What is one of your favourite things about writing?
It’s the ultimate form of escapism. I can create my own perfect world. Not necessarily a better world, but my own version of it. I love having that freedom.
When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
Usually the plot. Not every character goes with a certain plot, so I invent new ones.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
A plotter. While writing though, I sometimes find myself being a pantser 😉
When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?
Mostly me, though some characters refuse to stay in line. Alan and Eve have caused me a lot of trouble.
Can you write sex scenes at any time or do you have to be “in the mood?”
No, I have to be in the mood and I don’t like writing them. I’m so afraid to sound like a Candlelight story. I try avoiding the actual scenes and just focus on suspense and the readers own imagination.
What is the most difficult thing about writing?
When you’re not ‘in the flow’. Sometimes it helps to just kick yourself and start typing. Anything. You can always delete it later. When there’s nothing though, just staring at your screen, that part sucks.
What do you like about writing series books?
Well, my trilogy allows me to write from both Catherine’s as Tristan’s point of view. To me, that was a big plus. I set it up that way though, so that doesn’t really count. The story in my head was always going to be a trilogy, that was the main reason. Not very sexy, I know, but there you have it.
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of epublishing?
Size is definitely a pro. I love the fact I can bring my mini iPad on my travels and have over one hundred books at my back and call without carrying two extra suitcases through customs. Price is also a thing. Ebooks are a lot cheaper to purchase.
A con for me is the feel of the book. You don’t have that with an ebook. I love the sound and smell of paper and if I really like a book, I always buy the paperback, because I want to ‘own’ it. An ebook, to me, still doesn’t feel like a possession.
Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
I write at my favourite coffeehouse, Barista Café. The diversity of the people there, the constant humming of conversations and the smell of fresh coffee beans really inspires me. Also, the band Placebo. The Elemental was inspired by the lyrics of their Battle for the Sun album.
Do you find it harder to write novels or short stories?
Six months ago I would have said short stories for sure. I only recently dabbed my hand at it and found it very difficult to build a whole world with just a few words. I really admire authors who have a knack for this, like Jack Croxall. He seems to be able to do both effortlessly. I understand the concept better now, but I still struggle.
Would you tell us about your latest release?
My latest release is called The Elemental. It’s the first part of The Fire Trilogy. It was released this Halloween, as the book is set round that time of year. It’s a mixture between Sex and the City and Charmed, or so I’ve been told. It’s supernatural fiction, but I’m trying to make the paranormal – normal. That’s important to me.
What are you working on now?
The Empath. Book two of The Fire Trilogy. It’s actually the same timeline as The Elemental, but written from Tristan’s (the male protagonist) point of view. As he and Catherine don’t have a lot of interaction in book one, it is a completely different story. You learn about his world, his people, his motives.
Do you have an excerpt from your latest release you would like to share?
PROLOGUE
JUST BEYOND the outskirts of Shoreditch, into Hackney, lies London Fields. It’s a beautiful park with a bit of a bad rep due to the incidents of a few years back, but on a sunny day, skaters practise their latest moves, children play, people enjoy a picnic, or some guy plays his guitar. Today it seemed deserted, except it wasn’t. Just around the corner, behind the trees, there was movement. Twelve women stood in a circle, chanting and looking up to the sky. One of them looked frantically around as though she waited for something, someone.
It was quiet on the streets of Shoreditch, London. Way too quiet. And dark. No working street lights. No red buses, no taxi drivers honking their horns, and stores all seemed to be closed. Lots of people were inside one specific house, watching television. Candlelight provided light inside the house, and a generator could be heard humming in the backyard.
A man came round the corner. He talked into some sort of old-fashioned device. “I’m almost home, honey, I’m almost home. Just keep the door locked and the windows closed.” He sounded frightened.
Two teenagers, a boy and a girl, ran toward each other, and the girl called out to him. “I want to be with you when it happens!” He wrapped his arms around her as soon as she reached him and then they hastily disappeared into an apartment building.
The ground vibrated beneath Leah’s and the other women’s feet. They raised too much energy. “I don’t know how much longer we can hold the circle!” Leah shouted toward the woman opposite her. She looked toward the sky and saw nothing but black and some stars. She knew very well, however, that beyond the blackness there was an asteroid the size of several London Fields on a path to destroy them all, unless they could connect to it first and save this bloody planet. Where the hell was Kate?
Ten seconds. Their lives depended on ten seconds. They wouldn’t be able to see it until it hit the atmosphere and then they’d have ten seconds to connect to it before it hit the ground, maybe even less. Leah looked over her shoulder once more. This was starting to look a lot like a suicide mission. In the distance, something moved toward them. It was a woman. She was running.”
Excerpt From: Veldkamp, Lisa. “The Elemental.” Booktrope Publishing
This material may be protected by copyright.
What three words would the heroine of your story use to describe her love interest?
Mysterious, loyal, gentlemanly.
If the main characters in your latest release were invited to a masquerade party, what costumes would they wear?
Hahaha, funny you should ask. There actually is a Halloween cocktail party in the book and the theme is movies or tv series. Catherine goes as Fawkes, Dumbledore’s phoenix. Tristan goes as Sherlock Holmes. His friend obviously as Watson. Catherine’s best friends Leah and Deborah go as professor Trelawny and as Elektra.
What makes the hero of The Elemental hot?
Catherine is petite, but strong. She has waist long hair and bright green eyes. She’s also an elemental, which means she can control earth, air, fire and water. That makes her pretty hot, but also a bit dangerous.
Would you give us a sneak peek at one of your upcoming releases?
Well, The Empath won’t be released till Halloween 2016, but I suppose I could give you a tiny sneak peek 😉
“IT WAS DEADLY QUIET in the corridors of the mental hospital. A woman walked purposefully toward her destination: room 612. Sixth floor, sixth door on her left. Two men walked behind her, keeping a respectful distance. She knew the schematics of the building by heart. The company had been planning this to the detail, and she was ready.
“There will be trouble,” her boss had said. “You’ll have to immediately block him out once he’s revived.”
For that was her main gift. She was the company’s top reviver. They rarely used her main gift, though. So when she got this assignment, she’d been very excited. She couldn’t care less that she was going to revive a dangerous man. That wasn’t her problem. The company would deal with him accordingly. She smiled to herself. They hadn’t hired her for her warm and caring personality. Hence, the distance between herself and her “bodyguards,” she thought with a slight smirk. They feared her. And rightfully so.
She stopped in front of 612. Showtime. She turned to look at the two men behind her. They gave her an almost imperceptible nod. She was good to go. Slowly, she opened the door, stepped into the room, and closed it softly behind her. Near the window a man with long, white hair lay on a typical hospital bed. He wasn’t strapped down or anything, probably because he wasn’t in any condition to go anywhere. His eyes were open, but they were empty. Fascinating. Whoever had done this to him must have had great power, indeed.
She walked over to his side and stared into his face. Nothing. No blink, no dilation of his pupils, not a single response to her presence. Hmm, this could turn out to be more difficult than she’d anticipated. The excitement inside her grew. She loved a good challenge.
Looking at his face one more time, she leaned over and whispered into his ear, “This is going to hurt you more than me.”
Excerpt From: Veldkamp, Lisa. “The Elemental.” Booktrope Publishing
This material may be protected by copyright.
Do you have a favourite character or characters you feel especially close to?
I don’t know why, but I have a soft spot for Meg. She’s one of Catherine’s friends with the ability to see death. Sometimes she’s ‘allowed’ to intervene, but I always feel sorry for her. Her gift is a tough burden to bare.
What are a few of your favourite book covers that have been done for your books?
Definitely The Elemental. I’m completely in love with it. Rhianna Davies, the cover designer, just nailed it! Also looking forward to the cover of The Bridge Between Yesterday and Tomorrow. My own cousin created the sketches, can’t wait to see the end result!
If you could meet one of your characters, which one would it be?
Tristan. He intrigues me. There’s more to him than meets the eye.
If you could step into one of your books, which one would it be?
I would love to step into the world of Eydis, the little troll girl from The Bridge Between Yesterday and Tomorrow. It’s just so magical!
Would you tell us about yourself?
I’m a forty-something woman who lives in the Netherlands with her partner and out little dog, Miss Ginger Rogers. I have a background working as a manager in social services and music venues. Poetry runs in my family, but it wasn’t until The Elemental I started to write novels.
What are your favourite genres to read and write?
I’m quite eclectic when it comes to reading. Writing is a different ballgame. So far I stuck to supernatural fiction and fantasy. I might try my hand at an intrigue or something.
Where can we visit you online?
My website is www.the-elemental.co.uk You can also find me on facebook at www.facebook.com/theelemental and on twitter @Lisa_Elemental
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
Play on my harp, travel around the world and ride horses.
How long have you been writing?
Novels quite recently. Only for the last three years. Poetry much longer though.
Where would you go on your dream vacation?
Anywhere, basically. As long as it includes either my hubby or my best friend Mariska.
Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.
Severus Snape for sure! Lara Croft just rocks and it’s a tie between running into Mr Ethan Hunt or Bond, James Bond.
If you could be any kind of shapeshifter, what kind would you be?
I would love to be able to turn into any kind of animal.
What is your favorite season?
Spring, when the warth is awakened. Or Winter in Sweden, where my family-in-law lives. I love the smell of the snow and the forest when I’m there.
What book are you currently reading?
Cureently I’m reading Awethology Light and Awethology Dark. A collection of short stories by the Awethors. My short story The Bridge Between Yesterday and Tomorrow features in the Light edition.
What is the last movie you watched?
Spectre. Loved it. Absolutely loved it!
What is your favorite comfort food?
Sushi. Or Engelse Drop, it’s a Dutch thing, even though it’s called English licorice;-)
Do you have any pets?
Yes. Miss Ginger Roger, our little dog from Romania. She’s a beautiful gypsy girl and quite adventurous. Don’t know what I would do without her.
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