INTERVIEW: British Fantasy Author Julie Elizabeth Powell

 

Julie Elizabeth Powell

England, United Kingdom

 

Welcome to Vision and Verse, the site for Art and Authors and the people who love them. Can you tell us a little about what you've written?

I have written numerous books in various genres and lengths.  I prefer fantasy because I can break so many rules and make it up as I go.  However, I like to challenge my writing and I’d become bored if I didn’t try other genres.  I write for adults and children, but I have to be true to what I like rather than cater for fashion /popularity.  

 

Here is a list of my stories so far –

Gone

Slings & Arrows (Non-Fiction)

Changing Angels 

A Murderer’s Heart

Of Sound Mind

Misadventures Of Fatwoman

Dirty Business

13

Lost Shadows

Maisie

Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity: Missive One

Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity: Missive Two

Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity: Missive Three

Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity: Missive Four

Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity: Missive Five

Whispers In The Tower (short story)

Heaven (short story)

Christmas Past (short story)

Three Into One (short story)

Yule Spirits (short story)

The Box That Jane Built (collection four short stories)

Figments (short story /poetry collection)

Expressions (short story /poetry collection)

The Puzzling Brain Of Martha Tidberry (short story)

There Was An Old Woman (short story with bonus The Ballad Of Theodore English)

Impulse (collection of crime stories)

Shades (collection of paranormal stories)

Star Bright (collection of fantasy /science-fiction stories)

 

And for children:

The Star Realm (book one of the Avalon Trilogy)

Invasion (book two of the Avalon Trilogy)

Secrets of the Ice (book three of the Avalon Trilogy)

Knowing Jack

The Fairy In The Tale (short story)

 

That is quite the list. You are an inspiration to me to keep on going. What is your favorite genre to write?

Fantasy; although, I enjoy writing paranormal, post-apocalyptic, horror, humour, crime thrillers and anything that takes my fancy.  I have written one non-fiction (Slings & Arrows) which deals with what happened to my daughter, Samantha.  Gone is the fantasy that tackles that same event and is an attempt to answer a haunting question.

 

Favorite food.

My favourite food is dark chocolate though I really love broccoli, so I’m not all bad.

 

 

Tea or coffee?

Camomile tea.

 

 

Pizza or ice cream?

Ice-cream, preferably chocolate.

 

 

Wine or beer?

Neither, I don’t drink alcohol.

 

 

I'm going to have to change that question, or add soda, sauerkraut juice, and water to the list. Where would you like to visit?

Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare country; we’d intended to go hopefully, next year (2021) but, sadly, my husband died in June (not of the virus).

 

I'm so sorry to hear that, Julie. Our sincere condolences at the loss of 

your husband. Life is short. To quote Jimmy Buffet in Volcano: You 

better lova me now, or lova me not. I think it was lava, not lova. 

Speaking of music, who is your favorite musical artist?  

I like all kinds of music so it’s difficult to choose one artist.  My tastes range from classical to 1960s and the occasional modern.  My all-time favourite song is Over The Rainbow, sung by Eva Cassidy.

 

Yes. That one always gets to me, too. Do you listen to music when you write?  

What?

No.  I can only write in silence.

 

 Me, too. I've got enough voices in my head when I'm writing without having background noise. What makes you laugh?

My husband used to make me laugh every day.  I laugh at silly things like the Minions and Michael McIntyre (English comedian), I enjoy silly jokes and clever puns; certainly irony.

 

 

This is an art and author blog, so I am obligated to ask: Favorite work of art or sculpture.

 

I always admire the talent of artists in all manner forms, from the classics (like Michelangelo’s statue of David) to sand and ice sculptures and cleverly formed ‘oddness /humour’ that is placed around the world.  My favourite painter is Claude Monet.

 

 

How old were you when you started writing?

 

I dabbled in writing as a child but it wasn’t until much later that I took it seriously.  My first whole novel was Gone, it written in answer to the question that haunted me over the seventeen years of waiting for my daughter, Samantha, to die for the second time – Where had she gone?  Because, although her body was still here, who she’d been had been wiped clean, thus not knowing me or anything except pain.  When she was two, Samantha’s heart stopped and she died, but she was revived too late and suffered severe brain damage.  Her life was one of suffering and pain until she was nineteen when she finally slipped into peace.  I wrote Gone as one answer to that question.

 

Again, sweetie, I'm sorry to hear about Samantha. Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?

 

I usually just write, though occasionally, I jot down notes to remind me of specific things I should remember.  Depending upon the book, I do research – the Internet can be useful for that as libraries don’t have the information I need.  When I wrote 13 (horror), one of my characters was a hit man, so I needed to find out certain things, for example, guns and poison – goodness knows what others would think if I’d been monitored.  

 

 

Describe your perfect evening.

Evenings used to be watching TV with hubby and enjoying being together.  At night I’d read in bed on my Kindle.  I more or less do the same and remember my perfect company.

 

 

 

Where do you get your inspiration?

Inspiration can come from anywhere and anything.  Gone, I’ve explained and with Slings & Arrows there’s an obvious reason.  Knowing Jack was inspired by my son, whose insight into the world is unique.  The Avalon Trilogy came from the world I’d created in Gone, the story (for a younger readership, though for anyone young at heart) grew so big, I had to divide it into three; one of the characters, Darcy (a wonderfully funny and caring character) was influenced by my eldest daughter.  Misadventures Of Fatwoman was motivated by my personal battles within a world that does not accept anyone who is not ‘perfect’.  The crime thrillers came to me in a dream, as did the short story The Puzzling Brain Of Martha Tidberry.  Many of my stories come from dreams.  Of Sound Mind and Maisie came from my curiosity about the brain and how it works or doesn’t work.  Though Maisie is connected to Of Sound Mind because it carries on the story and the idea that Maisie is blind makes for even more intrigue.  Lost Shadows is also about the brain, this time dealing with memory and what makes us who we are – definitely encouraged by what happened to Samantha.  Changing Angels, written for my late husband, is my most recent, which was inspired by our lives.  I am so glad he managed to read it before he died. Many have a fantasy twist because that way it could have more sense. 

 

 

What do you do when you get a writer's block?

I don’t believe in writer’s block.  Having said that, since my husband died I haven’t been able to write – not because the words or ideas aren’t there, but when I begin to write, my brain becomes overwhelmed and I have to stop.  Perhaps things will improve in time.  At least I can still read, and I do, many, many books, the reason being that it uses a different part of the brain, I think.  And, of course, reading is vital to any writer’s armoury.  

 

 

I agree. I always wonder about writers who tell me that are too busy to read. Who is your favorite author?

 

Apart from me?  Ha!  Dean Koontz is my favourite because his writing is great, his ideas are intriguing and there is a sense of hope.  I do like Stephen King, though his stories don’t seem to have hope.  I admit to enjoying the Harry Potter series. Overall, I tend to read from the independent pool of writers because many don’t follow the rules or formulas and therefore far more interesting.  In addition, I like to support other independent authors.  I review all the books I read.

 

 

Best book you ever read.

 

What a difficult question!  I suppose ‘one’ of the best is The Chrysalids by John Wyndham.  I read it decades ago and it still makes me think about how humans hate difference so much.  Fantastic story. 

 

 

Last book you read.

Dream of Dragons by Morgan Rice – I’m lucky enough to be on the advanced reviewer list so I get them for free, which is brilliant, with funds being so low.  I enjoy all of Morgan Rice’s work, which is fantasy.   

 

 

What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?

I’m considered an OAP in England and live on a pension.  I’ve never been able to make money from writing.  I don’t have the funds for advertising so try using social media and hope.  I’ve had all kinds of jobs but none as satisfying as writing, even if there’s no money to be made.  

 

 

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?

Not just one.  My dad has a huge influence, who taught me that working hard and doing the right thing was the only way to live.  I agree with the sentiments, despite knowing that hard work and doing the right thing (which I do) may not actually get you what you want.  Although my husband died in June (2020), he was the best thing to happen to me and his legacy of love for me is the sweetest thing.  We only had eleven years together, but they were unforgettable.  My children, too, have guided my way of thinking and I am very proud of my remaining two.  As for Samantha, what a courageous bundle she was, so intelligent and loving until she died the first time, definitely impacted my outlook on life and, unfortunately, not necessarily for the better.  I hope she is now at peace.

 

 

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?

 

My husband, Trevor, to ask him if he was happy and had he met Samantha yet.  And to tell him to be there waiting for me when my time comes, like he did at the airport eleven years ago.

 

 

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?

 

If you wish to write, do it.  Read.  Learn as much as you can about the craft and yourself – why do you want to do this?  Be honest.  Don’t pander to fashion or formula.  Enjoy it!

 

 

Do you have some links for us to follow you?

 

Website - http://julizpow.wix.com/julieelizabethpowell

Twitter – http://twitter.com/starjewelz

Amazon UK page - http://goo.gl/XK8TOj

Amazon USA page - http://goo.gl/cT0DCK

GOODREADS - https://goo.gl/DcTSOO

FB page 1 - https://www.facebook.com/julieelizabethpowellsbooks

FB page 2 - https://www.facebook.com/GoneByJulieElizabethPowell

LULU - http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/julizpow

BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/julie-elizabeth-powell

You are an inspiration to us all, Julie. I'm glad you took time out of your busy writing schedule to interview with us this morning. We at Vision and Verse wish you continued success in all your endeavors. 

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