Today we are going to talk with Elira Barnes, blogger and soon-to-be published author. She is a go-getter with great ideas to help other indie authors! Definitely check her out!

Writing Related:

1. When did you know writing was what you wanted to do?

Ever since I could read, I knew I wanted to write someday. Growing up, however, real life kicked in and I abandoned my passion. Last year, I decided to go back to do what I love most, writing, and finally get serious about it.

2. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I talk to my characters! This helps me get into their heads and understand how they would react to certain situations.

3. What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

I normally do writing sprints before heading to bed. I set a timer for 20 or 25 minutes and write as many words as I can. Before I start writing, I always go back to read what I wrote the night before and check my story outline to remind myself of what is supposed to happen next.

4. Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I’m a very visual person. I love drawings and paintings and photography. The story idea of my WIP came from Pinterest. I knew I wanted my protagonist to be a strong black female but didn’t know what her story would be until I saw images of beautiful black African warrior women.

5. What is your writing Kryptonite?

Fear of a blank page. Even though I have spent time outlining and have already started writing my novel, I often don’t know what the next word or sentence should say. Self-doubt creeps in quite often, but I’m trying to fight that.

6. If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?

I would tell myself to take a creative writing course instead of a business and accounting one. I would tell myself to ignore the negative things people say about pursuing a writing career and focus on my dreams.

7. What would the main character in your book have to say about you?

My main character would definitely say that I am pathetic! I am very different from her: I have a very calm and introvert personality. She, on the other hand, is quite a fearless rebel.

8. If you had to give up either snacks and drinks during writing sessions, or music, which would you find more difficult to say goodbye to?

Music. Absolutely. I always need a musical background when I’m writing; it helps me de-stress from my long days at work and stay focused on the task at hand.

9. Do you feel like it’s most important to have A) Strong characters B) Mind-blowing Plot twists or C) Epic settings?

Mind-blowing plot twists. I love strong characters and epic settings, but when I pick up a book, it’s because of the story it tells.

10. Tell us a little bit about your next project (or current project).

My WIP is set in a dystopian future, where Earth is dying and a small group of privileged people move to create a colony – Decagon City – on a new planet, Novio, which is a smaller version of Earth. Novio however, is already inhabited, and because humans never learn from their mistakes, they enslave the native population, the Kanis. Every year, the Decagon Rounds (still a working title) take place, but for the first time this year, slaves must participate for a chance at freedom for themselves and their families. Our protagonists and her friends, however, have other plans…

Non-Writing Related:

1. Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer? 

Gatherer!

2. You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?

Ocean blue, because I want to be a calming presence.

3. What do you think about when you’re alone in your car? 

“Why don’t I have a car?!”

4. What’s your favorite ’90s jam? 

This is how we do it – Montell Jordan 😀

5. You’ve been given an elephant. You can’t give it away or sell it. What would you do with the elephant?

I would have it epically take me to work everyday 🙂

6. If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?

A cherry blossom tree. Its flowers are just gorgeous.

7. If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs—such as food and water—were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you?

My laptop and my Kindle. Is there internet connection there?

 8. Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck, or 100 duck-sized horses?

Lol! I guess one horse-sized duck.. seems easier.

9. If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Stomp, by Kirk Franklin & God’s Property

10. If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why?

Taraji P. Henson, because I’m shady!

Make sure to check her out! You can find her on Instagram and Facebook!

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