Interview With Author: L.E. Harrison

By way of introduction to L.E. Harrison, here is her biography. L.E. Harrison is the author of the contemporary fantasy trilogy the Children Of Corvus, as well as a collection of previously published poems and short stories. She decided she wanted to be an author in the fourth grade, when she began writing poetry, plays, and stories.

A lifelong avid reader and lover of genre fiction—from science fiction to paranormal romance, and everything in between—she’s inspired by books that blur the boundaries, and by the authors who manage to do it exceptionally well.

She lives in a hundred-sixty-year-old farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania, where she is busy working on the next chapter in the universe of Soluna’s children.

Now that you’ve been introduced to L.E. let’s get to know her a little better.

Hello, L.E., and welcome. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.

Thank you for having me.

What inspired you to be a writer?

I’ve always loved to read. I credit my love of reading to my mom, who read books to us every night as kids. I started writing my own poems and stories in fourth grade, and just never stopped.

Is writing your full-time profession?

Yes.

How long have you been writing?

Since I was around eight or nine years old.

Photo courtesy of: L.E. Harrison

Have you won any awards?

All three of the books in my series, The Children of Corvus, are IHIBRP 5-Star Recommended reads. Book two, Merula, won the bronze in the 2018 Virtual Fantasy Con Awards for Best Dark Fantasy, and was voted one of Read Freely’s 50 Best Indie Books of 2017. The Blackbirds: The Children of Corvus Omnibus was chosen as one of the Best Books We’ve Read All Year by Read Freely.

Photo courtesy of: L.E. Harrison

How many books have you written?

I’ve written three full novels and one short story in The Children of Corvus Series. I’ve also published many poems and short stories, some of which are featured in a collection titled From the Uncollected Thoughts of L.E. Harrison.

Photo courtesy of: L.E. Harrison

Which genre do you write?

I like to describe my books as Contemporary Fantasy, which is a fantasy set in the present day. It’s a bit like Urban Fantasy, but without the crime-fighting or detective elements.

What do you find most challenging writing for this genre?

Since the stories straddle genres, and don’t fit neatly into any one category, marketing can be a challenge sometimes.

What are you working on now?

Right now I’m working on the first book of a two-part series. I set the duet in the same universe as The Children of Corvus Series, and will focus on the descendants of Venefica the Witch Goddess.

Where do you find inspiration for your characters?

Everywhere!

What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?

Being able to share my stories with readers from all over the world.

What advice would you give to authors just starting out?

Stay true to your vision of what you want your novel to be and push through whenever you feel like giving up. Remember the reason you started your book and try to bring that passion and excitement into your writing.

Write the book you want to read. You are your first audience, so if you’re not entertained and moved by emotion, your readers won’t be either.

Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?

I’m a grandmother, and the mother of three grown children. I’ve been married to a wonderful, supportive man for thirty-two years, and live in a hundred sixty-year-old farmhouse in the heart of Amish/Mennonite country.

What message are you sharing in your books?

The themes I like to explore in my work involve family dynamics—fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, family secrets and the damage they can cause to relationships.

In Blackbird, there were themes like logic vs reality—how your perspective could determine that reality. Also, how blind adherence to laws—religious or otherwise—did not always result in people doing the right thing.

In Merula and Corvus, I tried to explore how it felt to discover that you were not the person you believed yourself to be—and neither were the people around you. Also, what it was like to be considered a god when you have no desire for that kind of power, and you’re sure you will never live up to everyone’s expectations.

Photo courtesy of; L.E. Harrison

What are your favorite books?

Carol Berg writes flawless prose and characters that leap off the page. I’ve read all of her books at least twice. Jennifer Roberson’s Sword Dancer series is amazing. Reading her books made me want to write in the fantasy genre.

I was obsessed with Stephen King novels for many years. The Stand and 11/22/63 are my favorites of his. I also love the character Lestat, from Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles.

Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels series is a must read for fans of dark fantasy. For science fiction, you can’t find anyone better than Connie Willis. Judith Merlke Riley is simply brilliant.

I’m also a huge fan of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, Jeff Vandermeer’s South Reach Trilogy, and The Black Witch Chronicles by Laurie Forest. The list goes on, but that’s a sampling of the authors I enjoy reading.

What are your favorite movies, TV shows?

I’m a huge Star Wars geek, and a fan of superheroes in both movies and television. The TV series Smallville is my all-time favorite show. Supernatural runs a close second. Some other shows I enjoy are The Flash, Arrow, Game of Thrones, Shameless, and American Gods.

Photo courtesy of: L.E. Harrison

When you’re not writing where can we find you?

I like to travel as often as I can—visiting family on the west coast, hiking in National Parks, or hanging out in Las Vegas. I attend a yoga class at least once a week. Otherwise, I’m usually at home reading a book!

Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7754768.L_E_Harrison

Newsletter Signup: http://eepurl.com/dkbSxr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LEHarrisonAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LEHarrison1

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/l-e-harrison

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leharrisonauthor/

Website: https://authorleharrison.wordpress.com/

Where can we find your books?

My books are available on all major retailers here: https://www.books2read.com/ap/nOgpon/LE-Harrison

Thank you, L.E., for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck!

Photo courtesy of: L.E. Harrison