Ellis Summers Interview Published on: 17, Jun 2024
What inspired you to start writing stories about fun characters navigating dramatic situations?
Delving into my families' history gave me ideas for my first book about close families, but also after researching I saw how easy it was a century ago to smuggle goods across the world.
How do you approach developing your characters to ensure they resonate with readers?I try to create unique characters that make an impression.
Can you share a bit about your creative process when crafting the twists and turns in your narratives?I'm a pantster and don't know how the story unfods, but I can sense when interruptions, twists, and turns are needed
What role does romance play in your stories, and how do you balance it with the other elements?I try to include romance but I'm not really interested in making romance the main element of a story. I like to incorporate the characters' unique characteristics to play off each other.
How do you keep your readers engaged and guessing with unexpected plot developments?Each chapter must have certain elements. Things the reader finds out, things the characters find out. Each chapter must have a goal that the character wants to achieve, but alas, to keep the reader involved, the goal is usually not achieved and leads to new goals in the next chapter. Given the need to have each chapter moving the plot forward, I attempt to bring a crisis type of situation into each chapter for the reader and the character to grapple with.
Are there any specific techniques or strategies you used to create tension and suspense in your novel, “Rescuing Freedom”?Tension and suspense are best delivered in short, action filled sentences and paragraphs.
What do you think makes a truly memorable and impactful plot twist?The reader can never see the twist coming. It has to be believable however, meaning tidbits must be used to foreshadow the twist, or it will come off as unbelievable.
How do you ensure that your characters' actions remain consistent with their personalities, even in the face of unexpected events?By the time unexpected events come to the reader, the reader must have a firm grip on the character and to do that, I have to write a consistent character so their arc is believable.
Can you discuss the importance of pacing in your novels and how you maintain momentum throughout the story?I write like I like to read. This doesn't work for some readers because they like longer stories. My stories are quick and to the point with little break in the action. My stories range from 50-60,000 words. This is one of the reasons I have to self publish. Most agents and publishers want longer books so they can make more money.
What do you enjoy most about writing thrillers, and how did you incorporate that excitement into your novel, “Hunting For Blue”?I enjoy the research a great deal and given all the hours I spend on research, it typically leads to exciting details I weave into the story.
How do you approach writing dialogue to make it feel natural and engaging for readers?Writing dialog is my favorite part of the story. It gives the character's their personality along with internal thoughts. Keeping the dialog consistent with the characters is important but most of all, editing out all boring and mundane dialog is essential. A good rule is not to waste any characters or dialog. Make it all count.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you like to explore in your novels?Each story is different, but I find myself drifting toward compassion and goodness overcoming evil or anxiety.
How do you handle the balance between resolving conflicts and leaving some questions unanswered for future installments?I've only written one series, and that balance wasn't met with the second of the three book series. I left too many situations unresolved, hoping the reader would want to read book three to find out everything, but what happened is one reviewer felt ripped off to not have all the answers. I have since added an epilogue that gives a snapshot of the future without giving away what was to come in book three.
Can you describe your relationship with your readers and how their feedback influences your writing process?I enjoy all my reviews and I have some subscribers to my mailing list who are ARC reviewers. I take all feedback seriously, but I don't allow myself to go against my gut instincts as the author.
What are your thoughts on AllAuthor? Is this a website you see yourself using for some time, even in the future?I enjoy the banners for my books. They are perfect for my newsletters and A+ content.
