Author Interview- E. Van Lowe

Today I would love to welcome author E. Van Lowe to my blog.
First, tell us a little something about yourself.

Hi there!
I'm E. Van Lowe, an author, television writer, screenwriter, playwright and producer who has worked on such television shows as "The Cosby Show," "Even Stevens," and "Homeboys In Outer Space." I have been nominated for an Emmy and an Academy Award.
My first YA novel, "Never Slow Dance With A Zombie," is a zombie novel with a comedic twist. It was a selection of The Scholastic Book Club, and a nominee for an ALA Award.


What inspired you to write The Falling Angels Saga?

The Falling Angels Saga is the name I chose for my 4 book series that began with Boyfriend From Hell. Having been a TV writer for so long, I really liked working on series. I initially thought of Boyfriend From Hell as a one-off, but then I thought “wouldn’t it be fun to spend more time with these characters.” Once I decided it was a series I got really excited. The second book in the series, Earth Angel, came out in December 2011.


How long did it take you to write Boyfriend From Hell?

It takes me about eight to ten months to write the first draft of a book. This is the draft I submit to my publisher and editor. It takes another month or so of editing to get it just right.


While writing how many times do you go back and rewrite plot?

I go back all the time. Every day I go back and refine. The plot of a book keeps changing as I discover new things about the story or characters. As it changes I need to go back and make the past pages work with the new ideas. So there’s no set number of times for me. As many times as it takes to get it right.


When you walk into a bookstore, where do you go to first?

I always go to the YA section first. I write YA and it is my favorite section.

How many books do you tend to read in a month?

In a month? Wow! I am a very, very, very slow reader. I read less than a book a month. I used to read more, but what with researching new books and ideas, and writing and marketing my current projects, there isn’t as much time as there once was. I usually have two to three books working at any one time.


In all the books you've read. Who is your most favorite character and why?

I think my favorite character is Seymour Glass. He appeared in several J.D. Salinger books. My favorite Seymour Glass story is A Perfect Day For A Banana Fish. Spoiler Alert: I caution anyone who wants to read this story- it has a tragic ending. I can't say why I like Seymour Glass so much, but I guess it's because I love reading Salinger's books.


State 5 random facts about yourself.

-I love pizza
-I am afraid of bridge
-I love tequila
-Even though I am a writer, I can't sit still very long
-I have a reputation of being a nice person. I like that


What are you currently reading?

Fat Assassins, by Marita Fowler and Imaginings, by Paul D. Dail. I recently finished reading, Clockwork Angel, by Cassandra Clare.


What particular place do you write in?

Definitely at home, although I can write just about anywhere. I have an office, but I like writing all over the house.


What is your favorite Genre?

I don't have a single favorite. I like Horror, YA, detective, and chick lit, like the Shopaholic novels, which I LOVE. My favorite book last year was Dreams of Joy, by Lisa See.


Paperback, Hardcover, eBook? Why?

Don't like hardcover books much anymore. Too cumbersome. I love paperback because I like holding a book in my hands, but I LOVE my eReader because it's like holding a library in my hands.


What's the best book you've read?

My favorite is Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger.


Any new projects coming up?

I have a book coming out in June, I think. It's the first book in my Hollyweird series, about a fifteen year-old necromancer living in Hollywood. It's called: The Zombie Always Knocks Twice.


Who does your cover art? Did you design it yourself?

No way could I do it myself. My cover art for the Falling Angels books is done by Adara Rosalie, a very accomplished cover artist out of Australia. For those of you who are interested, I have a wonderful interview with Adara Rosalie on my blog:
http://vanlowe.blogspot.com/2011/12/interview-with-earth-angel-cover.html#comments


What advice can you give someone who is thinking on writing a novel?

The hardest thing for new writers to do is FINISH. But if you don’t finish books, you cannot have a career as a novelist. Right? So no matter what, FINISH YOUR BOOK. Even if it stinks. Finish it. Set your mind to writing so many pages a day and even if you fail at that, finish it. Get in the habit of writing the words "The End." Finish the book, then you can go back and edit.


Thank you for stopping by and doing this interview. Is there anything you would like to share with the readers? And maybe tell them why they should pick up your book?

"I will let my fans speak. Here is my most recent Amazon review for Boyfriend From Hell:

This book was an excellent read. It was scary, fun, and witty all at the same time. Just when I thought I knew what going to happen, there was always some twist that changed things and kept the story going. I just couldn't put it down.
I especially loved the character of Megan. She seems like a typical teenage girl, not a perfect, can-do-no-wrong heroine. She was so easy to relate to because I could see teenage me in her and I'm sure the same would be true for a lot readers.
I also love her special relationship with her mother. They are so close and yet they were struggling to stay that way for most of the book. Despite the handsome men in their lives, this was my favorite love story of the book.
I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone I know and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series."


Where you can find author E. Van Lowe:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Website ~ Blog

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My Review for

Coming on Wednesday March 21st.