The Daughter of the Song. A YA Historical Fantasy with a goth twist. I honestly don’t remember how I came up with the idea, but I always like to do what if scenarios in my head and this one was: What if the daughter of a priest had to use her unholy magic to stop a necromancer from destroying her city?
And that became book one
How did you get interested in writing this particular genre (historical novels, mysteries, sci-fi, children’s books, etc.)?
I’ve always been a fantasy nut, but lately I like taking some historical truths and spinning them into fantasy tales. This story takes place in Wales during the 1800s in a real mining town, but nothing else is true. My previous story, Shadows of Kiev takes place in 9th century Kiev and has a few historical Viking truths mixed with Slavic lore turned into fantasy.
This historical/fantasy mashup is probably my favorite genre to write.
What kind of research did you do for this book?
I had to pick a point in time and research life in that time, everything to the technology advances, ruling, clothing ect.
Can you tell me about your Series?
The daughter of a priest will need to use her unholy magic to stop a secret cult from destroying all of England.
Do you have a favorite book out of this series?
Only book one is out : )
Where did you get the inspiration/idea for your series?
This one I just through of different types of magic.
Was it always meant to become a series?
Yes. I planned it out to be four books from the start.
What’s a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?
I have a full-time professional career for a fortune 500 company. I squeeze in writing during lunch breaks, late nights when the kids are asleep, and weekends. It’s tough, but I love writing.
Do you have a new book in the making and if so, what’s the name of your upcoming book?
I’m currently working on Hunter of the Song: Book Two of the Unholy Magic Series. It’s scheduled to release this summer.
How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?
I think they’re important, and sometimes they do have meanings, but most of the time I visualize the character and think of what that person would like.
Where do your ideas come from?
All over. Sometimes dreams, sometimes when I’m driving for work.
Is there a genre that you’ve been wanting to experiment with?
Not yet, though I think I’d like to try an adult Romantic Fantasy next.
What is the hardest part of writing for you?
Fining the time . . . I have four kids 10 and under.
What do you think of book trailers? Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book?
I think they’re cool. I had a HS video class make me one for Wicked Path—Book two in my YA Epic Fantasy series called the Daath Chronicles. It was awesome! If I had time, I’d experiment, but book trailers are far down on the list.
What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?
The fact I’ve managed to be promoted in my day job while having four kids and publishing ten books!
What’s the best thing about being an author?
Writing stories that readers can connect to.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Same place but with more books and a house that my kids haven’t destroyed lol
Have you always liked to write?
Yes! I wrote my first novel in the 5th grade. It was a 40 page pirate adventure and I still have it!
What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Keep writing and don’t let others success be a stumbling block. There are many writers who started when I did that have agents and are more successful than I am. If I focused on them, I would miss out on my own accomplishments.
If you didn’t like writing books, or weren’t any good at it, what would you like to do for a living?
Be a dancer! I can’t dance, but I love it.
Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?
All the time : )
I never respond, but if I see a lot of the same comments, I do listen. For example, in the first book I published, Broken Forest, a few readers complained that Jeslyn was too naïve and they really disliked her. While I did intend for her to be naïve, I made sure that in book two and on her character arc changed and I think by the end of the series she’s a strong female lead.
What is your least favorite part of the writing / publishing process?
The schedules. Authors today really need to release every three months, unless your established or backed by a pig publisher.
Can you give us a few tasty morsels from your work-in-progress?
Not without giving away book one’s ending : )
Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books?
R.A Salvatore is my all-time author hero. I’m behind on his books, but I adore them.
Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?
Lucino from the Daath Chronicles. I can’t say much, but there’s nothing better than writing a devilish character.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Depends on the day lol
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Ice cream…though I’ve switched to non-dairy to help my waistline.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
A little bit of both.
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I have a long list of author friends, some are traditionally published, still writing, and doing really well in the indie industry. All of them are at different levels. It’s exciting to see their progress and it definitely keeps me on my toes.
If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?
Hot Mess
What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?
What can readers do to help authors?
LEAVE REVIEWS! Honestly, if you read a book, write your thoughts. Not only does it help other readers choose what books they want to read, but on certain sites like Amazon it can boost the books algorithms.
You don’t need to write anything fancy, but a few sentences can help our your favorite authors.
Where can your fans find you and follow??
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Eliza-Tilton/e/B00CMJWWM6
IG: https://www.instagram.com/elizatilton/
Facebook street team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/494663800907833/?ref=bookmarks
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NerdyGirlHealth/
Website: http://elizatilton.com/
Thank you for taking your time to do this interview ❤️ Thanks for having Me!
My Books-My World 