Interview with Elizabeth Mueller, author of Darkspell

It is such a thrill to introduce new and upcoming bestselling author, Elizabeth Mueller. Elizabeth and I met a year and a half ago and have been friends ever since. She's a beautiful, giving, talented and dynamic woman and her book is out of this world!

Here is a little background on Elizabeth:

I'm a mother of four wonderful kidlets who, more often than not, drive me nuts. I'm very grateful that I can be home at the crossroads for my children and have been blessed with that privilege. I've been writing for as long as I can remember.
I've finished 8 novels, and 3 children's books and have tons more stories waiting to be told. I believe with all of my heart that it takes a lot of guts to be a writer--especially an aspiring author. There are so many rules to be learned, mountains to conquer, and many layers of skins to grow (yet, be teachable at the same time).
I have done most of my growing the past few years. I don't know what my Father in Heaven has planned for me, but I have no doubt that I am destined for great things. It is my desire to be a mentor to those who dream to reach beyond themselves.
If you ever need cheering, a friend, or anything at all--you can always count on me! ;)
*I've recently been picked up by TreasureLine Books. I felt like a dog chasing the proverbial car. Now that I've caught it, what do I do next? I've worked myself sick with worry. I didn't jump right away at the chance when they loved Darkspell, but I prayed and prayed and prayed if this was what I should do. After much consideration and twisting nausea, I listened to the Lord and said yes.

I got to interview Elizabeth and I think you'll have as much fun as I did getting to know her.

M.B.: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

ELIZABETH: I’ve always enjoyed writing. It wasn’t until 2009 that I had a sudden passion for becoming published.

M.B.: What makes you passionate about writing?

ELIZABETH: The first thing that comes to mind is escapism—ideas, characters, plots and settings flow so freely, it’s better than movies! I feel alive and powerful every time I write.

M.B.: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

ELIZABETH: I felt like a dog who finally caught the proverbial car. Now what? I got sick to my stomach. Really. I didn’t jump at the first chance and say yes, but I prayed and studied up on the company to make sure we were a good match even though I was the one that submitted. Crazy, isn’t it?

M.B.: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?

ELIZABETH: I know it’s good enough when I can touch, see, taste, hear and feel the world in its seedling stage. When passion moves me and the story just blooms wide.

M.B.: What do you hope readers will get from this book?

ELIZABETH: I’m hoping that they know that staying true to yourself by following your dreams is certainly achievable!

About Darkspell:

Winter Sky believes she is everything ordinary . . . until she is kissed by Alex Stormhold.
As seer of Stormhold Coven, Alex is sworn to be Winter’s protector against the darkness that hunts her. Violently thrust into a magical realm she always thought impossible, she stumbles upon a disturbing secret of her own.
Will love prove thicker than magic?

M.B.: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?

ELIZABETH: First an idea floats by and I pluck it from the air and entertain it. I wonder how a person would react if placed in a certain situation and how others would respond to him or her. The story just widens the more I think on it. I jot down a rough summery or introduction to get my magic flowing for later if I’m unable to do it right then and there.

M.B.: Who has made the greatest difference for you as a writer?

ELIZABETH: My husband. He has always supported my drive for writing and has always had faith that I would become published. I am endearingly indebted to him!

M.B.: Do you use a critique group during the writing process? Why or why not?

ELIZABETH: Not during my writing process. I have many writerly friends whom I trust and go to any one of them if I need to bounce ideas. When I’m done with a story, I send it off to several non-writing but avid readers, as well as writing friends for general feedback. I have to admit that critique groups scare me—not in the way you may think.

I can take a criticism, it’s having to read ten different papers from five different people within a week—adding to the weight of my own writing! Don’t get me wrong, I’m always helping others with their writing. Always. I’m very independent that way, but they are also willing to help me in return.

M.B.: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?

ELIZABETH: Always make sure your book is ready for submission. I know that you’ve been working on it for ages and you’d like to see it off and away. Ask yourself this: Is it really ready to be on the shelves? If it’s hard to imagine, then imagine printing it up and handing it out to people who intimidate you. What do you think they’ll say? Can you feel questions and concerns rising already? Address those now while you still can!

It could either make you look bad or great. Do you want to promote something that could embarrass you?

Can you tell I’ve learned the hard way?

M.B.: Any final words you would like to share

ELIZABETH: Follow your dreams!

M.B.: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

ELIZABETH: My book releases fall of 2011, but please keep tabs over at my website for updates! Here are the places where you can buy my books: Amazon.com, the TreasureLine Books online bookstore, Barnes & Noble ebook and paperback, ebooks: B&N, Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Borders, Diesel, Sony, and Scrollmotion.

You will be able to order/reserve a personalized copy through my website soon!

Please join me in my celebration for Darkspell’s fall release all July long! A pre-book launch party if you will. Click here for details.

Elizabeth's blog HERE

Elizabeth's website HERE