I don’t know about you, but when I read a book or watch a movie, I love reading all about the actors and the person that wrote the book as this gives me a more rounded view of the person behind the book or the character on the screen. It’s one of my favourite past times which I’m sure irritates my family to no end because they then get a whole lot of useless information thrown their way, haha! This is one of the reasons that I love to interview posts of the authors whose books I’m reading or have read. I hope that you will also enjoy getting to know Elora Canne.

It’s Q & A Time!

#1 Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to start writing?

While on a gap year travelling the world with my husband, I created a travel blog simply to keep track of our whereabouts for family and friends. While writing in the blog daily, it soon became apparent that there was a story to be told. Not only about our travels, but also about the awakening we were experiencing as a couple growing closer together despite having been together for a very long time already.

#2 What motivated you to write your latest story which is being released on the 13^th of March 2025?

Once I’d started recording our personal story of relationship longevity, it became clear to me that not all couples are as fortunate as we were to grow older and better, together. I started observing older couples through loss, new relationships and emboldened self-discovery. This is where the inspiration for my novella, Love & Laughter, came from.

#3 Could you describe your writing process? Do you have any specific routines or rituals?

As those in the know say, the only thing consistent about me is my inconsistency. I do have a dedicated writing space on a gorgeous fold-out desk and the only routine I can guarantee is that there will be a cup of coffee present if I am sitting at my desk. On a more serious note, though, a lot of my manuscripts start out as handwritten ideas which I later transfer to digital copies on my laptop. That’s the most consistent routine or ritual that I have regarding my writing process.

#4 How do you develop your characters and plotlines? 

In the writing world, there are two main types of writers, plotters and pantsers. I’m definitely a pantser, allowing the characters to write their own story. As far as developing their character, in my latest book, Love & Laughter, I will confess that the multiple female characters each have a little bit of me in them. The male characters were purely from life observations and people-watching. Characteristics in the little mannerisms that often happen subconsciously; sayings and nicknames that people pick up; and listening in on conversations are all ways to develop the richness of a fictional character.

#5 What themes do you explore in your writing? Why are these important to you? 

I developed a keen interest in two main areas of my writing. The longevity and quality of long-term relationships, and the forming of new relationships later in life. I guess that would fall under the mature relationships theme, both in duration and age because I firmly believe and, in fact, know, that relationships can improve; and that there are actionable ways to improve certain areas of relationships. One caveat being that I am not referring to damaging relationships where abuse is present.

#6 Are there any messages you hope readers will take away from your work?

In my writing, I have a mix of deep-thinking prose and light-hearted humour because it’s my wish that readers find joy in discovering themselves upon reflection of their values while recognising the value of accepting others’ differences.

#7 What are some of the challenges you face as a writer?

I have three non-fiction works all centred around relationship success and I found these to be deeply personal and therefore challenging. That is why I turned to writing fiction but still in the relationship arena; it was so freeing to be able to write my ideas in a world of fictional characters.

#8 What has been the most rewarding part of being an author?

First of all, being an indie author can be very isolating as we are our own team in its entirety. But I cannot extol highly enough, the support of indie authors and small businesses online. The community is a true hub of sharing, helping and support.

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#9 Are there any authors who have influenced your writing? In what ways?

When I started in the fictional realm of writing, I sourced authors who specifically wrote midlife romances. Two authors stand out to me, Jasmine Guillory and Marcia Willett. Their books helped me clarify what kind of romance I wanted to write, and I knew from there that I wanted closed-door romance. I also discovered from Joanna Nell, and Sally Andrew’s books, the importance of including the observations of adult children regarding parental relationships later in life, because their concerns are valid and can impact their own relationships as well.

#10 Are you working on any new projects after your book that’s been released soon?

I have begun writing book two in The Midlife Romcom series and I have almost completed another nonfiction short story. This one is about a trip I took to Uluru with my sister, it’s called Sisters in the Outback: an Uluru Adventure, and will be released later this year.

#11 Is there a genre or type of story you’d like to explore in the future?

Definitely! I have dabbled in low fantasy to learn the ropes. I actually have a completed low fantasy manuscript but am considering a different pen name, so I haven’t pursued publishing that one yet. It’s called Forest of Sun and Shadows.

#12 Could you recommend a few books that have inspired you or that you think every reader should read?

I absolutely loved the blend of human introspection and second-chance fantasy in The Midnight Library, but whilst that may not be for everyone, I highly recommend The Island of Missing Trees. The story affected me deeply. It touches on forgiveness, long-term relationships, and adult children impacted by their parents’ decisions. I loved everything about it.

#13 Do you have any quirky writing habits or superstitions?

I have a collection of crystals and often select one for my desk when I need focus or creative flow. I don’t know all the names and properties of my crystals so I use whichever feels right to me at the time.

#14 What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting out?

Just write. Write it all down, every thought, every idea even if it feels out of place at the time because you might just forget what you wanted to say at a later stage.

#15 Is there something you wish you had known when you began your writing journey?

Don’t expect your first draft to be your published manuscript. There is a lot of polishing and depth to add before your story will feel aligned with your expectations for it.

#16 Are there any anecdotes or personal stories related to your writing that you’d like to share?

Embrace the fear and do it anyway. I feel like that is a famous saying but I’m not sure where from. However, it has stood me in good stead for this perilous and rewarding author journey.

#17 If your book could be turned into a movie, who would you cast as the main characters?

Julia Roberts. I share her same raucous laughter.

A quick note! Elora Canne’s new book is being released next week on the 13^th of March 2025. I will be doing a book review on it on that day. I was honoured to receive an ARC copy of Elora’s book Love & Laughter (and Other Disasters) in order to give an honest review. Keep an eye out for it next week.

Social Media Links for Elora Canne:

Author Blog
Instagram
Facebook
Threads
Goodreads
YouTube

Have you heard about this book? Would you like to read it?
What do you think about it?

That’s it from me for now…

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Enjoy the moments

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