Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello! I’m Amelia Cole, and I’m an award-winning fantasy author. My stories have been featured in magazines and in a soon-to-be-published anthology. I’m a huge history nerd, and so I always try and incorporate mythology or ancient stories into my own writing (with a personal twist, of course). When not writing or reading, I play TTRPG games, hike and camp in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, and binge-watch CW shows.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Bridge of Eternity”?
One of the most obvious challenges of writing Bridge of Eternity was describing places in the world that were and still are too dangerous to actually visit. And while in popular tourist areas, there are great resources available online, in conflicted regions, I was lucky to find photos newer than five years old. I also worked actively to incorporate and accurately represent the Arabic culture and language with some very generous forum posters that were from the Middle East with whom I could bounce questions.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
This is so tough, but I’m a big fan of Madeline Miller’s delicious prose (Circe has a million highlights), I love Raven Kennedy’s world-building and writing love interests with the Plated Prisoner series, and I love all of Patricia Briggs’ stories, she really has figured out the sweet spot of urban fantasy.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I’m obsessed with a lakeside campground next to Mt Adams in Washington state. It’s like a postcard, and the looming mountain is breathtaking. Some of my best writing was done there as I sat at a picnic table under the watchful gaze of the snow-covered peak.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Bridge of Eternity’?
I’ve always had an interest in human civilization through technology and culture. I can’t pinpoint exactly, but I was watching a History channel program or a Youtube about Mesopotamia and came across the Vela supernova. Instantly it fascinated me that the people alive back then were able to witness a real live supernova. A star so bright that they could see it during the day and lasted for months. I can only imagine what they assumed it was, sign from gods, prophecies, literally anything. And then, the real fun is that shortly after, like a handful of years, the Sumerian technology exploded. Writing, metalworking, medicine, all of it seemingly overnight, evolved. While it’s all speculation about a connection, I found this mystery a great inspiration for my story.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Bridge of Eternity’?
Two years total.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
Its available on Kindle as an ebook, paperback through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org, and other online retailers. Also, an audiobook is currently in production and will be available soon on Audible.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Bridge of Eternity’?
I knew I wanted Ella, my main character on the front of the book and there was an earlier where I had Jason, but decided it really should focus on her. My illustrator was so experienced and made some great suggestions like showing Ella’s magic and dramatic color scheme. She truly was amazing to work with and the cover turned out better than I’d envisioned.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I used to outline heavily when I first started writing, but have switched to lighter outlines, letting more organic and creativity slip in. I also have a habit of writing down specific scenes when I’m inspired, that are out of order for the story, but I know I’ll add in later. It’s an awesome motivator to have say, chapter 16 and 19 mostly finished and encourages me to fill in the rest.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
Oh this is a tough one! I think the biggest hurdle most writers face is self doubt. Doubting if you’re good enough, doubting if the scene should be longer, shorter, or altogether cut. And so I’ve found the best way to overcome this is to connect with other writers. They’ll be your sounding boards, your first beta readers, your cheerleaders, and your shoulders to cry on. They keep you grounded and give you perspective. I’m very fortunate to have a writing tribe (love you, llamasquad!) and wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Buy Bridge of Eternity on Amazon
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