A Little Something About C.L. Brierley:
This fantastically talented young British author began writing in her early teens creating romance, fantasy, horror and action/adventure stories online. Having grown up loving books, films and shows in all those genres, she was hungry for an outlet to get her world out there to the public. So began her journey on Wattpad, she then ventured on to Inkitt in 2019 where her work and skill as a writer flourished, including her pride and joy Creature Seers.
Questions and Answers:
1. What made you want to be an author?
As a kid I had three things that made me want to be a writer. A love for reading, a vivid imagination, and a love for English class at school. Whenever I did creative writing at school I loved it and I did well in it. When I found online writing I started doing it too and the rest as they say is history.
2. Typically, what was the timeframe it took you to write your books?
It has taken me years. It’s a long process but I refuse to rush it for anyone.
3. Are you a planner or pantser?
I am a planner for sure. My plans for Creature Seers are so detailed and long that I think they would only make sense to me. I do a lot of research with that book too.
4. What would you say is your unique writing style?
My writing style is extremely detailed work in progress.
5. Whether it be traditional, self, or story book apps. How did you find the publishing process?
It is a process that I think gets taken for granted. Most people don’t realize how long it takes and how much you have to put into it from the planning to editing to getting it out there to promoting. You’re not stopping with it.
6. How much of your process includes doing research into your subject matter or plot?
Research is a big part of the process for me. It helps me develop the story and stitch scenes together and create characters.
7. How old were you when you first discovered your passion for writing?
I was 14.
8. When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing with your time?
Writing is my free time, but I like going to the cinema, playing video games, and I am part of a circus group.
9. Is your family supportive?
My family are very supportive!
10.What was one of the most surprising things you learned about yourself in creating your books (characters, location, plot)?
I have learnt that I like to create characters that aren’t the same old same old and a few that aren’t what people expect. I also get bored easily by story tropes that get repeated.
11.What is your favorite component about the genre you write?
My favorite component about fantasy is that it is limitless.
12.What advice would you give to help others become writers?
Write every day even if it is just a little bit.
13.Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I hear a lot from my readers and I love it, even if they have negative things to say about my writing.
14.Do you like to create books for your target audience?
To be honest, I don’t really know what my target audience. I just write stores I like and others like it even better.
15.What pulls you in about a book? Do you read a book based on the cover or the summary?
It has to be a combination of the book cover and the blurb to book me in.
16.How do you handle writer's block and what do you tell other aspiring authors who may be fighting or fearful about hitting that wall?
I am very lucky not to get writer’s block all that much, but when I do I try to work on something else and keep my mind busy. And to any other writer who is worried about this I’d l say to take some time away to refresh then come back to it soon. The writer’s block will pass. And don’t give up.
Final Notes:
Like so many before her, this young lady is someone I am in awe of. I only pray and wish I could be half the world builder she is. She has such an immense ability to create these characters that pull you in, stick to you like glue, and haunt you until her next update. She is definitely an author I want to see on either an Amazon bookshelf or Barnes and Noble.