What inspires you to write?
I only started writing a few years ago. Literature has been a part of my life, in a bigger way, since I was about fifteen, but it wasn’t till I got a rather bad illness that, whilst in recovery, I took up writing. It became a huge therapy for me and helped me overcome what was happening in my life. All these years later and I couldn’t imagine my life without it!
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
To always write and never give up on it. You could go through periods where you need a break but if it’s something you truly want to do, always keep writing and evolving. Our first projects are not what defines us. We all have to start from somewhere to grow, it’s so important to never give up on it.
Can you share with readers a little bit about your latest book?
My latest book titled The Monsters Club will be released April 2022 by Northodox Press. It’s a YA thriller about all things hacking and youth psychopathy. Exploring the darkest parts of the soul through a dark academia backdrop.
What made you decide to sit down and actually start writing this book?
It took me a while to really get into this book because it was so much more complex than anything I’d written before. I was used to working with fantasy and creating my own rules, however, there was so much structure to this book that it took me a while to feel the direction I wanted it to head in. Eventually, something clicked and here we are with the finished product!
Tell us more about your main character. What inspired you to develop this character?
I love characters that fall onto the warped side of real life. Ones we rarely see or hear the truth that lays in their soul. Junie Han is a master of lies, however, she also has sides to her that she can’t manipulate. She’s far from perfect and just a little evil. I wanted to share a character in YA that may have very little redeeming qualities, but I think it’s an important character to portray as so many people really can’t be redeemed. Junie may fall into that category.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
Reo Yamazaki was a fun character to write as they are nothing but themselves, full of vibrant energy.
Do you work to an outline or plot sketch, or do you prefer to let a general idea guide your writing?
I tend to write a short description of the book but other than that I wing it all. Outlines just don’t work for me.
What is your next project?
I’m working on both the second book to The Monsters Club and another YA thriller that has Shakespearean vibes. All about theatre school life.
What is one great lesson you have learned as a writer?
To never stop going for my dream.
Want to learn more about Lotte Jean Elliott and buy the book?
Waking Writer 