Elle Boca is the author of the Weeia urban fantasy series set in Miami, Florida in the United States. Unelmoija: The Dreamshifter (read my 5-star review here) and Unelmoija: The Mindshifter, the first and second books of the series respectively, are available as ebooks on Amazon.com. Unelmoija: The Spiritshifter will soon follow.

Elle has been kind enough to offer an exciting excerpt of The Dreamshifter, the first book in the series, for my excerpts’ blog MM Jaye’s friends write. Make sure you read it here.

 

Elle, thank you for coming.  Before we talk about your WIP, why don’t you tell us a few things about yourself?  

When not writing and creating fantastical beings I like nature and wildlife photography, cookies, movies, and dreaming of going on safari.

 

What are you working on right now?

I’m wrapping up Unelmoija: The Spiritshifter, the third book in the Weeia urban fantasy series. I’ve completed the initial manuscript draft. Next, I’ll read, edit, and reread it before sending it out to beta readers.

In book three of the Weeia series, Unelmoija: The Spiritshifter, Amy’s courage is tested once again. Her boyfriend Duncan and the Youth for Change leaders want to find out why young Weeia have no abilities. Should Amy get involved? Is it the right thing to do?

They decide to bring Weeia youth to Miami so Amy can try to amplify their abilities without revealing her identity. Behind the scenes, powerful forces oppose her. Will Duncan, her sister Kat and their friends be able to protect her?

Are you happy with the pace of your work? Do you aim at a specific word count each day?

I focus on telling the story. Some days I write a lot and others not as much. While I track word count from a big picture perspective, what I’m most interested in is telling an engaging story the best way I can.

Plotter, pantser or both?

Both, first I outlined the series and the individual books. As the story unfolds things develop in unexpected ways and I adapt as necessary. I’ll be writing Amy’s dialog (or another character’s) and realize that she would say or think things one way and that requires a change in direction.

What’s your worst enemy in getting that first draft finished?

Time. My quality writing (and proofing) time is limited. I have to take advantage of it whenever it’s available and do the best that I can from there.

Have you ever experienced lack of inspiration or drive to write? If so, how do you motivate yourself?

Once I have the story outlined it’s pretty much steady writing although there are places that require me to slow down to think through a plot point. If I need a break I take it. I strive to write daily.

Could we take a look at your workspace? Is there a particular place you find inspiring?

The image is of a beautiful Miami for purposes of the Weeia series (greater South Florida) waterfront location at sunset. I look at photos like this one to inspire me.

Now your photo is “pinned” on my Featured Writers’ Workspace Board on Pinterest. Apart from Word and Google, do you use any other writing or research tools and apps?

I refer to two online dictionaries on a regular basis. I also refer to maps and research setting details online.

How do you intend to celebrate writing “The End” on your draft?

I celebrate individual victories whenever possible. For Unelmoija: The Spiritshifter, I celebrated with a glass of sparkling wine and a wonderful fish dinner.

Add Florida as the setting, and it’s a celebration I’d dream of myself! Which book publishing processes are you going to outsource and which are you confident enough to undertake yourself?

I rely on beta readers for big picture plot and character issues. Also, I get help with editing and the book covers. The list of readers, reviewers and colleagues who have shared their time, words of wisdom, time and space on their own websites (such as you) is long. To all of you I say a heartfelt thank you!

You are very welcome! Do you have any marketing tips or favorite promotional sites you’d like to share?

I rely mostly on Amazon, Goodreads and my landing page at http://elleboca.poyeen.com/ as well as reviews, author features from friendly colleagues and Twitter.

Is urban fantasy the genre you will brand yourself with or do you see yourself branching out in the future?

Until I finish the Weeia series I’ll focus on urban fantasy. After that, there’s an unfinished mystery I hope to complete.

Would you like to share with us links where we can find you and your work?

Website:

http://elleboca.poyeen.com/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/elleboca

Amazon author page:

http://www.amazon.com/Elle-Boca/e/B00HRCBEYK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7499807.Elle_Boca?from_search=true

Thank you, Elle, and best of luck with the Weeia Unelmoija fantasy series!

Thank you, Maria for your time and interest!