Interview with Elise Phillips

Author of Healing Hope

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was raised in Amarillo TX, which is where I still call home.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I’ve always written. But I never felt like a writer until I went back to school after nearly 14 years away from higher education. During my work for my Master’s, I found my voice. I found my tribe of writers. And I turned my thesis into my first novel.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My books are about imperfect people. People who have fallen away from their faith. People angry with God. People finding their to faith for the first time. My own faith is carried throughout the stories. Of course, so is my deep love for the state of Texas. They’re books that, I hope, will lift people up, make them laugh and cry, and give them a little escape from the real world for a time.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

When I have to pick a group of people, I say I aim my books towards women of all ages. In reality, I’ve had both men and women from all age groups tell me they’ve loved my stories. So, in reality, I think anyone can connect to my stories.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I’m always surprised by my characters. I create them. I write their stories. But they always do things that I didn’t intend. They always take a direction I wasn’t planning on.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

I wish I could go back to the timid writer I once was and tell her to ignore every single negative comment. The teacher who said I didn’t have what it takes to be a real writer. The friends who said a story was boring or stupid. And the negative comments I told myself. I’d tell her that she is a real writer and that the world needs her stories.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Ideally…everyone. Realistically…also everyone.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Writing. I know that sounds crazy, but writing is both fun and frustrating at the same time. Writing is hard and exhausting and not always something that I want to do. It’s worth it even if it is a massive challenge.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I think my strength is in my stories. I know that is where my skill set lies. I work in marketing but marketing myself and my stories is always a challenge. The stories come naturally though.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My marketing. As I said, that’s my day job. I spend 40 hours a week marketing for my employer. The last thing I want to do is come home and do more marketing. Plus, I work in a totally different field from books. It’s a totally different kind of marketing.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I’m working on my fourth novel right now.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I was traditionally published for my first two books. Right before my third book was to be released they decided to close the business. Thankfully, I was able to get back rights to all three books which I then self-published.