Pen Name: Elizabeth H. Blake

Username: LibbyBlake

Is your pen name your legal name? If no, then how did you make up one?

It isn't my real name, no. I liked the mystery of having another identity, like a superhero alter ego, and I also wanted to keep my work outside of my "main" life. Elizabeth is my real middle name, the 'H' stands for Holly (a nod to my love of Christmas), and I've always liked the name Blake.

How many books have you published till date?

Technically I've written 5. My first Wattpad story I finished seven years ago and it's horrendous, don't read it, but I keep it up to showcase to myself how far I've improved in writing. I've written a werewolf trilogy and I'm currently writing the second book in my duology, Typhoon & Tempest.

What are your future projects?

I like this question because the answer is endless. I have two books on hold that I'd like to finish at some point, but next for me is a fantasy standalone I think. I plan on writing it for National Novel Writing Month this year to be uploaded on Wattpad for 2020.

What is writing to you?

I started to write when I was twelve, inspired by my older sister who is an author, and at first it was me trying to see if I could do what she could, if there was something for me here as well. Over the years it became an escape from school and dramas/bad events and eventually morphed into a love of creating worlds. If I can give someone an escape from a bad situation by writing a book, showing that things can improve and it's going to be alright, it would mean the world - the world I've created - was worth it.

Is being an author, your long time dream or a hidden passion you found out later?

A mix of both, honestly. At first it was a hidden passion, one that I deliberately hid from everyone outside of Wattpad, and then it formed into a dream for me. It would be an absolute pleasure to be able to write professionally, to travel and see my books in people's hands. Here's hoping it becomes a reality!

What genre books you like to work on?

I like paranormal/supernatural, young adult, stories that empower people (with a dash of romance and cliffhangers). I definitely lean more into Fantasy but I'd like to branch and try my hand at a few other genres as well. Wattpad is a perfect place to try and I have no reason not to.

If we challenge you to write a book of another genre we suggest, then would you take it up?

Maybe! I have ideas tucked away for several other genres and if your suggestion matches an idea I already have, I'll give it a go. However, I should finish my duology first, and my two books on hold, I owe my readers that before I dive into something else.

Then we would love to read a very Humorous Romance book from you soon.

Writing is a reality that paints a beautiful fantasy. What do you think are the charms of writing fiction/non fictional books?

Great question! Leigh Bardugo, a New York Times best selling author, captured it beautifully recently - saying that we are all still searching for the world hidden at the back of our wardrobes. For fiction, it's an escape from our lives. A chance to fly with angels, run with wolves, and dream amongst stars. For non-fiction, it's an insight into what our own lives could become and path to follow or not. How quickly can one's life change from reading a book? How many times have we changed from reading a single chapter, or a blurb, or a memoir? They are the keys to our better self. A book is a lovely charm to possess and I love coming home to shelves of magic each day.

Who are your favorite authors in and out of wattpad?

We're going to be here a while. In Wattpad; ELatimer, Maya_2011, kirsty1000, Jonaaaa, Claire-Merle, Pandean, northbynorth, EmilyMahTippets, MilReyna, ZeroWineThirty, Whiskeyqueenn, merrywombat, joymoment, concussive, mediogress, NeverTrustaDuck, liliancarmine, saturn137, irishrose, wildgreenskittle, dadelik.

Outside; Brigid Kemmerer, Tolkien, Brandon Sanderson, Laini Taylor, Sarah J. Maas, Tamora Pierce, Samantha Shannon, and much more.

Name few of your close wattpad friends.

This is going to sound really sad but I don't have any. I'm not on Wattpad enough to be engaging with other authors and I'm not on social media enough either. I just have me, my books, and my readers. It's not as lonely as it seems!

What is your favorite series you have recently watched or read?

Avatar: The Last Airbender. The original TV show was on Netflix and I watched it, was nostalgic, and love it so much. Team Avatar will hold a special place in my heart. I recently read Patricia Briggs' Alpha & Omega series. Such a great take on the werewolf hierarchy and I love the dynamic between Anna and Charles. I'm about to read Lord of the Rings next for the second time!

Who is your favorite actor/actress?

The first person that comes to mind is Scarlett Johansson. Seeing 'The Horse Whisperer' as a kid ignited my love of film, I really identified with her character, and I've loved her work since.

Who is your favorite Villain you couldn't help but love?

Can I pick one of my own villains? I can't help but love Isaac Munford, he's a character in my book Typhoon. All he wanted was a PlayStation and he unintentionally (and later regrets) how much hurt he caused. But outside of my own works - Loki from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

What are your hobbies other than writing and reading?

I love drawing and baking. I'm dabbling in carpentry as well (I'm working on building my own bookshelves). Also, I love darts.

What are your hidden talents?

I can whistle. I'm not allowed to in my house because the rest of my family can't and it annoys them when I rub in the fact that I can, but I can whistle. I've accidentally summoned birds with my whistling which is a little dangerous (I live in Australia).

Who is your first celebrity crush?

My first celebrity crush was probably the boy who played Peter Pan in the live action. Jeremy something, I think? It has changed since but he was the first.

What is the most embarrassing situation that you have ever been through?

Well, there's the time I got stuck on an escalator in a public shopping centre...or the time I said 'You too!' to the person at the register at the cinemas after they said to 'Enjoy the movie!'. I went through a fluro-clothing state in my teens which was unfortunately photographed, that's embarrassing. There's a whole bunch of embarrassing stories that will fill up a speech at any birthday I have - but the escalator one was pretty bad.

One craziest thing you have ever done?

I fell off an amusement park ride when I was six. We were 30ft(ish) up in the air and the ride jarred to a halt when the weight limit was exceeded. My sister and I were stuck so I fell - the ride began moving immediately after I let go - and I landed in front of the cafe my parents were having ice cream at.

There are many authors who just started their journey and many readers who want to write but has no courage to do so. Please give them a tip and a word of encouragement.

You have to believe in yourself and your work before others can believe in you. The hardest part is to start, to write the first line of your novel, but no one else can write the way you can. Take a breath, relax your shoulders and straighten your spine, and begin with the first words we all hear in a story if you don't know where to start - once upon a time.

Last but not the least, have you ever dreamt of writing your own comic?

Surprisingly, no! I never was involved with comics as a kid, I was a book, TV and film geek and I still am at heart. I don't know if any of my works would work in a comic but I wouldn't say no to giving it a go!

What do you feel about this interview?

Good, thank you for reaching out and asking me these questions. There were questions that made me smile and made me ponder before answering, a good mix up of everything. I hope you like my answers! 

Much love,

L

Hope you had a great time answering our questions. We appreciate you for your beautiful works and also spending valuable time with us.

We wish you to write many more successful stories and be a bestselling author one day.