Ruin at its core is a story about fear and how sometimes, to overcome that fear, people have to become (or conquer) the thing they fear most.
Gillizn Eliza West – 31 October 2024
The Back Flap
Oralia Solis hasn’t felt the touch of another in 245 years. Not without them crumbling to ash at her feet. Cursed by the bite of a daemoni, she has been sequestered away for the greater good of Aethera by her adopted father, King Typhon.
King Renwick rules the rival kingdom of Infernis, the land of the dead. When Oralia flees the palace of Aethera after her power is let loose with deadly results, he recognizes her potential as a weapon and aids her escape.
Oralia finds herself the prisoner of the man she has been taught to fear most, and Renwick is surprised to find there is more to this princess than her untamed powers. Despite the gulf of secrets and magic between them, Renwick can’t deny the pull he feels towards her, and Oralia struggles to resist the one person who cannot only survive her touch, but craves it.
As Oralia uncovers the truth of her parentage and masters her magic, she will discover that the power to raze or save either Aethera or Infernis lies in her hands. War between the two kingdoms looms and she must decide who she can trust and which she wants more: power or love.
About the book
What is the book about?
Ruin at its core is a story about fear and how sometimes, to overcome that fear, people have to become (or conquer) the thing they fear most. The story itself is about the goddess of life, Oralia, and the King of Death, Renwick, and their battle through secrets, lies, and magic in the hopes of finding a semblance of peace on the other side.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing the book in September of 2022
How long did it take you to write it?
It took me about two months!
Where did you get the idea from?
I’d been wanting to write a mythology inspired romance for a while, but the initial plot came to me after seeing a touring production of Hadestown.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
To be honest I struggled with Oralia and understanding who she was for a long time. I went through many iterations of her, from someone meek and quiet to someone much like she is now—fiery and passionate in her search to do good.
What came easily?
The world, funnily enough! I had a very clear picture from day one of the world and Infernis itself and the souls who lived there, as well as the magic system.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
They are entirely fictitious
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?
Anne Rice has probably been my biggest inspiration as a writer. I first started reading her work when I was eleven years old (believe me, a lot of it went over my head then)—I like to say she’s my longest relationship. I learned so much from her writing about painting the picture of a scene and the layered dynamics between characters.
Do you have a target reader?
I would say my target reader is someone who is excited about true slow burn romances or original worlds and magic systems—or even mythology!
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
Not really as far as day to day. It’s more getting myself into a quiet room and sitting down to knock out as much of my manuscript as I can in one sitting. My goal is always at least one chapter a day, and if I get more than that, then that’s fantastic.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Yes, I’m a huge planner. For me, when I first get an idea for a book, I write out in bullet points each plot beat I know of. Then once I have the first line of the book in my head, I know I’m ready to begin writing. I don’t always stick to the outline, but it’s a great reference point when I start to feel stuck. I’ve only ever started one project where I didn’t know how it was going to end, and it was stressful to say the least.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I used to edit as I go, but recently I’ve just been writing and then editing after.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes, I had a fantastic developmental editor, line editor, and copy editor. All three taught me so much about writing and I am so grateful for their skill and knowledge.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No, I wish I could though!
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes, I queried for a little over a year.
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 had a few near-misses with some publishers and agents. I got to the point where I was ready to share this story with my readers and had a backlog of manuscripts I also wanted to work on, so I made the decision to go indie.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Yes! The incredible Storywrappers (K.D. Richtie) did my cover.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I do have a marketing plan, and so far, it seems to be going well which I’m very grateful for.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
My biggest advice is to gather around you a group of people you trust implicitly to support you with the process. For me, I have my husband and then my two best friends (who are very active within the book world) who are my absolute anchors and sound board for when things get tough.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Where do you live now?
I live in Austin, Texas
What would you like readers to know about you?
My first jump into writing for an audience was actually fanfic (I started writing it while I was querying for a different project a few years ago). I’ve been incredibly lucky to be supported by a wonderful community within the Star Wars and Harry Potter fanfic community who has made the idea of me indie publishing so much less daunting. That’s where I’ve been able to really hone my skills of writing within different spheres and themes, and I am so grateful for that experience.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working hard on the sequel to Ruin that I’m hoping will be out early next year.
End of Interview:
For more from Gillian Eliza West, visit her website and follow her on Instagram and TikTok.