Interview Elliot Love

by

Susan Bennet

1. When did you decide to be an author?

I never made the decision to become an author. As a teenager I began writing poems and fantasy stories to escape my harsh reality. I put writing aside for nearly twenty years to raise my two girls. When I lost my oldest daughter, I started writing again to cope with the pain. I never set out to become a published author. Night Brigade just happened. It was my way of dealing with an unbearable situation. I remember the night I poured my heart and soul onto the page, seeking relief. After creating Night Brigade, I decided to submit it and chose Wings first. I must admit, I was surprised when the contract offer came through. Actually, I wasn’t expecting it at all. Because I had been having email problems, I didn’t find the contract until two weeks after it had been sent. I then felt compelled to finish the saga. What happens next is anyone’s guess.

2. What are your main interests?

I love music, dance, and animals. Not always in that order. When I’m not involved in a writing project I can be found burning CD’s, dancing or spending quality time with my four toy breed dogs. Lately I have been studying the art of Mystic Dance.

3. What motivates you to write?

Heartache. I heard a preacher once say, “Pain is the strongest motivator.” He was right.

4. When you’re not writing what do you like to do?

I enjoy taking photos and making special images… especially fire. I have a bit of a fascination with fire. My second and third book covers are a result of my photography blended with the amazing talent of my cover artist, Trisha Fitzgerald.

5. Why did you pick the paranormal genre?

It chose me. I’ve always been somewhat clairvoyant. I wrote my first short story around the age of seven, about a ghost horse. When I look back on my writings, they all seem to have a paranormal aspect to them. I never planned for Night Brigade to go paranormal, it just happened. I’m very careful about what I write, because I have noticed over the years that much of what I write tends to occur somehow. Given that, my family members are always concerned about their characters, if they find themselves in one of my books.

6. Have you ever had a paranormal experience yourself?

Funny you should ask. If I were to say no, I’d be lying.

7. Do you plan to write novels in other genres?

I’ve tried. The stories always end up leading me into the unknown. Once I put the characters on the page, I am merely the tool. They tell me what’s going to happen and quite often I’m surprised by their actions. My characters don’t like boundaries. They are free spirits and I have a hard time controlling them. So, I think “we” must stay within the paranormal genre to allow them the freedom they need to tell their story.

8. Do you think the setting of a story is particularly crucial in a story?

Important yes, but not crucial. I have read many novels with beautiful, intricately described settings, but if the characters can’t pull me into their world, then I put the book down and usually don’t finish it.

9. Do you have a particular hate?

Yes, but I don’t think I can say it here. You might find the answer to this question in Night Brigade.

10. Who is your favorite author?

Janelle Taylor

11. Is there someone in your life who has been a particular inspiration to you?

Not a physical part of my life, unfortunately… as we have never met. Rick Savage is my sole inspiration. He epitomizes passion in every sense. And if you don’t have passion in your life, then you’re not truly living… only existing.

12. What’s your favorite ice cream?

Dairy Queen. It’s low fat and helps me stay on my diet.