Featured Interview With E.J. Norris
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Maine and I’m still here. I love being surrounded by all the trees and having the peace and quiet this state provides. Its a fine place for books to be born.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I always enjoyed writing. It was always fun to create people, places, and events on paper. However I got far, far better at when I got more into reading. For the eighth and ninth grade I was homeschooled because of a complex medical situation and it was during those two years that my love of books was truly born. I was a real couch potato to begin with, staring for hours at a flashing t.v. screen, and my mother knew that there was so much more out there. So, she gave me a bit of tough love by saying one day, “We’re going to the library. You will pick something and you will read it.” Now, when mom talks like that there is no arguing. I started with mystery novels; they excited me and I would always try to solve the mystery before the sleuths did. Then later I was introduced to my favorite fantasy writer, Brian Jacques, and I got hooked. I learned a lot from him and got even more into writing than before. I always thank mom for her wisdom in giving me that nudge. If it weren’t for her the depth of my passion wouldn’t have been realized.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Brian Jacques is still at the top of my list. I learned pretty much everything I know about images and scenery from him. Then there was C.S. Lewis who showed me Christianity and fantasy in harmony. Christopher Paolini was another writer I enjoyed. Among other things, he showed me good dialogue and characterization. Kathryn Lasky was another. She further sculpted my way of creating villains. Last, but certainly not least, the latest addition to my favorites list, John Flanagan. So far he has taught me more about character development over time and the importance of a steady pace. When I read I always try to learn new techniques for my bag of tricks
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My novel is The Mirror and The Sword, my first to be published. For me it began in the summer of 2011, mid July as I recall. I was seeking new inspiration and I prayed saying, “Lord the pen is yours. What do you want me to do.” Out of that prayer came the biggest idea ever! Piece by piece I began seeing a young man’s epic journey from a world of deception to the kingdom of the true king.
Summer ended and I went back to school. By that time I had moved on to public school and the idea went into the halls and classrooms right along with me. I successfully juggled it with my studies, writing whenever I could throughout the day. It was both a joy and a comfort to me. My bizarre medical situation did continue in the very background of things and each time I went in for yet another surgical procedure the story helped me escape the unhappiness and anxiety and during recovery it helped me strive to get well.
The initial writing of the story from start to finish took ten months. The typing and revision took about three. In sharing this story with the world around me I hope that it brings the same joy and excitement to others that it brought to me. We all have troubles and often times stories can give us the hope we need to overcome them.
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