Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre? 

I’m not sure if Christian Young Adult Post Apocalyptic Fiction with a zombie twist is an actual genre! I thoughtTwilight meets The Walking Dead meets Left Behind would make a great story. When you write a book for a genre that nobody has ever heard of, you find out that there is not a ready-made audience. And you have to go out and find one!

What are some day jobs you have held?
I lived in and ran a Victorian Bed and Breakfast. In fact, it’s the actual Bed and Breakfast that Ivy and Aunty live in 🙂 While there, I opened my own cake shop EB Cakes. I’ve been a cake artist and chocolate sculptor for twelve years. Recently I won a wedding cake competition on David Tutera’s Show CELEBrations, judged by Cakeboss Buddy Valastro. Also, you should probably know that I worked for a suitcase factory….. for one day. Half a day really. I left crying at lunch.

What made you decide to sit down and actually start writing this book?
Lunacy? Delusions of grandeur? Zero conce
pt of how life-changing and time-consuming it would be to actually write a book? I finished two years later. But then realized it wasn’t that great yet and dug back in for another round of edits. 🙂

Tell us more about your main character. What makes him or her unique?
What I really wanted Ivy to be was real. I wanted her to think real thoughts, make real mistakes, fall for a guy in a real and imperfect way, and have a real, honest relationship with God.

If your book was made into a movie, who would you cast?
First of all, I. Would. Die. to see INFECtIOUS become a movie. Who would I cast… hmmm… Well, Ivy would have to be Laura Marano from Disney’s “Austin and Ally.” She’s adorable and she’s great at being real. Matt should be Dylan O’Brien from the Maze Runner. He’d be perfect!!! Aunty couldn’t be played by anyone but Helen Mirren. Tim would behave to be played by Robbie Kay. Ahhhhh, dreams. What an awesome movie that would be 🙂

What is your next project?

Welllll, I’m currently finishing writing the third and final installment of the INFECtIOUS series, “IMMANENt.” I’ve also already started writing a different, stand alone book called “Scandalous.” Oh! And I’m finishing up a book with my 3rd grade creative writing class called “Dear Sissy.”

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I’d have to say it’s a tie between two very different authors. I love Stephanie Meyer and I’ve read all the Twilight books more times than is healthy. I also love, admire and want to be C.S. Lewis when I grow up.

What one person from history would you like to meet and why? 
I have two again, is that ok? First, I’d love to drive down the road with George Washington. I think about that often (which I know is weird) because I would love to show someone from “back then” how far technology has come. I think it would be fascinating to see someone enjoying and appreciating carsand cell phones and reclining couches. Second, I’d love to meet the apostle Peter. I relate to him the most of all the people in the Bible and I bet he’d have a lot of much-needed advice for the church today. There is probably some psychological term to explain why I only want to meet male leaders from that long ago.

Who or what inspires your writing?
Jesus. He is the author of my talents, the prize I’m running after, the most amazing Man to ever walk planet Earth, and worth all my thoughts and affections. He has redeemed all of my worst moments. He has fixed my marriage, taught me to parent, and given me all my best ideas. I will write and sing and talk about Him until the day I go home to His precious side.

Where to find Elizabeth?
Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page