Welcome, Elaine Calloway!
I first met Elaine through the PRO mail group a few years ago. She was one of the first authors I met who lived (or had lived) in Louisiana, as I did for over four decades. So in that sense, Elaine and were neighbors (if you stretch that word a good bit).
When I learned of her new book release, naturally I invited her to stop in for a visit. But before we talk about her book, I wanted to discuss Elaine’s insights into writing.
by Elaine Calloway
Thanks so much for having me on your blog today!
How do you get your inspiration? What is your writing process?
Music has always helped put me into the character’s mind. Some writers must have absolute silence when they write; others prefer music. It’s always fascinated me on how the mind works best. For me, it’s music. I typically have a soundtrack that I create for each book; every book is different.
I wish I could tell you how I know which songs work and which ones don’t. It’s very organic; I can’t explain why. Haunting songs by artists like Jill Tracy, Faun, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and Neko Case provide an ideal conduit for me to write the villain scenes.
As far as the writing process, I’m one of those pantser types. I have a rough outline, I know the characters and what they want, but I have to write the book in draft form to really get to the story. Someone once told me that writing the first draft is like walking through the thick woods looking for something. You don’t know where you are going, but you’re trailblazing just the same. The second draft is like sitting on top of a huge rock, where you have more perspective. The third draft is like being in a tall tree, able to see many things clearly. I’ve always loved that analogy.
Find the writing process that is right for you, though. Everyone’s mind works differently.
Water’s Blood, Book One of the Elemental Clan Series
by Elaine Calloway
Now available at Amazon, Barnes/Noble, and Smashwords
After breaking the rules to mate with a human, Water Elemental Brooke is forbidden to share a life with Alex and their half-breed daughter, Ella. To make matters worse, the local Fallen Angel armies are determined to snare Ella’s soul by midnight on Halloween. Brooke broke the rules once by allowing love to interfere with her mission. She and Alex must put consequences aside again—if they wish to save their daughter’s soul.
How did you get the idea for this book?
I’ve always been fascinated by Elementals and Fallen Angels, but had never thought of putting the two items together until the idea just popped into my head one day. When I started to outline Water’s Blood, I knew immediately the setting would need to be New Orleans, as the city is surrounded by water. The muse was kind, and the series is now in progress! Look for Raging Fire to be released summer 2013.
As I drafted this book, one thing became clear. The theme became free will, having a choice in our destiny. Even though this is a paranormal series, I think everyone in all walks of life can relate to the need to have a choice in our lives, our dreams, our destinies.
We often think we don’t have a say in our future, but the truth is we always have choices. Some decisions we make bring negative consequences, but we do have the free will to choose. I wanted to feature that very human trait with my paranormal characters. Brooke is a Water Elemental who must fight to protect her own flesh and blood daughter--Water’s Blood. Her daughter’s free will is at stake. Cristos, a Fallen Angel, made a choice that sealed his fate forever.
Bio
Elaine Calloway grew up in New Orleans with a love of things paranormal, gothic architecture, tall steeples and all the mysterious scenery abundant in the Crescent City. She is currently writing the Elemental Clan Series, which feature Nature’s Elementals and their quest to protect humanity against the evil Fallen Angel armies out to reap their souls.
When not researching, writing, or drinking Diet Coke, she enjoys artistic pursuits of all kinds and spending time with her friends and family. Visit her on the Web at www.elainecalloway.com.