Hey, everyone! Today I’ve got an author interview (I know, it’s been ages since I did one of those XD) with E.G.Bella, one of the amazing authors in the Cornerstone Series!
I loved her answers in this interview. Especially the pickle. That one made me almost drop my computer. XD
~ E.G. also interviewed me today! If you’d be interested in reading that interview, check out her blog here! ~
What first inspired you to write?
So many things, including my parents reading great books to me and my siblings (Treasure Island, The Hobbit, The Mouse & The Motorcycle, etc.). The biggest spark though, was when I brought home a library book that my mom decided was too scary for me at that age (about six). I was so frustrated that there were books in the kid’s section that I couldn’t read, and that night my dad gave me one of his “special” notebooks that he used for work and told me that now I could write my own stories. My earliest stories were in that notebook, and I haven’t stopped writing since. (Thanks, Dad <3)
How long have you been writing for?
Hmm, how do I answer this one, haha? I’ve been telling stories since I was probably…four-ish? I remember drawing pictures and having my mom staple the papers into my very own “books” before I could even write actual sentences. By seven, I had a notebook full of little parables and tales I’d written. I wrote my first full-length novel at eleven, and I finally knew I wanted to pursue writing seriously when I was about sixteen.
What time of day is your favorite for writing?
My very favorite time is mid-morning, somewhere around 8:00-10:00 am. That’s when I have the most energy and can focus best. That said, work hours don’t usually allow that, so my second favorite is late at night, when I can stay awake for it. I’m the most productive when I’m just tired enough to zone out and not try to edit my sentences as I’m churning them out. It can lead to some interesting re-reads the next morning though, haha!
What was the first project you thought you for sure had to publish? In what ways could it *ehem* use improvement?
Definitely the Star Wars original series I wrote when I was eleven… Set in the Star Wars universe, but with my own characters and plotlines, I was sure those books would be the next big thing, haha. Looking back, there are a lot of things that could use work, but is it bad to say I’d still love to publish them (after heavy re-writes, of course)…? Some day, I’m convinced I’ll re-write them and at least put them up on my website or something.
What advice would you give your past self who just started writing?
Write what you love. Don’t doubt the stories God’s put on your heart, even if they’re not what you see in the market nowadays. God will guide those stories to the people that want and need to read them. You don’t need to burn yourself out trying to conform to the “popular stories”. Just write.
Who are some of your favorite authors and why?
SO MANY. One of my top favorites is Nadine Brandes. I’ve read all of her books and loved each and every one. She writes so many of my favorite elements into her stories, and weaves biblical themes in seamlessly and powerfully. I had the privilege of meeting her this year, and she was so sweet too.
I also love Katherine Paterson’s books over the years, including Bridge to Terabithia and Lyddie. Her writing style and the way she weaves in such deep themes in otherwise simple stories inspires me. And of course, J. R. R. Tolkien never ceases to amaze me with the way his stories last generations.
Are there any authors who have been especially influential in your writing journey?
Allen Arnold is one that’s been hugely impactful to me. I’ve been blessed to hear him speak numerous times over the years now, as well as have three different appointments in which he gave advice and prayed with me. His emphasis on writing with the Lord and embracing the creativity and stories He gives us has meant a lot to me. I don’t believe A Noble Grace would have been published without his wisdom and encouragement this summer.
Daniel Schwabauer is another author who’s molded an incredible amount of my writing, both through the examples in his books and through his teaching as the creator and teacher of the One Year Adventure Novel curriculum. He’s also just a fantastic person, whose love for story and weaving God through the little things inspires me so much.
What is your favorite writing trope?
Ooh, I love this question! One of my favorites is the grumpy, but tender-hearted mentor that’s been through a lot of hardship and closed themselves off because of it. Then along comes a plucky student in need of their help, and slowly they find themselves softening and becoming attached as they learn from one another… It’s one of my very favorite dynamics/tropes. I melt every time.
What is your favorite type of character to write?
Either a grumpy marshmallow of a mentor like I mentioned above, or a twisted and complicated villain. Especially if they have a sarcastic/snarky manner of speaking. I really enjoy putting my characters through their paces, haha, so crafting a compelling villain is fun.
If you had to use a pickle as a major part of your next WIP, what would you do with it?
Okay, hear me out. My next WIP is a medieval adventure novel in which a girl convinces a band of knights to take her on their quest to find a famed treasure so that she can learn the fate of her father who vanished searching for it years before. If I had to incorporate a pickle into that, I’m absolutely making it the treasure HAHA. Imagine Legend of Zelda music, triumphant facial expressions, glittery sparkles all over the sky….and an old pickle shriveled up in the otherwise empty treasure chest.
E. G. Bella is a bookworm-turned-author with a passion for cheesy puns, colorful characters, and contagious faith. She writes stories infused with adventure, hope, and just enough humor, and strives to craft memorable and page-turning tales the whole family can enjoy.
When she’s not writing, thinking about writing, or gushing about her stories to her patient husband, Bella can be found sipping warm coffee, reading emotional books, and harmonizing with the radio. Sometimes all at once. You can visit her at http://www.egbella.com, where she blogs regularly about life, writing, and what she’s learning about both.
Check out her newest book, A Noble Grace (Book #3 in the Cornerstone Series) on Amazon!
A servant protecting her sister, a prince desperate to wed, and a reluctant union to save their kingdom.
For three long years after losing her home in the Crylmar attacks, twenty-two-year-old Annette Beaumont has worked hard to keep her family together. But when her papa’s debt to the crown is called into question, and she and her sister are sent to serve at the castle until it’s paid, she’s drawn into a plot that threatens everything she’s worked for.
Shunned and hated, Prince Laurent Villeneuve is running out of time to find a bride before he forfeits his right to the throne. But to stop his treacherous uncle from seizing power and aligning with the enemy, he must overcome his kingdom’s hatred, and somehow win the affections of the stubborn servant who becomes his last chance.
As tensions rise and threats loom, both must learn to work together, softening their hearts and setting aside their differences. When time runs out, what will they sacrifice to save their kingdom from ruin? And what if that sacrifice changes everything?
A Noble Grace is a New Adult non-magical Christian fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast, book #3 in The Cornerstone Series. Each book can be read as a standalone.
Lulu’s Library 
One response to “Author Interview With E.G.Bella”
Thank you so much for having me! This was so much fun <33
LikeLiked by 1 person