Author Interview/Spotlight: Elle Bright

Fall of Darkness 

(The Darkness Chronicles, Book 1)

One woman, the fate of the world in her unknowing hands. One man, sworn to destroy her. A love so strong it defies nature. In a world of obsession, deception & betrayal, the line between good and evil fades, but one truth remains absolute. Darkness must fall.

For centuries, werewolf, Dominic Ridolfi, has battled the demons of the night, upholding the sacred pact to protect man from vampires. Yet when sent to destroy the long lost Cacciatori heiress, a vampire prophesied to free her kind from the curse of darkness, he finds himself reluctant to complete his task. The innocent beauty awakens his humanity and Dominic finds himself not in the role of assassin, but savior.

Swept away in a whirlwind romance, Kate loses herself in Dominic’s mysterious world of opulence and seduction. But Dominic has a secret. He knows the truth about Kate’s past, and her future, truths with the power to destroy them both. Only in her dreams does Kate sense the growing darkness within. Dominic saved her once, but can she save herself from the darkness within?

"Pure escapism at its best." -- Nicci's Book Blog

"Intriguing and well developed." -- Obsession is a Book

"Hard to put down." -- Author Emma Stone

Link:

Amazon * Goodreads

Most of my favorite authors are indie or self-pubbed, what made me you decide to go that route?

EB: There are several reasons why I went Indie. The biggest reason was that I wanted complete control of my book. I didn’t want anyone telling me how to tell my story. I wanted to be able to break “the rules” and write how I wanted to write. I didn’t really even consider traditional publishing.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

EB: I think the biggest surprise is how each story takes on a life of its own. It all starts out with an idea, but then evolves into something more. My characters have minds of their own and sometimes they take things in a completely different direction than I had planned. I love those little Aha! moments when a scene comes together and the magic happens. There’s never been a more amazing feeling than sitting back and thinking ‘wow, I wrote that.’

Which of your characters are you most like? Least like?

EB: My husband says that I put a lot of me in Kate’s character. I am scattered and self conscious. I can never find my keys. I’m compassionate to a fault. The funny thing is, when I entered an excerpt of Fall of Darkness in a writing contest five years ago, one of the judges said Kate was too stupid to live. I guess that makes me the walking dead, huh?

I’m probably least like Lindsey. She’s less cautious and more free spirited than I’ll ever be. She doesn’t care about consequences or about what anyone thinks. She lives in the moment. I’m definitely a worrier.

Do you have a particular writing habit?

EB: Definitely. I like to write either early in the morning before my kids wake up or late at night after everyone has gone to bed. Music is a must while I write. I have playlists that bring a specific mood and choose my music based on the scene or character I am writing about at the time.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

EB: Stanalei Fletcher has been a great mentor to me over the years. Without her guidance, my book would probably be a huge disaster. Kelli Ann Morgan, L.L. Muir, and Tiffinie Helmer have also inspired me with their knowledge and enthusiasm. I would not have had the courage to self publish if not for them.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

EB: I’m partial to my Utah RWA chapter mates. I see so much talent and potential in them. I also think that Emma Chase is a force to be reckoned with. Her book Tangled is very unique and well written.

What is the hardest part of your writing?

EB: Editing! I hate editing. No matter how many times I read a scene, I can always find something I would change. I could edit forever and still not feel like it’s perfect.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

EB: Write with your whole heart and don’t be afraid to take chances. Someone is bound to ‘get’ your work. When you’re happy with your product, polish it until it shines. I know my book is far from perfect, but there are so many books out there that need a good copy editor.

Describe yourself in three words.

EB: Dreamer, introvert, multi-tasker. I love using my imagination and expressing my creativity in any way that I can. I’m also painfully shy. I still haven’t let my husband read my book. I didn’t tell most of my family and friends that I even wrote a book until it was released (some of them still don’t know.) I enjoy a lot of alone time with my music and my writing. Multitasking is a must for me. I am a nurse, a mother, a wife, a writer, chauffeur, cook, housekeeper, and everything else in between. I’ve been told that I need to decide what I want to be, but I want to be it all.

I know characters are like children but if you could chose, who’s your favorite from your books? Of all time?

I have some characters in books that haven’t been released yet who could easily vie for this title, but from Fall of Darkness… that is such a hard one. I love the complexity of Alexander, the heart of Giovanni, the fun of Guy and Lindsey, and the overall package that is Dominic.

Any song or songs that could basically sum up the overall mood of your writing?

EB: Hmm, that really depends on the scene and the book. Fall of Darkness included a lot of Breaking Benjamin (Dear Agony, I Will Not Bow, Dance With the Devil), Stricken by Disturbed, Stay by Rihanna, Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy… I even had a Josh Groban phase (You’re Still You, She Dances, Solo Por Ti.)

Do you plot out your books or just freely write them and let the characters tell you what to do next?

EB: A little bit of both. I have an idea of where I want the story to go. I make lists of what needs to happen to get from point A to point B. I write the scenes as they come to me. After I string them all together, I fill in any holes. That said, sometimes the characters pull a fast one on me. I had no intention of writing a love triangle into Fall of Darkness.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider the biggest influence in your writing?

EB: Just one? Impossible. I read a little of everything, but would have to say Judith McNaught, Julie Garwood, Karen Marie Moning, Christina Dodd, and Sherrilyn Kenyon are my ultimate writing heroes.

What are your current projects? Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I’m currently focusing on Dark Redemption (The Darkness Chronicles, Book 2.) I also have a handful of fun chick lit stories and one inspirational-drama-romance in progress.

Elle Bright grew up in Layton, Utah. Elle currently resides in San Diego, California, with her husband, their three children, and their border collie. Elle graduated from Grand Canyon University with her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. As a practicing Registered Nurse, Elle specializes in Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care, and Emergency Medicine. Fall of Darkness is Elle's first published novel. Elle is a proud member of the Romance Writers of America.

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