Spotlight Interview with author F.E. Lockyer

Q1: Thanks for participating in our Authors.com Spotlight Interview series Florence! Please introduce yourself and your book to help our readers get to know you.

A: Hi! My name is Florence. Thanks so much for having me. I always find it hard to introduce myself, but here goes. As an occupation, I am a Photo Lab Tech. I also do some photography and photo restorations on the side. If it has to do with creativity, I'm all for it. I'm a huge fan of anything medieval, especially the legend of King Arthur. There are quite a few versions of the legend and I wanted to compile my favorite aspects of it and add my own ideas. I love fantasy and writing this book let me create my own little world. I wanted to start off in "the real world" so I fictionalized a Newfoundland City and started there. I'm also a big fan of mythical beasts such as unicorns and dragons, and added them into my story as well.


The cover image was also created by me. I fused a few pictures together using photoshop.


Q2: Please explain how you came to be a writer, what inspired you to write your book(s) and how long it took.

A: I've been writing stories since I learned to write. Usually short stories in school, but occasional on my own as well. I'd always have stories rolling around in my head. Getting them all on paper is a different story! Because I wanted to write something of the King Arthur legend, I wrote "The Pearl of Avalon." The original version was very short, with hardly any background on the main character. It took a few years to do. When I finally got it finished, I pretty much put it on the shelf. I accomplished writing a full story and that satisfied me. In November of 2010 I joined NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I dusted off my original story, re-wrote the whole thing in 1st person as opposed to the original 3rd person, and expanded it about 3x as long. I made myself complete the monthly goal. It was fun.


Q3: What did you enjoy most about creating this book?

A. I enjoyed giving my characters life. I love making up stories. I love creating my own worlds. This book let me express my creative side.


Q4: What facets of your life, both personal and professional, are woven into your book, if any?

A. I tried to steer away from similarities of myself in my lead character, but it turned out to be impossible. She ended up with the same taste in stuff and a very curious streak. She is bit more bolder than I would be, but then again, no one really knows how bold they can be facing off against a dragon, haha.


Q5. How did you get published?

A. I was a winner of NaNoWriMo and one of the prizes was a free proof copy from CreateSpace. Since it was a print on demand service I figured I'd go for it. I've managed to sell a nice few copies in my local area.



Q6: Did you have any surprises or hiccups along the way during the book writing and/or publishing process?


A. The only hiccup I find is lack of promotion. Getting it on bookshelves is hard. Especially for me, as I have a hard time approaching people. (I'm kinda shy when I'm not online.)


Q7: What one thing did you wish you'd known before you started this project?

A. That's a good question. I think everything I needed to know was answered. Google is a wonderful tool. :)


Q8: You're a fly on the wall when readers are discussing your book. What would you hope to hear them say about it?

A. I welcome any and all criticism. The main thing I'd like to hear is that they enjoyed the story.


Q9: Tell us one thing about you that most people don't know or would surprise them.

A. I'm a Canadian, but I don't like hockey. Hahaha.


Q10: What single piece of advice would you give new authors?

A. Just go for it. If writing is something you love, then do it. There is always a way to make that dream come true. (But before submitting make sure you spell check and edit a few times.)


Q11: Share a short summary of a typical day in your life with us please.

A. A typical day for me? Hmmmm. I guess it would involve my work shift, a little bit of facebooking, some photography/photo editing, and some writing when i get a chance. Oh, and I like to read before I go to sleep. I try to sneak in some outdoor activities when the weather cooperates.


Q12: Describe where you do most of your writing. What would I see if I was sitting beside you?

A. I have a little desk set up in my bedroom. If you were sitting by me you would see my night table with a lamp on one side and my clothes closet on the other.

Q13: What's your motto or favorite quote you like to live by?

A. "If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." ~Toni Morrison. I also like to say “Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.”


Q14: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us in closing such as your website, an imminent book launch or what you're working on presently?

A. If you use facebook, then you can see the page I have dedicated to my book. Just type "The Pearl of Avalon" in the search bar. (Ordering information is in the info section.) I am working on a sequel, and hoping to get it finished before 2011 ends.


Authors.com profile: http://www.authors.com/profile/FlorenceLockyer

Thanks for your time Florence! Please share this Authors.com Spotlight Interview with friends and fans by linking to it, Tweeting it, Digging it, sharing it on Facebook and generally shouting about it anywhere you can.

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