Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Second on the Right by Elizabeth Los Giveaway & Interview



Fantasy

Date Published: May 9, 2014

   
Spawned from an ancient promise, treachery and intrigue follow the protagonists through our world and one lost to the waves. Bound by an invisible bond, they are thrust into a fantastical world of pirates and demons.
James Benedict is a just man haunted by evil. Pushed to the edge, everything stripped from him, a new man arises . . . a man whose name strikes fear into the hearts of all who hear it: "Captain Hook".
Eileen Davis was a timid woman. Through a fateful cruise she finds herself in the company of the Captain of the Mistral Thief. With his guidance, and the meddling of the local barista, she eventually finds her inner strength.
Will the two of them unite through time to fulfill the promise of their ancestors or will tempers ignite leading all to failure?


Elizabeth Los

Elizabeth uses writing as therapy, her release from everyday stress. At night, after work and once the children are finally tucked in bed, for the fifth time, she sits at her laptop and lets her imagination flow.


Elizabeth has produced short stories, one of which will be published in an anthology. She’s had fun writing a Sherlock Holmes fan fiction story, A Case of Need, based on the BBC’s Sherlock. By July 2011, her first novel, Second on the Right, had been completed. She spent several years polishing the story in order to provide a high quality product to the public. Second on the Right is her first professional novel.


June 18th Interview

What inspired you to write your first book?
I was first inspired after reading J.M. Barrie’s novel. Have you seen Disney’s animated movie, Peter Pan? *sigh* A sniveling coward and yet pirate captain of the Jolly Roger huddles in the middle of the deck, pleading for his crew to protect him? I don’t think so. He’s a captain AND a pirate! There had to be more to the story. Once my friend asked to write about a villain who is actually a hero, I knew exactly where to start and with who: Captain James Hook.

Do you have a specific writing style?
It’s a mixture of styles. And it’s changing. There is still much room for improvement in my writing. I will always be learning!

How did you come up with the title?
Second on the Right is a nod to J.M. Barrie’s novel, Peter Pan, aka the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up, aka Peter and Wendy. It is the directions given to Neverland.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Second on the Right is meant to be an entertaining read, something fun to experience while relaxing on the beach. Or perhaps that’s just me? I’ve been told that one of the messages found in the book deals with decisions made in moments of passion. Making a hasty decision without much thought could lead to dire consequences and regret.

How much of the book is realistic?
I did quite a lot of research on tall ships and sailing. I wanted to make that aspect as realistic as possible. The loss of James’ hand, the poisoning, those were also written to be true to life. Don’t believe me? By all means look it up. That’s what’s great about books. It gives a hint, a keyword or idea that, if I was unfamiliar with, I had enough to go on to learn about it on my own. I think that’s why I’ve enjoyed several of Michael Crichton and Robin Cook novels. I love the science and medical explains. I love to learn, so realism is important to me.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
There are parts of the book that were loosely based on events in my life. Some of the characters in Second on the Right share characteristics with me. For example, James has quite a temper. Alas, I do as well. It is one that is always a challenge to control. I’ve learned that decision making while angry never goes well for me.

What books have most influenced your life most?
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series. Holmes is my favorite fictional character, so I’ve read those stories many times over. But honestly, I’ve read so many books, it’s difficult to say that only Doyle’s works influenced me. I’d spend hours in the library, sitting between rows of shelves, reading one book after another. I’m sure many of them lurk in my subconscious and influence my writing unbeknownst to me.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I’ve observed how Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child handle themselves with writing, with promoting and with interacting. They are kind and appreciative of their fans, which is something that the fans really react well to. These two authors take their craft seriously, but still have fun with it at the same time.

What book are you reading now?
I’m in between books at the moment, but lately I’ve read quite a few independent authors. It’s a little disheartening to see such great writers lost in the sea of books, struggling to promote themselves.

What would you like my readers to know?
I’m very open to questions, if any readers have any during or after reading Second on the Right. Curious about what happened to Captain Robert Benedict? I might be convinced to divulge that secret. One exciting thing is that I’ve moved on to my next novel, which will be the first in a series. If you like the paranormal or mysteries, you’ll enjoy what is coming next.






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3 comments:

  1. Thank you for posting! So what would your pirate name be, if you had to choose one for yourself?

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  2. I have a boat, so the boat angle i think i will love reading about thank you for the giveaway

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    Replies
    1. I can tell you after writing about the tall ships, I really want to sail on one now! I may check out the local tall ships festival in September.

      Have you had your boat for long?

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