Please give a warm welcome to Elizabeth Laura Abrey, author of The Gift of Love, Abigail and The Foxwood Creek Murders. Click on the story titles to read her work.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re currently working on or promoting.
My name is Elizabeth Laura Abrey. I’m 32 years old, single with no children. An only child to a British dad and a South African mom. I was born and raised in South Africa but moved to the UK 11 years ago. My parents are now deceased, my mom from cancer in 2008 and my dad was murdered in 2009, 8 months after my mom passed. I have diplomas in Creative Writing, Forensic Science, Parapsychology and Child Care. My short story The Gift of Love has been published in the June edition of The Wordsmith Journal, an online Christian based publication. I have two other short stories published called Abigail published by The Writers Drawer online publication ~ June 2013 and The Foxwood Creek Murders published by The Writers Drawer online publication ~ August 2013. I’m currently working on a couple other short stories for competitions and have just enrolled in a Romantic Fiction Writing course with Stonebridge College.
Who or what inspires you?
My mother has always been a huge inspiration to me and my memories of her continue to inspire and motivate my writing. Another huge inspiration to me is the amazingly harmonious classical crossover band Blake. Having met them and enjoyed their music on numerous occasions, they provide me with endless inspiration that I turn to whenever I feel lost or need a creative jolt!
What advice do you have for writer’s just starting out?
Never give up hope! Persevere, stay motivated, keep dreaming and learn from criticism.
Do you have any writing rituals or interesting writing quirks?
I have to listen to Blake in order to be in the right frame of mind to write. I know it’s weird but it works for me! The creative juices just flow when I have their music on in the background! I also have a pair of fuzzy slippers that I consider my ‘writing shoes’!
What are your three favorite books including the authors?
Gone with the Wind – Margaret Mitchell
The Great Gatsby – F Scott Fitzgerald
Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
Is being an author your dream job? If so, how long have you been chasing the dream? If not, what would be your dream job?
It is most certainly my dream. It’s taken me just over three years to have one of my short stories published.
What book are you currently reading?
Inferno – Dan Brown
What has been your best moment as a writer?
Having my short story The Gift of Love published in the June issue of The Wordsmith Journal.
Is there a message in your book(s) that you want readers to grasp?
To never give up hope!
Do you see yourself in any of your characters?
I do. My female characters are a part of me and they do reflect on myself as a person, however small the comparison may be.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
Apart from working an 8-5 job, the little free time I allow myself is usually spent reading or watching re-runs of Criminal Minds or CSI – I’m a bit of a crime show addict.
What do you do to stay sane as a writer?
Sanity is not part of my vocabulary! 😉 Honestly, I do yoga and deep breathing exercises that help me to focus mentally and clear my head of all the daily rigmarole!
I have found the writer’s community to be very supportive and welcoming. Please share someone that you recommend for us to check out: Anna Andrews
You can find Elizabeth on her blog, Facebook page, and twitter.