Ask the Author: Eleanor Coombe
Answered Questions (4)
Eleanor Coombe
My most recent books are the Arky Steele adventures. Arky is very much like my brother when he was young. He grew up to be an archeologist. He is and was a very adventurous person. I think he gave me the idea of writing about a boy archeologist. I also love history and myths and legends, so I had great fun putting the ideas together to create the books.
Eleanor Coombe
I am a control freak when it comes to writing. When I have the idea for a book I can't sleep for thinking about the characters and what they will do next. Then I get up early every morning and work at my computer. Very quickly, I disappear from the real word and enter the magic world. It is like going into the magic wardrobe. I enter this fabulous world where anything can happen, but where I am safe. So, the inspiration comes from inside the wardrobe, or from my magic life. Inspiration is lurking behind every plant, animal, rock or character in my magic land. Often my family has to shake me and wake me back to reality when I go to my imagination place. I love it there and it is the place that inspires me.
Eleanor Coombe
When I first started wanting to be an author, I didn't even know how to type or have a computer, but I decided to learn. Often I was mocked by people. I think they thought my dream was silly. Often I thought I was silly too,especially when I received my rejections from publishers. I got loads and loads of rejections. Sometimes I thought I was wasting my time but I would pick myself up and write something new and send it off. Again and again this happened. Then one day a publisher liked my work. I think persistence is the best advice I can give. Don't give up. If you love writing, write, write, write and send your work out again and again. Don't be influenced by negative thoughts, but listen to wise advice. Great joy with your writing!
Eleanor Coombe
I do not get writer's block. My head is always full of ideas. My characters get a life of their own so there is always an adventure they are in the middle of experiencing. I think that being blocked is something that could stem from worrying too much about how your words might seem to others, or perhaps you might feel that any story you might think up may not be good enough. I know that is how I felt in the early days when I wanted to become an author. I soon realised that nothing will ever be good enough for everyone, so it is best to go on with the idea and see where it leads you. Sometimes the idea does turn out to be something I'm unhappy with, and I have to start again. I think the best recipe is, just don't be afraid of a blank page and write, write your way through.
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