Welcome to Meet the Author Elizabeth Wixley
Author profile
My love of fiction started at the age of six when my grandmother died of cancer and to ensure that the rest of the family was safe, I would spend the nights roaming the house looking for the "C" monster to make sure that he did not claim any more victims.
One sunny bright day, my sister told me that fork lightning would come and strike me down after which I would spend my days hiding in the garage and when I heard that the sun was falling out of the sky, well needless to say, I very seldom ventured out.
With trial and error, I soon realised how to fight my foes, I had to stare them straight in the eye, explore them and conqueror the inner demons in order to stand righteous. This helped fuel my love of horror and the many mysteries of the world. Creating a why and what if scenario that runs prominent in my fiction.
One sunny bright day, my sister told me that fork lightning would come and strike me down after which I would spend my days hiding in the garage and when I heard that the sun was falling out of the sky, well needless to say, I very seldom ventured out.
With trial and error, I soon realised how to fight my foes, I had to stare them straight in the eye, explore them and conqueror the inner demons in order to stand righteous. This helped fuel my love of horror and the many mysteries of the world. Creating a why and what if scenario that runs prominent in my fiction.
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Sarah Jane talks to Elizabeth Wixley about her writing and her novels!
Hello Elizabeth and welcome to Rukia Publishing. We are really pleased to have you as a featured author and we look forward to finding out more about you, your writing, and your novels.
Hi Sarah Jane, please call me Liz. It's great to be here.
Let's start by talking about your writing.
How long have you been a writer and how did you come to writing?
I have always been aware of a need to create. Originally I was drawn towards fine art and painting as a way of expressing and trying to understand the events in my life. When at sixteen I left home and moved to London. There I found myself isolated and lonely. I began to write down my feelings in an attempt to control the chaos of my difficult personal situations and to prevent myself being overwhelmed. I went to Art College and found that as I grew stronger I no longer wanted to write about myself, it felt too self-indulgent. It was at this point that I decided to look my fears in the eye and explore the human condition.
What are the best and the worst aspects of writing?
The best aspects of writing by far is when the story writes itself and the characters take on a life of their own. I need to be passionate and interested in what I’m writing so I equally enjoy being surprised. However, the worst part about writing is when others misunderstand my intent or are offended by some characteristic in the story. My main aim is to explore an idea, to tell an engaging tale, which readers will either enjoy or not but it isn’t to upset others.
What inspires you to write?
Originally, fear was the inspiration behind my creativity. I vividly remember as a child being afraid of many things. It wasn’t helped by the fact that I was extremely gulable. If someone told me the sky was about to fall, I believed them. Growing up I realised the power of knowledge and the more you knew the less frightening things would appear. However, I do suspect that to this day when I’m writing I’m looking for answers, an escape, or a ‘get out clause’.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your writing and why?
I’ve always been an avid reader and have read a wide variety of books and genres. The choices I make are mostly dictated by the events occurring in my own life. Sometimes I want realism, other times escapism but often I want to experience those things I most fear from the safety of my home. I have enjoyed books purely for how someone has made use of the written language but typically I would overlook anything for a ‘good story’ with a strong plot and believable characters. Therefore, I do have my guilty pleasures. I continue to relish sitting down with one of the better Stephen Kings or Philip Pullman.
Can you tell us about your books?
My books frequently cross genres. Broadly speaking they are psychological, paranormal horror. I do like my ghosts. Despite this ‘In the Devil’s Own Words’ verges on fantasy adventure and ‘Blood Borne’, has an element of science fiction. ‘Adam’s Cross’ and ‘Kane’s Cross’ are thriller/mysteries inlaid with a black thread. My main themes are, the human condition, exploring the dark and mysterious facets of our world. I enjoy writing operatic, high contrast and pendulum swinging drama.
Are reader reviews important to you?
The reader’s reviews are of the upmost importance. My intention, as a writer is not to enter dark territory alone. I would like others to be alongside understanding and wondering. When a reader gives you positive feedback it inspires you to keep writing and helps you feel connected to others who are interested in similar ideas. Negative reviews may also be helpful if they are informative and they explain, what the reader felt was lacking.
Do you have a writing schedule? How often do you write?
I plan to write everyday but this seldom happens. I’m a mother with two grown up sons, a husband, elderly parents and a grandson. They all come first, so when I’m not attending to the needs of others I write.
What does your perfect writing environment look like?
I’m currently squashed against a wall and precariously balancing on my right is camping and fishing gear. How many tents does a man need? The shelves are not stacked with books but children’s toys and games. Consequently, books and note pads are stacked high on my desk. I expect it will all collapse on me at some time in the future.
Who is your target audience?
Any adults who are courageous enough to peek at the darker side of life or who want to explore some of the bigger apocalyptic questions of our time.
How do you engage your readers?
I like to slowly build a story, entice the reader in, grab them, shake them a little and then pounce.
Do you have any blogs/websites?
Yes - here is is! http://www.elizabethwixley.com
What is your advice to new writers?
Just write, you can stitch it together later.
Who are your favourite authors and what book are you currently reading?
I mostly read indie authors these days but I am currently reading Under the Dome by Stephen King.
What do you do when you are not writing?
When I’m not writing I enjoy walking on Dartmoor and then popping into the local haunted pub. I also get a thrill out of anything to do with the sea or rovers, which is mostly snorkelling and body boarding.
Are you working on any other books at the moment?
I’m currently working on my third ‘Witchfinder’ book to follow on from ‘Kane’s Cross’. They are all stand alones but with similar themes and elements.
If you could share one thing about yourself that you would like readers
to know what would it be?
I survived!
Liz thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us today and I hope this brief insight into you and your work will encourage our readers to check out your website and your books.
Readers, you will be seeing more from Liz at Rukia Publishing and Imagine the possibilities over the coming weeks and don't forget to follow Liz on social media for updates.
Thank you Sarah Jane, it's nice to meet you and I appreciate the opportunity to reach out to your readership :)
Did you miss 'Sunday Steal' featuring Liz? Take a look now
Hi Sarah Jane, please call me Liz. It's great to be here.
Let's start by talking about your writing.
How long have you been a writer and how did you come to writing?
I have always been aware of a need to create. Originally I was drawn towards fine art and painting as a way of expressing and trying to understand the events in my life. When at sixteen I left home and moved to London. There I found myself isolated and lonely. I began to write down my feelings in an attempt to control the chaos of my difficult personal situations and to prevent myself being overwhelmed. I went to Art College and found that as I grew stronger I no longer wanted to write about myself, it felt too self-indulgent. It was at this point that I decided to look my fears in the eye and explore the human condition.
What are the best and the worst aspects of writing?
The best aspects of writing by far is when the story writes itself and the characters take on a life of their own. I need to be passionate and interested in what I’m writing so I equally enjoy being surprised. However, the worst part about writing is when others misunderstand my intent or are offended by some characteristic in the story. My main aim is to explore an idea, to tell an engaging tale, which readers will either enjoy or not but it isn’t to upset others.
What inspires you to write?
Originally, fear was the inspiration behind my creativity. I vividly remember as a child being afraid of many things. It wasn’t helped by the fact that I was extremely gulable. If someone told me the sky was about to fall, I believed them. Growing up I realised the power of knowledge and the more you knew the less frightening things would appear. However, I do suspect that to this day when I’m writing I’m looking for answers, an escape, or a ‘get out clause’.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your writing and why?
I’ve always been an avid reader and have read a wide variety of books and genres. The choices I make are mostly dictated by the events occurring in my own life. Sometimes I want realism, other times escapism but often I want to experience those things I most fear from the safety of my home. I have enjoyed books purely for how someone has made use of the written language but typically I would overlook anything for a ‘good story’ with a strong plot and believable characters. Therefore, I do have my guilty pleasures. I continue to relish sitting down with one of the better Stephen Kings or Philip Pullman.
Can you tell us about your books?
My books frequently cross genres. Broadly speaking they are psychological, paranormal horror. I do like my ghosts. Despite this ‘In the Devil’s Own Words’ verges on fantasy adventure and ‘Blood Borne’, has an element of science fiction. ‘Adam’s Cross’ and ‘Kane’s Cross’ are thriller/mysteries inlaid with a black thread. My main themes are, the human condition, exploring the dark and mysterious facets of our world. I enjoy writing operatic, high contrast and pendulum swinging drama.
Are reader reviews important to you?
The reader’s reviews are of the upmost importance. My intention, as a writer is not to enter dark territory alone. I would like others to be alongside understanding and wondering. When a reader gives you positive feedback it inspires you to keep writing and helps you feel connected to others who are interested in similar ideas. Negative reviews may also be helpful if they are informative and they explain, what the reader felt was lacking.
Do you have a writing schedule? How often do you write?
I plan to write everyday but this seldom happens. I’m a mother with two grown up sons, a husband, elderly parents and a grandson. They all come first, so when I’m not attending to the needs of others I write.
What does your perfect writing environment look like?
I’m currently squashed against a wall and precariously balancing on my right is camping and fishing gear. How many tents does a man need? The shelves are not stacked with books but children’s toys and games. Consequently, books and note pads are stacked high on my desk. I expect it will all collapse on me at some time in the future.
Who is your target audience?
Any adults who are courageous enough to peek at the darker side of life or who want to explore some of the bigger apocalyptic questions of our time.
How do you engage your readers?
I like to slowly build a story, entice the reader in, grab them, shake them a little and then pounce.
Do you have any blogs/websites?
Yes - here is is! http://www.elizabethwixley.com
What is your advice to new writers?
Just write, you can stitch it together later.
Who are your favourite authors and what book are you currently reading?
I mostly read indie authors these days but I am currently reading Under the Dome by Stephen King.
What do you do when you are not writing?
When I’m not writing I enjoy walking on Dartmoor and then popping into the local haunted pub. I also get a thrill out of anything to do with the sea or rovers, which is mostly snorkelling and body boarding.
Are you working on any other books at the moment?
I’m currently working on my third ‘Witchfinder’ book to follow on from ‘Kane’s Cross’. They are all stand alones but with similar themes and elements.
If you could share one thing about yourself that you would like readers
to know what would it be?
I survived!
Liz thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us today and I hope this brief insight into you and your work will encourage our readers to check out your website and your books.
Readers, you will be seeing more from Liz at Rukia Publishing and Imagine the possibilities over the coming weeks and don't forget to follow Liz on social media for updates.
Thank you Sarah Jane, it's nice to meet you and I appreciate the opportunity to reach out to your readership :)
Did you miss 'Sunday Steal' featuring Liz? Take a look now