Elaina lives in magical Ireland after leaving the surrounds of magical Table Mountain at the southern tip of Africa. Having lived in both Ireland and New Zealand, she now realises Ireland’s mists are close to perfection. When writing she puts into words her travels and dreams, because she believes there is inspiration in even the most outrageous tale.

After studying Purchasing Management and working in the formal sector as a buyer, she chose to raise and home-school her three children. She started writing novels around 2002, moving from children’s stories, poetry and short stories to concentrate on larger works.

Previously published by Wild Wolf Publishing, Elaina is currently with Tirgearr Publishing and 13th Sign Publishing, and is also self-published. While her main body of work has been her Fantasy Series (Lore of Arcana, Lore of Reaume and Lore of Sanctum), she is a diverse writer and her credits include novels and shorter stories in the Contemporary, Humorous, Paranormal, Dystopian, Alternate History and Romantic genres, as well as a Non-fiction journal. Her novella Ancient Illumination has been translated into Spanish and Italian.

Ireland’s ancient past has influenced her writing, gifting her work a Celtic twist, while the majesty of New Zealand has led her to mountaintops and extraordinary vistas. The vibrancy of Africa has had much to do with the inspirational side of Elaina’s work. The colours and diversity of nature itself fires her imagination.

Elaina’s books and series include The Infinity Mantle (Lore of Arcana Book 1), The Kallanon Scales (Lore of Reaume Book 1), The Nemesis Blade (Lore of Sanctum Book 1), and the The Master Mechanism (Lore of Sanctum Book 4).

You can visit Elaina at Elaina’s Writing World, author’s page on Amazon, Facebook Author Page, Twitter and The LORE Series
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What motivates you to write and how did you get started?

An image can motivate me or an unexpected ‘what-if’ scenario, and I will start a new document. If I am able to reach a chapter 2, I take it further, but it’s also true that I have an entire universe to play with (created for my series) and as often as not a fresh story will suddenly appear (in a dream or while daydreaming) and I simply have to follow that prompt!

What’s most rewarding about writing?

To go wherever imagination is able to go. The possibilities are endless.

What’s your favourite genre and why?

I do write in various genres, but my favourite has always been and will always be Fantasy. Why? Imagination! There are no rules and as a writer one is able to ‘expose’ truths without offending anyone – it’s fantasy, after all.

Where do your characters come from?

Some are larger than life. Books, movies, poetry and so forth serve as inspiration there, but for the rest? My characters are drawn from people I know, folk I observe or read about, and also from psychological profiles – one can learn much about hidden depths when delving into mind-sets of certain personas.

Who is an author who inspires you and why?

Oh, so many! But the one I always end up showcasing is Steven Erikson. His Malazan Book of the Fallen series is so incredibly complicated and ambitious and utterly mind-blowingly imaginative that he serves as my inspiration. I prefer complicated; I adore massive otherworldly scenarios?

What do you look for in other people’s books?

Cleverness. Genius. Twisting plot. A story that seems impossible and yet works out, where the author intertwines multiple strands and keeps the reader spellbound. This doesn’t only apply to Fantasy, but to any genre.

What are you writing now?

I recently published the final book in my Lore series (The Master Mechanism), but as stated previously, I have this huge universe to delve into now and it’s as familiar to me as my own world is … so, yeah, a spin-off series is born! I have written the first book in what I’m calling (working title) World Series (lol, it’s bound to change!) and am already deep into book 2.

My new book is Eurue: The Forgotten World and it is Fantasy (of course!). Yes, this is a world forgotten, where in ancient time folk played fast and loose with the sentient spirits in the air and created something monstrous. Eurue should be live by end Feb.

What kind of book would you like to be known for?

The kind that makes a reader think, look at issues and concepts in a new way.

What has your writing taught you about yourself?

Hmm, I prefer my pyjamas?? ?

And coffee keeps me alive???

Seriously, though, I discovered that isolation suits me, I like being alone with my computer and my ideas. The act of writing is akin to breathing – a must-do!

How has your life experience influenced your writing?

Well, the people in my life have fleshed out characters (haha, typical writer!) and dreams in particular play a big role in what makes it into the narrative. Travelling too has opened up new vistas and cultures, and that has definitely influenced my writing. The heat and vibrancy of Africa; the humidity of Malaysia; the majesty of New Zealand; the history of Ireland and so forth.

What encouraging advice can you offer new writers?

This has been said many times, but it’s definitely the truth – read, read and read! Read as many varied authors as possible and read as much about the tips and tricks to writing out there in the virtual world. Some will resonate and some won’t, but until you read about it you won’t know what works for you (or doesn’t). And, as important, a writing community you feel comfortable in will support you, offer advice and also be there for you when it becomes overwhelming. Join groups on Facebook and twitter and take part. Not all will fit, but when you find your niche, it really helps.

Most important of all, write for YOU. If you love what you do, you are all set!

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