Around the Globe with ELIZABETH KOLODZIEJ

[Stephen Brayton]

Yeah, I know, I couldn't pronounce her name either. On our way to a spot away from the main crowds on a southern Italian beach, this week's author taught me how to say her name. After a few tries, she congratulated me on my efforts. So, now I get to teach all of you how to properly say her name. Ready? Let's try it together... Ee-liz-uh-beth. Very good. Oh, her surname? Fugetaboutit! Lol. Actually, it's - collage-E or ko-la-g.

However you say it, we had a pleasant time next to the ocean and a fine interview.

1. Who is Elizabeth Kolodziej and what makes you the most fascinating person in your city?

I don’t think that I am the most fascinating person in my city. I would say what makes me fascinating to some is my drive and goals in life. But then again that is also what intimidates other people too. I don’t know why. But anyways, that and I am very honest and fun.

2. Without revealing a deep dark secret (unless you want to), what one thing would people be surprised to learn about you?

I am very shy. I know this sounds weird because I will go up to anyone at any point in time to talk to them but while doing this I get lots of anxiety because I am naturally shy and self-conscious.

3. What interested you to be become a writer rather than something else such as becoming an astronaut?

I hate math and I’m pretty sure being an astronaut means I would have to be good at math. Hehe. It’s that whole right brain left brain thing. I am just the creative type and becoming a writer was where my passion is. For me that is something special because I can be fickle or very indecisive. To actually finish something like a book and continue down this world without ever getting bored or wanting to give up tells me that it is meant for me.

4. Writers are readers. With which author(s) would you enjoy sharing dinner? Why?

Tamora Pierce, Jeaniene Frost, Kim Harrison or Christopher Moore. Tamora Pierce is the first author who ever inspired me to start writing myself. The other three are authors I admire and love to read. (and they aren’t snobby!)

5. If I were stranded on a deserted island (or suffering a four hour layover at the airport), why would your book(s) be great company?

I think my book would make great company because it is a world you get lost in and one you keep flipping the page to see what happens next. In my humble opinion, that is what I look for in a book and what saves me from four hour layovers.

6. Share the Kolodziej process of writing in regards to: idea and character development, story outline, research (do you Google, visit places/people or make it up on the spot?), writing schedule, editing, and number of rewrites.

I am a hands on writer. If I can I will go to the place I am writing about because I like to see first hand what the area is like, the people, etc. I hate having to write about places I haven’t been to and so far I haven’t done that yet. Though it kind of sucks I am lucky to live in DE, because it is adjacent to places like New York, Philly, Baltimore, DC, etc. The big name cities so many stories take place in.

As for a writing schedule, I tend to write at the very minimum once a week. It really depends what my projects going on are. When working on my second book I was writing every night or every other night unless plagued with writers block. I get my book edited by a professional after it goes through a couple beta readers. And I don’t keep count of rewrites. I kind of just fix problems when they occur.

Lastly, I research, research, research. I Google so many things and get books on so many subjects because researching to me is key it making a fiction story factual and relatable. Plus it gives me great ideas and inspiration for my stories.

7. “I think I have a good idea for a story, but I don’t know where or how to begin. Your process may not work for me. Any advice?”

Just start writing. It is really that easy. Though my process won’t work for you, developing your own process will and the way a writer does that is by sitting down and writing. It all comes to you through trial and error. Hopefully not too much error!

8. I saw an amusing T-shirt the other day which read ‘Every great idea I have gets me in trouble.” What is your philosophy of life?

Well, I am a Taurus so I am ruled by my emotions very much so. With that said my philosophy for life is to follow your heart. It will rarely steer you wrong.

9. Please tell me you’re not going to stop writing? What’s next for you?

I don’t think I could keep myself from writing! It has become like an extension of my self. Right now I am working on getting the second book ready for publishing. In fact, I am considering going totally indie and publishing the book myself. After I get through edits for the second book to Vampyre Kisses I will begin work on the third because once everyone reads the ending for the second they are going to bug me to no end for the third due to the way the second one ends.

On top of that I am constantly writing short stories for anthology submissions or contest. I am working on an anthology for charity. As always going to as many conventions and conferences as possible to network and make new friends. I like to keep busy.

10. Where can people find more information on you and your projects?

Website: www.vampyrekisses.com
Twitter: @ejkolodziej
Facebook: /kweenkitten