interview
Elizabeth Eckstein “…I think I enjoy intrusion or low fantasy. It kind of feels as if the fantastic elements are less expected and more wonderful when placed in a very mundane world. I actually struggle with defining genre when creating my own stories, I don’t set out to write in a certain genre. The stories sort of appear as they are. Genre placement comes later. My favourite genre to read is really mysteries and thrillers. If they are also fully or dotted with fantasy elements, so much the better…..”
Six Elementals Author Interviews will introduce prospective readers to some of the best writers in their genre you may, or may not, have heard off, via a series of six questions. I encourage you to check out the work of these phenomenal creatives! Links to their websites and purchase links will always appear, accompanying the interview. Check them out!
I am very humbled to be joined by the amazing Elizabeth Eckstein, author of induction fantasy, fantasy, and illustrator extraordinaire. Elizabeth’s current published work is: Quicksilver and Brimstone.
Check out the original post here.
P.L.: Thank you so much Elizabeth for participating in this interview. Following your stunning debut novel, Quicksilver and Brimstone, we are all curious to know what exciting projects you are working on currently?
Elizabeth: I am experimenting with writing a genderless vampire novel!
P.L.: Oh wow! That sounds amazing! Sign me up to read that one! Your book Quicksilver and Brimstone is one of my favourites of all-time! It has been compared favourably in reviews to such books as His Dark Materials. Is intrusion fantasy your preferred sub-genre to write? What about to read? What are your favourite genres to read?
Elizabeth: I think I enjoy intrusion or low fantasy. It kind of feels as if the fantastic elements are less expected and more wonderful when placed in a very mundane world. I actually struggle with defining genre when creating my own stories, I don’t set out to write in a certain genre. The stories sort of appear as they are. Genre placement comes later. My favourite genre to read is really mysteries and thrillers. If they are also fully or dotted with fantasy elements, so much the better.
P.L: I love that, especially considering there is a mystery element, I found, to Quicksilver and Brimstone. Always love a good mystery! So, you are established as a very well-respected member of the writing community especially on Twitter. What do you enjoy the most about being part of the writing community on social media? What are some of the advantages to networking with fellow creatives?
Elizabeth: I think getting to know other authors, being inspired by them and sharing your work is one of the most rewarding things in the writing community.
P.L.: I agree and can definitely say that you are one of the authors who inspire me! Who are some of the authors that you will essentially at least try to read anything they write?
Elizabeth: I have read most of what some authors, now departed, have written, Dickens, Pratchett, Chesterton. Others are Tim Powers and Robert Harris.
P.L.: Those are some iconic authors you mention. I always wonder what inspires fellow creatives to pen the specific novel that they write. What inspired you to write Quicksilver and Brimstone?
Elizabeth: I became enchanted with alchemy, and wanted to create a fantasy without magic, using this magical science instead.
P.L.: I found that element of your book fascinating, with all the creepy gadgets and alchemy! What do you find the most challenging part of being an author?
Elizabeth: Just getting the words out some days.
P.L.: I think that’s a struggle for all of we creatives at times, just getting something on paper. But you have obviously excelled in that! Thanks so much Elizabeth for taking the time to be interviewed.
Elizabeth Eckstein is a storyteller and lover of thunderstorms, a coffee-soaked alchemist who lives amongst the pages of books. A devourer of classics and folder of origami birds, she is the mother of two cats and enjoys such domestic adventures as vegan cooking and gardening.
Purchase Elizabeth’s Book Here
Check Out Some Of Our Other interviews
Interview; Kristyn Merbeth Author of the Nova Vita Protocol
Interview; Author Grady Hendrix
Interview – Author Jason “David Wong” Pargin
P.L. Stuart
I’m an experienced writer, in that I’ve been writing stories all my life, yet never thought to publish them. I’ve written informally – short stories – to entertain friends and family, for community newspapers, volunteer organization magazines, and of course formal papers for University. Now, later in life, I’ve published what I believe is a great fantasy novel, and definitely worth reading, called A Drowned Kingdom. My target audience is those who enjoy “high fantasy”. A Drowned Kingdom is not “dark fantasy”. It’s written in a more idealized and grandiose style that I hope isn’t too preachy, and not too grim. Still, I’m hoping my book has appeal to those who don’t typically read this type of work – those who don’t read fantasy of any kind – because of the “every-person” themes permeating the novel: dysfunctional familial relationships, extramarital temptation, racism, misogyny, catastrophic loss, religion, crisis of faith, elitism, self-confidence, PTSD, and more.
Many of these themes I have either personal experience with, or have friends or family who have dealt with such issues. I’ve had a long professional law enforcement career, undergone traumatic events, yet been buoyed by family, faith, and positivity. I’m a racialized middle-aged man. I’ve seen a lot of life. Ultimately I want the planned series, of which A Drowned Kingdom will be the introduction, to be one of hope, and overcoming obstacles to succeed, which I believe is my story as well. My protagonist, Othrun, will undergo a journey where he’ll evolve, change, and shape a continent. He’s not always likeable. He’s a snob, bigot, is vain, yet struggles with confidence. He’s patriarchal. Overall, he’s flawed. But even ordinary flawed people can change. We’re all redeemable.
Ordinary people can make a difference, not just fictional Princes. I want that message to shine through my work.
WHERE TO FIND HIM
Twitter – @plstuartwrites
Facebook – @plstuartwrites
One Comment