An Interview with Lisa Riddoch
Lisa Riddoch lives in Liverpool, UK with her husband, two teenagers and her doggy writing companion, Dex. She works full time as a programmer manager for a large retail company, but her passion is reading and writing.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
I’ve always loved David Eddings’ books and the way he could make a fantasy world real. I had a dream of the eventual storyline and wanted to make it real.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
It was relatively easy to find – I wanted something medieval so looked to Latin for inspiration. Praelium means ‘battle’ and book one is introducing both sides of the war – good and evil, light and dark.
Describe your dream book cover.
An image that really draws you in to a magical world with ethereal/magical background.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
The Court of the Crimson King, by King Crimson and The Boy With a Moon and Star on His Head by Cat Stevens. Both talk of a fantasy world, person.
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
Re-reading the David Eddings series to re-inspire me for book three.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I’ve worked in warehousing and IT my entire working life. I’m also working on a serial killer novel set in Liverpool. It gives me the opportunity to write whatever mood I’m in.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I always wrote stories as a child. I loved English lessons where the ask was to create a new story. I was always dreaming up stories (sometimes literally) which I’d want to put down on paper. My dream has always been to see my book on a shelf in a bookstore – and show my kids that anything is possible if you work hard toward it.
Where is your favorite place to write?
In the garden on a sunny day – I have an image in my mind that someday I’ll have a lovely cottage in the south of France where I’m sitting in the garden on a beautiful day with a glass of wine and a laptop.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Make time to set word count targets but don’t beat yourself up if life gets in the way and you have some time where you’re not writing. It shouldn’t be a ‘job’ on top of your own work.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
I’d love them to wonder what it would be like to live in that world and meet my characters.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.