Hi Danielle, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
This is always a tricky question! Like a lot of people I struggle talking about myself. I’m a country girl, and live on a property with my family and all our pets South East of Adelaide, South Australia. When I’m not writing, I’m spending time with my family or decorating cakes. I love being creative in a totally different media.
I've always wanted to visit Australia, It's on my bucket list.
What are your ambitions for your writing career?
I want to finish the Erlanis Chronicles. There is at least one more book in the works, but if I get to the end of writing book 3 and there are more stories to tell, well, I’m just the messenger.
I also have a series based in Japanese mythology and a broad, sweeping fantasy series in the pipeline.
Wow, you're one busy mama. I love it!
So, what have you written?
Of Fire & Roses, The Erlanis Chronicles #1
Of Blood & Snow, The Erlanis Chronicles #2
I am definitely putting these on my "too read list."
Where can we buy or see them?
http://www.amazon.com/Danielle-Belwater/e/B00IGHWANO
http://www.evernightteen.com
http://www.allromanceebooks.com
Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?
Both my main characters would tell you that they are not special at all, but they need to keep
quiet and let me tell you about them!
Nate, while a typical teenager, has an inner strength and wiseness beyond his years, even though he acts like a 12 year old sometimes.
Cora, her gifts are a bit more obvious, I can’t give too much away lest I spoil the story, but not
only does she have an inner fortitude that would rival King Kong’s, she has other more hands on
gifts. Cora sees them as a weakness, but she just needs to let go of the fear and be the champion everyone else sees her as.
Interesting, your characters sound very down to earth but extraordinary at the same time.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve always got stories in the works. I’m currently writing Book 3 in the Erlanis Chronicles, which continues the story of Nate and Cora but the focus shifts and things go in an unexpected direction.
I’m also writing a novel called “Let Her Go”which is a ghost love story based in Japanese mythology.
Ghost love story? How do you come up with this stuff? I'm intrigued and will keep my eye out for that one in the future.
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
I always thought Shailene Woodley would play Cora, but after seeing Mia Wasikowska in a few things lately, I think she’d do a bang up job as Cora as well. But in saying that, I do adore Chloe Grace Moretz, oh dear, I can’t choose.
Nate has got that Josh Hutcherson vibe going on, but Nate is hotter and taller.
I'm always a fan of Josh Hutcherson, good choice. I don't know how you could pick between those three actresses? They are all amazing.
When did you decide to become a writer?
When I was 5. I can still remember sitting on my bed when I was little and when my Dad asked the question that all parents ask their kids, what do you want to be when you grow up? I said a writer. I kind of got sidetracked along the way, but always knew that one day I would get to where I am.
I love hearing stories like this, it makes it all that much better when your dreams come true and you become an author. It's fulfilling a life long goal.
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
Structure? There is no structure, when I have five minutes or an idea, I scribble down whatever I can. I don’t really have a process.
Sometimes I think this is better. feel like when you sit down to write, it has to be forced and we all know that forcing it never turns out the way you want it to.
Do you write every day, or when you have time?
It will depend on where I am at with the story. If I’m gunning to get a manuscript finished, I’ll set a goal to write 1000 words a day. Then I know that I will at least have a manuscript, in some form, within a month or two. It’s only then does the hard slog of editing begin!
Ugh, editing. The bane of my existence. wish that everything would just come out of my brain the right way the first time.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I usually do a combination of flying by the seat of my pants, plotting and being told where to go by my characters! They tell the story, I’m just the messenger!
It's the ultimate dilemma, pantsing vs. plotting. Another example that there is no write or wrong way to write a story.
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?
I read as often as time will allow. In the times BC (before children) I used to mow through 2 or 3 books a week. Now, I’m lucky if I will finish a book in a month. There are just so many other things that end up taking priority.
As a mother myself, I know the feeling. It took my almost nine years to finish my last Robert Jordan book.
What book/s are you reading at present?
I’m reading Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.
I haven't read that one, though I have read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Does that count?
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t panic! And don’t be in such a rush. Everything will happen when it’s supposed to. If it hasn’t happened yet, it just means your not ready.
True story!
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
Harry Potter. Then I wouldn’t have to worry about not having money to do all the other fun stuff I like to do!
Yes, I would pick that one or Twilight.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Don’t wait until you have the perfect idea, don’t get bogged down in creating elaborate character profiles, don’t wait until you think you have better writing ability, just don’t wait. All your ideas are perfect, you’re characters often change as you write, writing ability can be learnt during the process and your finished novel ends up nothing like your first draft anyway, that’s what editing is for.
Words of wisdom, thank you.
How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: www.daniellebelwater.com
Blog: www.daniellebelwater.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielleBelwaterAuthor/?pnref=lhc
Twitter: @DBelwater
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Danielle-Belwater/e/B00IGHWANO
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/DanielleBelwater
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview. I've had a lot of fun getting to know a little bit about you and your writing style and can't wait to dig into the Erlanis Chronicles (When the kids let me). Don't miss Danielle's second novel available now to purchase.
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