Interview with Writer Ellie Potts
1. Have you always been a writer?
Yes. My dad had told me that when I was little even if I didn’t have toys I could pick up paper and play with it. When camping I enjoyed freaking out the other kids with stories. I have always had an overactive imagination. It has gotten me in trouble many times.
2. When did you realize that maybe writing was actually a "thing" you could do, get published and even sell?
I never really thought about publishing at first. I just liked making stories. One story eventually became a book. I had queried per a friend’s push. But got nowhere. So I just wrote for myself. I think it was a friend who pushed me to a small publisher she got accepted to, which I did, and finally got my first few books published.
3. What was your first sale as a writer and how did it feel to sell your work?
So, I will be honest, I don’t know. I had published with a small publisher, who controlled all that stuff. And when it came to paying the authors, she used a fake personal assistant to make excuses as why she had to step away from the company. Pretty much stealing from a bunch of the authors she had contracted. So be very careful about signing up with small publishers, if something doesn’t feel right, trust yourself.
4. How has writing helped you in other areas of life?
Writing is therapy. It allows me to release feelings I can’t really express in real life. But sometimes writing can cause its own problems.
5. What was your biggest accomplishment as a writer?
I went the self-publishing route. It is a lot of work, but it is so rewarding. My last romance book Rock My Stars is actually on audiobook format. Which I was nervous about doing. But it turned out pretty awesome.
6. Who has inspired you the most in the writing field?
I have so many directors and writers I love that have inspired me. Terry Gilliam, Geroge A Romero, Charlaine Harris, Virgina Henley and so many others.
7. What are some of the challenges you have faced as a writer and how did you overcome them?
Self-publishing is hard; you have to do all the work yourself. But I do have a few friends who do formatting, editing, and other things that have been able to help point me in the direction I need to go. I have put out over 13 books now, so I have become somewhat of a pro at that. There is also the problem with dealing with mental health issues. But I have embraced self-care for writers. My newest eBook Write Well, While Feeling Well is a book for writers letting them know they are not alone, and it is okay to ask for help if they need more then self-care.
8. What is the best writing advice you have ever received and why do you feel it is important?
Writing is hard, but don’t quit. Write for yourself. There will be some people out there who will like what you do.
9. What sort of writing do you do now?
I do short horror on my blog, as well as a lot of writing tips, I have a Cannabis Grimoire coming out in October, and usually I am very eclectic writing wise. It just depends on how the story goes. I like to dabble. My next book is a sequel to my Rock Star romance Rock My Stars, which will be out in November. I have a few rough drafts to play with after that I am deciding on.
10. Where can we find some of your work online?
Or if you want to check out some of my shorter stuff you can check out my blog.
11. What advice do you have for aspiring writers thinking of taking the leap of getting their work published?
Do it, but don’t give up. Yes, it is hard, but so worth it. And save up some money. You need to get an editor, formatter, and a cover. I’m available for questions and help you can reach out to me on my socials, blog, or even email me. I want to see everyone succeed. We need more storytellers.
12. What are your final thoughts about being a writer?
Your work is unique just like you. But never get too bogged down. It’s okay to ask for help, reach out, find writing groups, and some of the people you meet can be some of your best friends. If you have questions, reach out or just stop in on my blog and say hi!
ABOUT ELLIE:
Ellie Potts lives in the Central Valley, CA with her husbandnerd, grumpturtle, and monster dogs. She thrives on tea, music, weird TV, and her own chaos. Making up stories has not only been something she has done since she was a kid but helps her cope with the crazy world she lives in. She likes to write whatever needs to be told at the moment in her head.