Lotté Jean Elliott is an Author from North-Eastern England who began as an avid reader before picking up a pen one day and started using her imagination as a tool to create a new universe just like her favourite fictional ones. Through literature, she saw a whole new world open up, and ever since she put pen to page, she has not stopped diving into the deepest parts of the mind and pulled out words that could inspire through poetry or start an adventure with a new character.

When she isn’t writing novels, poetry, or screenplays with her sister Francesca, Lotté loves nothing more than to find inspiration for life through art films, music, exploring museums, and language learning. She loves to explore the deepest meaning behind things and gain new perspectives of the world in which we inhabit.

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?

Thank you for having me! What I love is the flexibility to use creativity in such different ways, we can write stories in so many genres and explore different areas of life to our own. Writing is such a fun tool to have at our disposal! What I don’t enjoy so much is editing, I’ve never been a fan, but I know it’s always for the greater good.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?

I tend to write either fantasy or thriller, in the YA areas. I enjoy stories with darker elements, and areas of life that we often don’t like to think about. You can find out all about my books on my website: www.theelliottscreative.com

Links:

http://theelliottscreative.com

http://twitter.com/lottelauv

3) What projects are you currently working on?

Right now I’m writing the second book of my debut YA thriller, THE MONSTERS CLUB. It’s super fun but even darker than the first story!

4) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

Getting my publishing contracts has always been a dream. I still can’t believe it! I hope too keep writing more books, exploring new genres and never stop working on bettering myself as a writer.

5) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career?

Of course! Rejection is par the course. To me it’s great, it helped me grow, see what I was doing right or wrong and make my stories even stronger. It really builds you up to work harder and know that nothing comes easy. That we have to keep pushing, no matter how hard it is.

6) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?

I tend to only be able to write when my mind is in the zone and I’m inspired. However, usually if I listen to a good soundtrack, I get inspired quite quick so that’s great. I never outline stories as I feel it always obstructs my view, I like being taken on a journey without even having a base outline. I tend to finish a novel anywhere from a month to six months. I tend to get them written quick and use editing to work some magic and bring it to life.

7) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

Not at all! So many writers don’t get a start till their older. Like a hobby or adventure you want to take, nobody gets opportunities at the same time, we all have our own paths. You have to do things when it feels right for you, no matter the age or time, go for it and don’t take no for an answer.

8) Are you an avid reader and have you always been? What’s the first book you ever read that really touched you emotionally and moved you? Who is your favorite author? What book are you currently reading?

Yes! One of my favorite writers, and one who greatly inspired me for their bold story telling is an author called Miri Yu. They tell spectacular stories of the world from unique viewpoints and they really made me want to become a better writer. I’m currently reading Terminal Boredom by Izumi Suzuki.

9) The Pandemic was a challenging time for some writers and creative individuals but also for others it was time that they needed to focus on their creative passions. Which side of that spectrum do you fall on? Are there any lessons or nuggets of wisdom that you gained during the Pandemic that help you within your writing career? Did the quarantine stifle your creativity or did it make you even more driven to get things done?

I’m an introvert, so spending so much time at home wasn’t a bad idea to me. However, the stress this has brought definitely can stifle anybody’s creativity. I think I’ve been a mix of both, it’s been good and bad but overall, I never stopped writing. It’s both my outlet and lifestyle, no matter what is going on in the world I always manage to keep going. That’s what you have to do, take time out when you need it but never give up.

10) What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry as it is being represented today? Do you lean more towards traditional publishing or self-publishing as a preference? Does being a hybrid author interest you?

I think it’s slowly going upward. I’m from the North of England and publishing opportunities here are scarce. However, I’m signed to a Northern based publisher who is working to champion voices like mine and it’s been a fantastic experience to see things slowly start to shift and be more open. I think both mediums have great things to offer, whatever suits you best at the time is definitely my answer!

11) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

I agree! I try and share an authentic side to stories as well, even if it is fiction, I want to share a story that even if you may not relate to the plot or even characters, that you can still work through and feel it authentically. I write what I enjoy and to me, that is what I love. Writing is a gift to the world and I’m so glad I found this craft!