July~ Author of the Month

Hello everyone! It's another new month and with that comes a new Author of the Month. This will consist of a post that includes an interview with the chosen author, along with featuring them in my sidebar for that entire month.  New feature I started on my blog in September (Refer HERE if you would like to see the original post & if you would like to be apart of this as an author).

July's Author:  Gabriella Lepore

Gabriella Lepore lives on the coast of Wales in the United Kingdom. She began writing at an early age and grew up with a passion for all things supernatural—especially witches! She currently has six Young Adult books in print: How I Found You, Evanescent, Secrets in Phoenix, Blackheath, and The Witches of the Glass Castle books 1 & 2. The sequel to Blackheath with be released October 2016 with OfTomes Publishing.

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~Interview Time~

1.     What first inspired you to write?

Gabriella: I’ve always enjoyed reading and writing, and I remember when I was around eight years old I decided I wanted to become an author. I love daydreaming about characters, and being able to bring them to life through books!

2.     Who are some authors you admire?

Gabriella: There are so many, but I’d have to say L J Smith for her wonderful take on the supernatural, and Diana Wynne Jones for the eccentricities and humour of her books.

3.      Where did the idea for Blackheath come from?

Gabriella: I knew I wanted to write about witches living in a contemporary world, and the Tomlins family seemed perfect for the story I had in mind. I enjoyed writing about the boys and their bond as not only witches, but brothers also.   

4.     What about the Witches and magic made you want to set books around it?

Gabriella: I’ve always had a fascination with witches in their many different forms and I loved the idea of having a group of brothers dealing with ordinary problems whilst also coming to terms with being ‘different’ in the supernatural sense. In the upcoming sequel the Tomlins boys definitely discover more about their abilities, which was so much fun to write!

5.     Between all of your books, which did you enjoy writing the most and which was the most difficult?

Gabriella: I think they’ve all had their great moments and their not-so-great moments! I guess I’ve enjoyed writing them all in different ways. Each book represents a time in my life, a daydream, or characters who occupied a huge chunk of my thoughts at that time. They definitely each hold lovely memories for me and have special meaning when I look back on them.

6.     Who has been your favourite character to write?

Gabriella: Wow, that’s a tough one! How to choose! I would say each book has one stand out character that made the process really fun. Colt in The Witches of the Glass Castle series, Sam in Secrets in Phoenix, Oscar in How I Found You, Felix in Evanescent, and Joel in Blackheath. Oh, I’ve just noticed I’ve chosen all the male characters!

7.     What does your writing cave look like? Is it bright and inviting or Dark and secluded?

Gabriella: Definitely bright, with lots of books, pictures of forests and nature, and plenty of post-its stuck to the wall, reminding me of parts of the story I’ll need to include.

8.     Which Oftomes author would you want to co-write a book with?

Gabriella: All of the authors are so great I would have to say the whole team—including the OfTomes mastermind Ben, of course. I’m sure he’s got some ideas rattling around in his head!

9.     While writing what is a certain food or drink you require?

Gabriella: Water and tea! Lots and lots of tea!

10.                        What is one piece of advice you would give to a beginning writer?

Gabriella: Write the story you want to read.

~Purchase her books over on amazon~