#AuthorInterview with E.C. Hibbs

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Please allow me to introduce fellow author E.C. Hibbs.  E.C. is the author of several novels, including the Tragic Silence series and MIPA Nominated YA fantasy Blindsighted Wanderer, and co-author of the award-winning charity anthology Dare to Shine. She also writes under the non-fiction pseudonym Charlotte E. Burgess, producing books on meditation and New Age subjects.

As an artist, she works in a variety of mediums such as graphite, acrylic paint, papercutting, and digital photomanipulation. She  holds a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and a Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Conservation from the University of Chester.

Besides writing, she reads obsessively, her favourite genres being the classics and all kinds of fantasy. She enjoys Disney and horror films, practising Shotokan karate, archery, hiking up mountains, and playing with her very cheeky cat Millie-Moo. She also models for the UK Alternative Fashion Fest in aid of local charities and S.O.P.H.I.E., and is an avid supporter of WWF.

​She resides in Cheshire, North-West England, where she co-owns the family business Earthkin alongside her mother.

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Please Introduce us to your Blog.  What is it all about?   What sorts of posts do you lean towards?

I used to run a traditional blog on my website, but I’ve recently moved over to YouTube because I find it more interesting to talk about topics to the camera. I tend to speak about writing tips for authors, which I often break down into five steps. I also cover my favourites from across the creative world, my thoughts on certain topics, and the occasional tag for fun. You can find me at www.youtube.com/echibbs

What Inspires and stirs your creativity?

It’s usually my readers and watchers getting in touch to tell me what areas of writing they are struggling with – I try to structure my posts around genuine problems, and it helps me to give back to everyone who enjoys my books and content. And sometimes an idea will just pop up out of the blue! I never really know!

What Message, if any, do you hope to Share through your blog/posts?

I want to show my fellow authors that while writing can have its problems, there is always a way to solve them and create the book you want. All you need is patience, determination, and a sense of humour!

Tell us about your book(s):

I would class my books as all falling in the Young Adult fantasy range, but no two are ever the same. I’ve written medieval fantasies, paranormal thrillers, gothic stories, and more – each one dealing with different age groups, themes and locations. I suppose the thing which links them all is that they are all very character-driven. I really feel that characters must be believable, whether they’re protagonists or antagonists, for a story to work. So all of mine have layers to them and I spend a lot of time working out their psychologies, to make sure they are as real as possible.

What Inspired you to write your book?

I’m often influenced by myths and legends from around the world, but for The Sailorman’s Daughters, I didn’t need to look too far. It’s inspired by a story from Cornwall called The Mermaid of Zennor, combined with a few other maritime folktales and myths. It’s a common theme that sailors are seduced by mermaids, who then wreck their ships. But I thought, what if one sailor came home to his family on the land, but also had another child: a mermaid child? From that, the book was born.

From what Point of View do you prefer to write? Is there a reason?

I prefer third-person because I feel better equipped to move between characters and get a multitude of angles on a story. But I wrote first-person for the Tragic Silence series, and I didn’t mind it at all. I suppose I’ll just use whichever POV best suits the story in question!

How would you describe your “Voice” or Style of writing?

I’ve been told that my style is quite lyrical, and I would agree with that. Growing up I read a lot of classic literature and I think the old way of writing has rubbed off on me. I like creating prose that lets the mind wander a little, and ties in with the world and characters.

Do you painstakingly plot out your story; are you a discovery writer or a bit of both? Why?

I’m a bit of both, but I only let each kind of writing take centre stage at certain times. I spend a lot of time preparing for a book – it’s often longer than what I’ll spend actually writing. I do a ton of research and character development and then write the bare bones of the story in a walkthrough. I use that to figure out where the chapters need to be, find any plot holes before the real work begins, and then allow it to be like a guiding hand so I don’t wander too far off track. But with that done, when I actually write the story, I can really explore and go deep without worrying too much, because I’ve made myself an anchor with all the preparation work. I think it’s best to try and walk the line between both.

 

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If you had to describe yourself to someone who has never met you, what might you say?

I’m a 26 year-old animal lover, Disney freak, and chocoholic. I’m also what you’d probably get if Wednesday Addams, Alice in Wonderland and Tinker Bell were thrown together.

When you are NOT writing, what is your favourite pastime?

I’m also an artist, so I love drawing, painting and paper-cutting – all my artwork can be found on my website alongside my books. I also use paper-cutting for my family business Earthkin, which I run along with my mother – we sell handmade figurines and silhouette jars as well as jewelry and clothing. In the activity department, I enjoy archery, karate, and hiking.

Describe Your Dream Getaway Destination.  Have you ever been there?  What makes this place Irresistible to you?

Without question, Finland. It might seem like a strange one to pick, but I absolutely adore being up in the Arctic, driving a husky sled and sitting under the Northern Lights. I go there as often as I can.

What “Charity” or “Cause” do you feel passionately about & Why?

I’ve supported WWF ever since I can remember, and especially since I studied animals and wildlife at university. Another one I’m really passionate about is The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, a UK charity which aims to stamp out prejudice, hatred and intolerance. I actually organized and co-authored an anthology on their behalf called Dare to Shine, which was released last year.

 

Thank You so much E. C. for sharing your time and talent with BnV 😉

Please do visit E.C. at her social places:

Website: www.echibbs.weebly.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/echibbs

Instagram: www.instagram.com/e_c_hibbs

YouTube: www.youtube.com/echibbs

Earthkin: www.earthkincircle.com

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~Morgan~