Hello everyone! Today’s interview comes from the one and only Elske Höweler, a historical fiction writer. Besides all the interview questions, you can check out Elske’s book on Amazon at the bottom of the post. Happy interview reading!
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1) What does writing mean to you? What do you think the purpose of writing is?
That’s quite a difficult question. I think it all goes back to reading. Spending time inside a book, living the character’s life rather than your own, is the ultimate escape. And to provide readers with that escape is magic.
2) What particular genre do you write in? Why are you passionate about that genre?
I write historical fiction. I love taking an event and creating a story around it. I’m obsessed with trying to figure out how people felt in their situation and what emotions they experienced. Not just the obvious ones, but also the ones they might not even be aware of themselves. I love digging in and bringing those feelings out in my characters.
3) What does being a writer mean to you?
I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. It’s been a lifelong dream to write and publish a book. Sometimes I still can’t quite believe that I have done it.
4) Where and how do you find inspiration?
Inspiration often comes when I’m walking or when I’m in the shower. It’s always moments when I’m already doing something. But when I don’t need to focus too much, I leave enough room for my brain to wander off and fill the plot holes I struggle to sort out whilst sitting at my desk.
5) What are some of the challenges you face as a writer? How do you combat them when you sit down to write or even just prepare to write?
My biggest challenge is finding both the time and energy to write. I’m a single mother of two wonderful kids and I have a full-time job. So, there isn’t an awful lot of time to play with. I also work in IT, which means I already spend all day behind my laptop. To then open it up again in the evening is sometimes really hard. There are times when the prospect of finishing book number two is enough draw to make me do it, but often I fail to sit down and put words on paper. But over the last couple of years, I have learned not to be too hard on myself. Writing isn’t something that should feel like work, it has to remain enjoyable. This means that I take a long time to write books, but that is just the way it is and it is fine.
6) Where can we find some of your writing?
My debut novel, Left Behind, is available on Amazon and can also be ordered from most major bookstores. I also have it for sale in some independent bookshops local to me, which is great as to me, there is nothing as lovely as browsing actual books in a small bookshop. It’s a dual timeline story set in the present day (ish) and during the last few months of WW2 in Amsterdam. It’s inspired by my grandmother who lived in Amsterdam and saved the life of a Jewish girl by hiding her in her attic. I also write a blog on my website elskehoweler.com, which is a lovely way to get to know some of my readers.
7) Where can we reach you?
I love it when people reach out and get in touch, and people often do. There’s a contact page on my website. I also have a Facebook and Instagram author page, which are to find with a name like mine 🤣
8) What are some interesting facts about you?
I started surfing at the age of 44. While I am totally hopeless at it, I love it so much that I keep going anyway. I also sing in a band and I have a mild obsession with houseplants.
Elske is currently working on book number two. It’s another historical fiction novel set during the time of the great flood in 1953 in Zeeland, one of the most southern counties of Holland. She is currently on the fourth draft and is hoping to have it published by the end of this year. (Although it could well be next year, or the year after, who knows?).
You can find Elske’s novel Left Behind on Amazon here.
Thank you, Elske, for the chance to interview you!
Check out some of my other interviews like this one.
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You can check out my AUTHOR SITE here.
My 2022 chapbook
My 2023 micro-chapbook