Ask the Author: E.L. Bates
Answered Questions (4)
E.L. Bates
Magic Most Deadly came about as a result of two novels in a row that were flat and dull. I needed a break, and so decided to forget about publication for a little while and just write for me, a story I could enjoy. I love magic inserted into real world history (Wrede and Stevermer's Kate & Cecy books are a prime example of that), and I love cozy mysteries (Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers especially), and I love the "between wars" period and am a diehard Anglophile. MMD came about as a mad combination of all those loves. Ironically, in writing a story that appealed to all my interests, I also managed to write my first publishable novel.
E.L. Bates
I get inspired to write ... by breathing? Honestly, if I don't write I go a little crazy. Writing is an essential part of who I am; without it I wouldn't be Louise anymore.
E.L. Bates
Three projects, as a matter of fact. I've nearly finished the first draft of Magic in Disguise, the sequel to 2013's Magic Most Deadly. Then I'm also working on a middle grade historical novel, and also a space opera. The space opera is my first venture into sci-fi, and I'm super excited about it.
E.L. Bates
Write something else. I usually have two (or more, which is a really bad idea for me) projects going on at the same time, so if I get stuck on one, I switch over to the other. If I only have one project on tap at the moment, I'll try journaling, or write a short piece for my own amusement, or something else that is still writing, but unrelated to my current WIP. It doesn't work for everyone, but that usually helps me.
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