In the following weeks, I will be conducting interviews with fellow authors (mostly fantasy/sci-fi) to introduce some of you to my friends and peers.
I had the pleasure of interviewing E.W. Greenlee, fellow writer who often authors supernatural and Sci-Fi, along with fantasy. I could go one telling you about him, but instead, let's sit back and read along as we find out more about this author!
When did you start writing? My first writing was in high school. It was a supernatural short story for a class titled: Literature of the Supernatural. It was at the time my teacher gave it an A+ and specifically pulled me aside to say I should consider a career in writing. Unfortunately, I was more in love with architecture than writing. My skills in grammar are not that impressive, but I always kept this in mind. In the 1990’s I wrote two stories on an old typewriter. However in 2000 I devoted myself to a 10 year journey to write an epic fantasy mythology titled: The Chosen One of Allivar.
Why do you write? I write because I truly miss stories that spark my imagination and thought. Often I read current stories where the author provides so much detail that my imagination is not allowed to take off. Or, the plot is so simple, it appears written for elementary level thought processes. I like challenges such as Dante’s Inferno, Paradise lost and the complete world of JRR Tolkien.
If your books were made into a movie, who would play the roles? Boy this is a hard one to answer. Since I am 53 years old and do not follow much of the current actors skills, I cannot name anyone at the moment. Whoever would be selected would have to play the roles in a humble manner. My characters are not super humans. They are human, with human weaknesses and fears.
What would be your choice for a superpower? The power of invisibility. The old expression, “Oh, to be a fly on the wall”, applies to me. This is similar to wearing the ring of power and being invisible like Bilbo and Frodo, without all the side effects, of course.
Who is your favorite author? Without doubt JRR Tolkien because he created an entire mythology complete with languages. He was also able to devote his entire life to the expansion of this mythology, instead of shifting track depending on whatever the current reader trends were. He remained loyal to himself and controlled for the most part his own creation. That quality I find very noble.
What are you reading now? I am reading George RR Martin’s – Game of Thrones. However, I admit fully to being a very slow reader. College taught me that reading the classics cannot be rushed, for the authors truly put effort into each sentence.
Who is your favorite character to write? At the current moment it is the antagonist, because one has to step into the mind of evil thoughts. This is very difficult, well, not as difficult as writing about a woman.
Do you have a writing process? Yes, I am CPA and Financial Advisor, so I am methodical. I first draft the chapters and the premise for each chapter. I jump into writing and then proof read after the story is complete, making edits for everything to blend properly.
What do you do when you aren’t writing? When I’m not assisting clients or writing, I have been trying to refresh my passion for sketching and drawing. I am also trying to learn more about controlling my artistic affairs by gaining knowledge of Adobe’s complete create suite. I have much to learn yet. Join a Toastmasters International speech club, get active and enter speech contests where you can further your story telling skills and get the word out about your writing works.
What advice would you give to an aspiring author? Never, ever give up. Changes in self-publishing allow for everyone to give writing a try. In the end, it is not whether a publisher, agent, or editor likes your works, it is the reader. However, you must be open to constructive criticism and evaluation. I am also a member of Toastmasters International, where one can learn the craft of writing speeches, learning to evaluate and be evaluated, and just have a lot of fun.
What inspired you to pursue writing? JRR Tolkien is my greatest inspiration. His world allowed me to consider creating my own and to daydream again.
Tell us about your books I am currently writing a nineteen story mythology. Three of these stories are already completed and comprise the trilogy – The Chosen One of Allivar. The titles to the trilogy are:
Rise of the Fallen
Bound to Forbidden Lands
Last Stand of the Living
The trilogy can stand alone, but I posed a question to my readers on whether they wanted more of the history. With a resounding yes, I have begun the next series which will comprise nine books, then a final series of seven books. Each of these series compliments the trilogy from a different perspective, one will truly understand upon completing the trilogy.
What sets your books apart from others of the genre? I would like to think that my stories separate me in that I created my very own world with unique beings and characteristics. The stories are fun and exciting reads, but they are also meant to challenge the mind and move one’s emotions.
E.W. Greenlee is a CPA and Financial Advisor living in Norman, OK. His world consists of oppressive regulations and compliance, where creativity can only land you in prison. To escape the bonds of mortal conformity and retain some sense of humor, he delves into the realm of fantasy, supernatural and science fiction writing. His first writing was a supernatural short story all the way back in 1976 and his English teacher suggested he consider a writing career.
Raised in a competitive family, there were no boundaries established to day-dreaming, art or any other creative endeavor. E.W. shares his free time with his wife for life, Tracy, and their Golden Retriever Ruby. In his spare time, EW blogs, sketches and delves into computer graphics or spends time in the outdoors dreaming of new stories and worlds.
For more information and social media links on EW Greenlee please visit his website
Website: http://www.allivarcreative.com/
When did you start writing? My first writing was in high school. It was a supernatural short story for a class titled: Literature of the Supernatural. It was at the time my teacher gave it an A+ and specifically pulled me aside to say I should consider a career in writing. Unfortunately, I was more in love with architecture than writing. My skills in grammar are not that impressive, but I always kept this in mind. In the 1990’s I wrote two stories on an old typewriter. However in 2000 I devoted myself to a 10 year journey to write an epic fantasy mythology titled: The Chosen One of Allivar.
Why do you write? I write because I truly miss stories that spark my imagination and thought. Often I read current stories where the author provides so much detail that my imagination is not allowed to take off. Or, the plot is so simple, it appears written for elementary level thought processes. I like challenges such as Dante’s Inferno, Paradise lost and the complete world of JRR Tolkien.
If your books were made into a movie, who would play the roles? Boy this is a hard one to answer. Since I am 53 years old and do not follow much of the current actors skills, I cannot name anyone at the moment. Whoever would be selected would have to play the roles in a humble manner. My characters are not super humans. They are human, with human weaknesses and fears.
What would be your choice for a superpower? The power of invisibility. The old expression, “Oh, to be a fly on the wall”, applies to me. This is similar to wearing the ring of power and being invisible like Bilbo and Frodo, without all the side effects, of course.
Who is your favorite author? Without doubt JRR Tolkien because he created an entire mythology complete with languages. He was also able to devote his entire life to the expansion of this mythology, instead of shifting track depending on whatever the current reader trends were. He remained loyal to himself and controlled for the most part his own creation. That quality I find very noble.
What are you reading now? I am reading George RR Martin’s – Game of Thrones. However, I admit fully to being a very slow reader. College taught me that reading the classics cannot be rushed, for the authors truly put effort into each sentence.
Who is your favorite character to write? At the current moment it is the antagonist, because one has to step into the mind of evil thoughts. This is very difficult, well, not as difficult as writing about a woman.
Do you have a writing process? Yes, I am CPA and Financial Advisor, so I am methodical. I first draft the chapters and the premise for each chapter. I jump into writing and then proof read after the story is complete, making edits for everything to blend properly.
What do you do when you aren’t writing? When I’m not assisting clients or writing, I have been trying to refresh my passion for sketching and drawing. I am also trying to learn more about controlling my artistic affairs by gaining knowledge of Adobe’s complete create suite. I have much to learn yet. Join a Toastmasters International speech club, get active and enter speech contests where you can further your story telling skills and get the word out about your writing works.
What advice would you give to an aspiring author? Never, ever give up. Changes in self-publishing allow for everyone to give writing a try. In the end, it is not whether a publisher, agent, or editor likes your works, it is the reader. However, you must be open to constructive criticism and evaluation. I am also a member of Toastmasters International, where one can learn the craft of writing speeches, learning to evaluate and be evaluated, and just have a lot of fun.
What inspired you to pursue writing? JRR Tolkien is my greatest inspiration. His world allowed me to consider creating my own and to daydream again.
Tell us about your books I am currently writing a nineteen story mythology. Three of these stories are already completed and comprise the trilogy – The Chosen One of Allivar. The titles to the trilogy are:
Rise of the Fallen
Bound to Forbidden LandsLast Stand of the Living
The trilogy can stand alone, but I posed a question to my readers on whether they wanted more of the history. With a resounding yes, I have begun the next series which will comprise nine books, then a final series of seven books. Each of these series compliments the trilogy from a different perspective, one will truly understand upon completing the trilogy.
What sets your books apart from others of the genre? I would like to think that my stories separate me in that I created my very own world with unique beings and characteristics. The stories are fun and exciting reads, but they are also meant to challenge the mind and move one’s emotions.
E.W. Greenlee is a CPA and Financial Advisor living in Norman, OK. His world consists of oppressive regulations and compliance, where creativity can only land you in prison. To escape the bonds of mortal conformity and retain some sense of humor, he delves into the realm of fantasy, supernatural and science fiction writing. His first writing was a supernatural short story all the way back in 1976 and his English teacher suggested he consider a writing career.
Raised in a competitive family, there were no boundaries established to day-dreaming, art or any other creative endeavor. E.W. shares his free time with his wife for life, Tracy, and their Golden Retriever Ruby. In his spare time, EW blogs, sketches and delves into computer graphics or spends time in the outdoors dreaming of new stories and worlds.
For more information and social media links on EW Greenlee please visit his website
Website: http://www.allivarcreative.com/
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Thank you Gary for the post. I sincerely appreciate all the efforts we authors make on each others behalf. Let me know when you are ready for me to post on my blog as well.
ReplyDeleteYou got it, my friend. I hope you see some increased traffic during and after this interview! Wishing you the best!
ReplyDelete