Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to start writing.
I’ve always had a passion for words and the art of storytelling. As long as I can remember, I’ve been writing. It’s something I was born with I guess.
Tell us about your books.
Each book is different, and I tend to write across multiple genres – I just can’t seem to stick to one specific genre, and often cross over in the same novel. I have quite a few darker works floating around, and I tend to gravitate towards supernatural type stories. Veritas isn’t one of those books. While it has some more melancholic/darker moments, it’s mostly a light contemporary romance.
How did you go about getting published?
Self-publishing.
What is your writing process? Do you have a time, day or place you like to write?
Before I start writing a new story/book I listen to music while daydreaming. Usually something clicks at just the right moment, while the right song is playing. When I start writing, I have to listen to the song that played when I dreamed up the concept. Without that song (it can be anything) I can’t anchor my imagination in the world I’m creating.
I prefer working at night, when everything’s quiet and the world is sleeping. I’ve tried writing during the day, but my muse doesn’t wanna come out and play when the sun’s up.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Full-time job, pets, hobbies?
When I’m not writing I’m reading or spending time with my family. I also started a very active neighborhood watch and civilian patrol which requires 24/7 monitoring. I’ve handed most of the duties over to other community members, but I still like to help out two or three times a week. I live in South Africa where crime is through the roof, so when I’m on duty I can’t do anything else.
When I’m not reading, writing or fighting crime I like to spend a bit of time outdoors. Despite the problems, this is a breathtakingly beautiful country, which needs exploring. We have a game park right on our doorstep, and we often take the boys (my sons) for a picnic in the park. Swimming in summer, and if it’s possible we enjoy a bit of boating. Every so often, I go to a concert or do the ‘ladies’ night’ thing with my friends.
Any advice for authors about book covers?
Bite the bullet and pay a professional to do it for you, unless you are skilled in graphic design. Get someone who understands what you want. Devise the concept and communicate your desires with your designer.
Any marketing tips you’d like to share with other authors?
It takes time, so don’t give up. Promote across as many platforms as you can, but build your own site and mailing list at the same time. It’s always best to promote from your own platform first.
What’s your favorite book?
I don’t have a single favourite book I can mention here. I can only mention favourite authors, and even that list is way too long.
What are you reading now?
I’ve decided to tackle The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
What’s your next book project?
Veritas is Book 1 in a series of 3, I’m currently working on Book 2 of the series.
Author Websites and Profiles
Website
Elaine Coetzee Amazon Profile
Elaine Coetzee’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account