I’m so excited to share this interview with you! I “met” Ms. Creel in a group for Kindle Vella authors. She is amazing! I would love to spend a full afternoon just chatting with her. Let’s jump right in!
How did you get started?
How did you know you had this series in you?
Hey Rachel, I sort of got hit by a strike of writing lightning last year. I turn forty at the end of March and I’d never thought, or tried to write anything before. Personally I didn’t think I had the skill set for it. My first story was inspired by a bad dream, when I woke up I found myself daydreaming and growing the story. Finally, I decided to write down a paragraph. Six weeks later it was 46,000 words.
I love that you turned a bad dream into such a good thing!
Why did you choose to use a series format?
Kindle Vella was fairly new and I came across the platform while I was waiting for my book to be formatted. I thought, why not, so I broke up the chapters into episodes and published with Vella first. It worked great, I’m very glad I found the opportunity when I did. Serendipitous timing, and the bonuses helped with printing expenses. This was my debut work so I had no fan base, without Vella, my first publishing experience would have been extremely disheartening.
I think it’s a great platform for new authors, both to build a fan base, and to grow their confidence with the support and quick payouts to pay other expenses. I wish I had done this with my homesteading book.
Writer’s Craft
What is your greatest challenge in writing?
I have two young children that stay home with me all day. It’s chaos but if you want something done, give it to a busy mother. All excuses aside it comes down to valuing myself and discipline. I tell myself as a rule I will write today, instead of making it a goal. With my first Vella, The Immortal I made it a rule to write 1,000 words a day, and I did but I started getting headaches from all the screen time. I recommend wearing blue light glasses when typing. Currently, I’m writing an episode a week.
Good for you! I, on the other hand, am more of a pantster and vary from 0 to 3,000 words a day on a regular basis.
What surprised you in the writing process?
I’d begin every writing session by watching Neil Gaiman’s Master Class commercial. He’d say there are no rules, and writing is like driving in the fog. I found his advice calming and practical.
Oh, that’s an interesting analogy. Cool!
I know we tend to write what we know, but did you need to do research for this book?
Google is such an incredible tool and I use it often for my writing. I learned a Vikings favorite weapon was a rock, and that MIT has begun designing a transAtlantic magnetic train.
I learn so much through Google as I am writing.
What else can you describe in your writing process?
I see my brain as a houseplant, it needs water and sunshine or it will wilt. If I’m feeling wilted I drink water and go for a walk. All my best twists come to me when I’m outside walking.
I think we all have our places where ideas can spring to life. Outside walking is a great place for that burst of an idea – that energy!
Time to Share
How do you know your piece is ready to be shared/complete?
The only rule I give myself is, don’t be boring. I like writing and reading shorter episodes and use my word count as a good gauge for when it’s time to stop the episode.
Don’t be boring is key! Word count is one of the things that is different about serials vs ebooks. We’re no longer held to preconceptions about valid chapter lengths.
Who is your expected audience?
The Immortal is a mature read, thirty or older women who feel life at times becomes lackluster. Lily and Gena I think would be enjoyed by most ages. All my stories are dark so not very good for a kids bedtime story, unless they like Grimm.
Who has been your strongest supporter?
My husband, he’s very supportive of my writing, even though he doesn’t read most of it. He’d rather me just tell him what happened next.
He sounds like my kiddos.
If you could have any author (alive, dead, or fictional) read your book, who would you like to read it?
Neil Gaiman, who is the voice in my head. Agatha Christie who was also dyslexic like I am. [but] I don’t read very much. Especially after having children, I’d rather spend my time sleeping, or writing.
What else can you share with us so that we get a better picture of you?
I’m currently blooming near Augusta, Ga. with my family. Vocationally I’m a photographer, the lazy version of a writer but recently my photography work has basically vanished so I’m glad to have found another creative outlet. I also like to garden and make lye soap. The best bucket list thing I’ve done is swim with elephants in Cambodia.
I love gardening and crafting, but elephants?!? That is awesome!
Cambodia is an amazing country and very inexpensive. I recommend it for anyone’s bucket list.
I can’t imagine how that felt. You must always win at “Two Truths and a Lie”.
It was amazing.
We Want More!
What else is important to share about your book?
The Immortal is available through Barnes and Nobles, Amazon, and Google books. Hardback, paperback, ebook, and Vella. Audiobook releasing this month!
I love audiobooks, multitasking at its best!
When can we expect more from you?
If you enjoyed The Immortal, check out Lily, there’s a crossover. Currently also releasing weekly episodes of Gena, only on Kindle Vella.
Where can we find your book?
Here’s the links to my Vella’s https://linktr.ee/E.G.Creel
Thank you, Ms. Creel, you’ve been fun to talk to!
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