Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello everyone! My name is Eli Martin. I am many things: a mother, a wife, a friend, a sister, but most importantly I am a creative. Writing, painting, sculpting, drawing, any way to bring life into the world.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Constellation Despondent”?
The first key challenge I faced was not having a computer to type up my ideas. I started writing the book by hand in a composition book. The second challenge was my lack of education. I never had the chance to attend college so learning to format an entire novel to create a cohesive story was a bit tough for me.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
My biggest influences are Stephen King, Anne Rice, Bentley Little, and Edward Lee, although they all primarily focus on horror or fantasy, not science fiction.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Super cheesy but my favorite place in my whole country is wherever my husband is. He’s the funniest person I know. I always want to be around him.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
For me, there is a lot to do before I start writing. I like to have characters planned out, some backstory written, and an outline of some of the major plot points. I also like to do as much research as possible if I use any information related to nonfiction topics. I also create what I call a “murder board”, something like you would see a detective use in a murder mystery with characters, important places and events, and strings connecting them to help me keep track of my story.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Constellation Despondent’?
It took me 3 years to write “Constellation despondent”. I started it by hand in 2020 during the pandemic.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
You can purchase my book online in standard paper back format or ebook from all major book retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Constellation Despondent’?
For the book cover, I wanted my protagonists to be front and center. I wanted the world to see that this book was about adventurous older ladies…and also aliens.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
While writing, to keep things fresh I watched a lot of science fiction television and movies. I love “Independence Day”, “Attack the Block” and “Ancient Aliens” which I took a lot of inspiration from.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
The biggest piece of advice I was given about writing was from my foster mother, Jeanette. She said, “Natural storytelling is a talent, you have that. It comes from the depths of your soul. When you write a story, you are revealing a piece of yourself, so make sure it’s always the truest version of yourself that you want the world to see.”
Buy Constellation Despondent on Amazon
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