BOOK NEWS

Smashwords Interview with author Elizabeth Adeniyi.

Interview with Elizabeth Adeniyi

Who are your favorite authors?

My favorite authors are in the christain fiction genre and they are Francine Rivers, Frank Pereti and Karen Kingsbury.

What inspires you to get out of bed each day?

I am ever curious of what lies ahead of a new day, what opportunities and challenges each day brings.There is something exciting about waiting to see how a day will turn out. A life can be changed positively or negatively in the course of the day, so I always look forward to the dawn of a new day.

When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?

When not writing, I read books on healthy diets and other authors' books. I do not necessarily read only Christian Fictions, but also contemporary books on any topic/genre that catches my fancy. I spend time being with the Lord. It is so refreshing and inspiring to be in his presence. Someone who is always stressed and agitated should try that and you will be amazed at how great you will feel. I also spend time being my husband and kids. It is very important to spend quality time with family no matter how busy our work schedule is, as there will come a time when such opportunities may not arise again. I love to watch music videos and blockbuster films. I especially love Good Deeds produced by Tyler Perry.

Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?

My first story was written when I was a teenager. Then, I never knew i would end up as an author. I just naturally gravitated towards writing my thoughts, experiences,pain and disappointment. My first story was a contemporary romance novel. Can't remember the details though. LOL

What is your writing process?

My writing starts with a story idea. Then I begin to see the scenes and characters of the story as I brood more over it. I build on the characters and they tend to evolve over time as the I continue to write. I also receive scene and character ideas from listening to people around me and sometimes from a dream. Also, the challenges and experiences i face living this life form part of my writing process. I also draw inspiration from other people's experiences and stories from my environment. I put all these together as a novel. When I start writing a new book, I don't have any idea of how the story will end, but just write and let the story unfold on its own naturally. But ,my books are actually true life stories of you and I.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?

The first story I read was in the Mills and Boon series. The only thing I remember that it did for me was made me love sick about a guy I had a crush on then. Nothing outstanding.LOL

How do you approach cover design?

I work alongside with my graphic designer in choosing a cover that will convey the message of the story and that will also be gripping enough to encourage readers to try out my book. The first thing I do is play with my own ideas before involving a designer.

What are your five favorite books, and why?

Redeeming Love By Francine Rivers: This is a book that will never let you go. You get glued to the pages until the end. The story was woven around Prophet Hosea and the awesome love of God towards us as he continually forgive and take us back when we stray.
A Time To Kill By John Grisham: I love all his books. They are ever captivating
Left Behind Series By TimLahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins: The books left cold chills in my foot .It is a frightful reminder that everything will come to an end one day.
The Vulture Is A Patient Bird By James Hardly Chase: I love all James Hardly Chase series.You are never bored.
Frank Pereti's Books : That is one gifted writer I love so much. His books exposes what happens behind the scenes in the spiritual realm when we are faced with challenges

What do you read for pleasure?

I read contemporary stories by other authors. Nothing profane.

What is your e-reading device of choice?

The Kindle e-reader.

What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?

Blogging about my books and tweeting to my followers on twitter.

Describe your desk

On my desk are the following items scattered everywhere
My notebook Laptop with an internet connection
My writing Pad
A pen
My phone
A snack
A bottle of water

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?

I grew up in Lagos , Nigeria at a time when parents determined the course of your life and made all important decisions for you. I wish I discovered earlier that I had a writing talent. Instead, I pursued a wrong career to please my Dad. It took a while for me to realize that I was at my best when I write, when I put on paper or on my computer screen the words burning in my heart. I had a lot of challenges while growing up which made me turn all the more to writing. By the time I became an adult, I had in my collection a huge archive of writings, memoirs and personal thoughts which are very precious to me. I hope to turn my personal memoirs into a book very soon. It will probably be titled Liz's Memoirs. Or what do you think? LOL

When did you first start writing?

I started writing when I was a teenager. Whenever I was upset or angry at someone or about something, writing it down assuaged my emotions and made me feel better.

What's the story behind your latest book?

My upcoming book titled " A ROUGH DIAMOND" will be released soon. It is a story that centered about how a friend died three years ago.The scenes are part real and part fiction, but the message behind it is that we can bring something beautiful out of a tragic event. Sharon, the lead character was living a perfect life until disaster struck. Nothing in her past prepared her for the shock of what befell her. In the book, we will see how the Lord can turn around a bad situation for our good and for his purpose

What motivated you to become an indie author?

Being an indie author is easier, cheaper and I get to promote my books by myself using the platforms provided by on-line book stores like Amazon Kindle, Smashwords , Barnes and Nobles, Lulu etc . Also, I determine what I earn by setting my price at my discretion. Also, through the wonder of the internet and social networks there is no limit to the number of readers the books can reach.

What are you working on next?

I am working on a new book titled Travails. It is the story about certain African women and the men in their lives. It is a book detailing the unique struggles, challenges and experiences faced by young African elite women. Among them are the married, divorced and the single. It is a story of different yokes for different folks and you will most likely found yourself in one or two of the characters.

What is the greatest joy of writing for you?

The greatest joy of writing for me is see my thoughts created in a book form that has the capacity to change or impact a life positively.