I brainstorm the plot roughly. Then I brainstorm it fuller with a friend, then I just write from the gut. If I slow down, I brainstorm while doing something mindless like vacuuming or floating in the pool, etc.

Elizabeth Alsobrooks – 4 June 2013

The Back Flap

Ljluka Vargas, immortal prince and the cool-headed enforcer for the Vargas Dynasty, must go up against his most intriguing enemy, the mysterious Nalini. She intends to beat him to the secret archaeological site of The Book of Life which contains the genetic secrets of their ancient ancestors.

In order to escape the cruel domination of her family and gain freedom for her mother, Nalini assumes the role of assassin. In her rival, the sleek and deadly Luc, she finds a different kind of danger. She’s supposed to eliminate him, but that would foil destiny’s plan for them to be together.

It’s a race from power-hungry D.C. cabinet rooms through the secret realms of the Vatican, from cloud forests and desert sands to the caverns of the Underworld as mankind hangs in the balance. For whoever possesses the Book of Life has the potential to rule the world, offering or denying immortality to the human race.

About the book

What is the book about?

It’s best described as Urban Fantasy Reinvented. Think Indiana Jones and Lara Croft cross through the Stargate using the Da Vinci code as a compass. It’s an adventure that spans the globe and generations of family feuds fuel present day murder and mayhem as they all try to get their hands on the Book of Life.

When did you start writing the book?

A couple years ago.

How long did it take you to write it?

Oddly, it took me about 45 days.

Where did you get the idea from?

From the characters once I began to lay out the plot.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Revisions.

What came easily?

The action and the angst.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Yes and no. They are legendary.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

James Rollins influences my action adventure and mythological what if’s. Dean Koontz influences my characterization, Nancy Gideon influences my “just when you think things couldn’t get any worse for the hero/heroine plotting,” Thomas Sullivan influences my “smart” dialogue and not so perfect characters, and Loralee Lillibridge influences my romantic relationships. This writer definitely reads….

Do you have a target reader?

Adults and YA who like fast-paced action, vivid descriptions and Dan Brownish conspiracy theory what if’s.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I brainstorm the plot roughly. Then I brainstorm it fuller with a friend, then I just write from the gut. If I slow down, I brainstorm while doing something mindless like vacuuming or floating in the pool, etc.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Just headings and sentences and it’s messy, with changes, notes all over the place, and movement and adds, the way most pantsers write.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Both.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I like to listen to dark and moody, mood setting music. Sometimes blues, or Classical, or romantic, depending on what I’m writing.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes, I had an agent years ago, but dropped her as I moved into another career.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I believe they describe the Indie movement as more of an explosion.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

It was done by a professional cover artist.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Definitely a plan is in place, doing guest blogs, promos, giveaways, etc.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Know that no matter who you go with it is up to you to promote your work. Don’t just sit there complaining that you aren’t getting the same kind of attention and a full time publicist like Stephanie Myers.

End of Interview:

For more from Elizabeth visit her website, like her facebook page, or follow her on twitter.

Get your copy of Illuminati – The Book of Life from Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords.