Actor and Author Joseph Elliot is the next kind so-n-so to grace Stoomio . Lover of houmous and vegan cookies. (not together I hope).
Joseph wrote The Good Hawk, The Broken Raven and The Burning Swift from the critically acclaimed Shadow Skye series.
Hey Joseph, go ahead and tell us about yourself…
My name is Joseph and I’m an actor and an author. As an actor, I’m best known for my work in children’s television, including Swashbuckle on CBeebies and Big Fat Like on CBBC. I am the author of the Shadow Skye trilogy, which starts with The Good Hawk and The Broken Raven. I’m originally from Bristol, but I now live in London. My hobbies include painting, snorkelling and playing board games.
What is your local bookshop and how can people find it?
Wanstead Bookshop is a wonderful and very friendly local online store; it can be found at wansteadbookshop.com. They have signed copies of my books and are giving away a free signed bookmark with every copy!
Tell us all about your books ‘The Good Hawk’, ‘The Broken Raven’ & ‘The burning Swift’.
The Good Hawk is an epic fantasy adventure story set in a mythical version of Scotland, with warring clans, magical beasts and dark creatures hiding in the shadows… Clann-a-Tuath are a rural community that live on the northernmost tip of the Isle of Skye, but when they are invaded and enslaved by warriors from across the seas, it is up to unlikely heroes Jaime and Agatha to cross the haunted mainland in order to rescue them. The first 2 chapters are available to read here.
The Broken Raven is the second book in the trilogy, featuring many of the same characters from the first book (the ones that survive…) as well as some exciting new ones.
The Burning Swift is the epic conclusion – As old enemies unite, only the most powerful will survive.
News has reached Skye of a vast army approaching from the south, intent on the annihilation of every Scotian.
As Jaime risks his life on an ancient and forbidden blood magic, Sigrid returns to the wilds of Ingland in the hope of an alliance. Meanwhile, Agatha is forced on a journey to the very heart of the enemy.
With the army marching ever closer, Jaime, Agatha, and Sigrid will need all their courage, cunning and sacrifice to survive the final battle and save the future of Scotia…
What was your favourite book as a child?
I loved The Animals of Farthing Wood series by Colin Dann and The Deptford Mice trilogy by Robin Jarvis. Anything with animals was a winner for me. Perhaps that’s why I have so many animals in my own books.
What was it that inspired you to become a writer?
I think the main source of inspiration was the books I read, particularly as a teenager; authors like Garth Nix, Philip Pullman, Ian Irvine, and later Margaret Atwood and David Mitchell. I got lost in these incredible worlds and would think, I want to create my own world like this one day.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Using too many adverbs! You don’t need them; use better verbs instead (Steven King’s advice, which I wholeheartedly agree with)
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
You’re never too young to start; I had it in my head that I had to be old before I could become an author, but that’s just not true.
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I was part of a debut writers group (on Twitter) of authors who all had books coming out the same year as me. Many of them have gone on to become really good friends, and it’s so great to have other authors to chat to about the whole crazy world of publishing. More than anything, they’re there to pick you up when you feel like an imposter (which happens to authors ALL the time)
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing?
I’m very fortunate in that I’m an actor as well, which is my other passion, and I love that I’m able to do both. If I wasn’t a writer or an author, I’d probably design board games, that’d be fun.
Has a book ever made you cry? What was it?
Loads of books have, and I’m not ashamed to admit it! I love it when books make me cry; it means I’m really invested in the story. A few recent ones off the top of my head: They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera, The Space We’re In by Katya Balen, and Half Lost by Sally Green.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Social media. It’s great in some respects for meeting new people, socialising (writing can be quite a lonely profession) and networking, but it’s so easy to get sucked into, and then you’re lost. I try to be strict with myself about how often I look at Twitter when I’m writing.
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
I recently treated myself to a really posh workbook and I absolutely LOVE it. I get so excited about using it, so it was worth every penny. (It was this dingbats one for anyone who’s interested: www.dingbats-notebooks.com/collections/wildlife/products/dingbats-a4-wildlife-green-deer-notebook#)
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
On the bookshelf next to my desk I have a Lego dragon with a wizard riding on its back. It’s one of my favourite toys from my childhood; it sparks my imagination and reminds me to always be playful in my work.
What does literary success look like to you?
Being creatively fulfilled and enjoying whatever it is you’re working on. Definitely NOT money or fame; if you want to be an author for either of those reasons alone, I’d suggest you have a rethink!
Do you Google yourself?
Absolutely not. That way madness lies…
And most importantly… What is your favourite biscuit?
Do cookies count as biscuits? Tesco have just released a new vegan double chocolate chip cookie and it’s INSANE. Thinking about it, maybe they’re my kryptonite…
Joseph thank you so much for coming on the blog and sharing some of your wonderful books and inspirations.
If you’d like to get your hands on any of Joseph’s books then here you go…
Waterstones: https://bit.ly/3rMD34a
Foyles: https://bit.ly/2PPX78y
Hive: https://bit.ly/2Oe9Lhc
Wanstead Bookshop: (for signed copies!) https://bit.ly/3wktsVR
And if you’d like to know more about Joseph Elliot (stalk online) here are some more useful links 🙂
Website: joseph-elliott.net
Twitter: @joseph_elliott
Insta: @joseph_elliott3
And if that wasn’t enough, Joseph is taking bookings for virtual school visits which you can find out more about here.
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