Your questions answered!

As promised on my facebook post here are the answers to the questions you all posted for me.

Did you know what Book 3 was going to be about or did your ‘fans’ influence the storyline?

I had a plan from day one of writing my trilogy about where I wanted the books to go but mostly my characters led the story from book to book. I usually have a set start and a set end and a rough idea of direction but this can change hugely as characters develop.

What inspired you to start writing?

I have always been good at forming stories in my head and I found early in life the only way to rid myself of them was to write them down. Once I realised I had a knack for writing long stories I just started writing them more frequently.

Where do u get ur inspiration for the books from?

I can get inspiration from so many things, books, movies, songs. Things I see in life. Sometimes even a phrase someone says will spark something in my brain that will develop. I find that a simple idea will then grow in my head over days and weeks until I have enough to put it on paper.

How long from the thought process does it actually take you to have the book written?

From an idea, it normally takes a couple of weeks mulling it over then another week on research if it’s in a specific place or topic and then I can write the first draft of a book in as little as two weeks. A fully finished story after a few run throughs can take a month or more on top of that depending on how focused I have been.

What inspired you to come up with Emma’s s story line and background?

Honestly, a combination of things. Seeing the fifty shades movie for the first time after having never read the books, reading a book about domestic abuse and my own past life experiences all combined to give me an idea about a damaged girl. Emma was a way of working out old issues and dealing with a character with a less than happy story and I really loved the high-flying lifestyle of Fifty shades, the idea of money and power.

Does writing energise or exhaust you?

Both. Depending on what is happening in the story while I am writing I can go through phases of energy and exhaustion, it can be emotionally draining and can also be rejuvenating. I can go days on end being really intensely focused and raring to go and then other days having to force myself to continue.

Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

I used to write under the name Lianna Marcel but I ended up using Liana Marcel as my artistic business name when I pursued that career. When I wanted to finally write again I had to go back to my own name when I  published books. I didn’t want my books associated with my art persona as they are so very different, my art is very youthful and fun and I did not want young adults buying my book thinking it was suitable.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Don’t give up on pursuing your writing, don’t get bogged down in relationships too young and experience more while you can. Experiences make for better writing.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

At the moment I have about 4, in the past I had many more but if I feel a story has nowhere to go I will happily delete it. I hate having things bogging me down and as I am a self-confessed perfectionist I will go so far in a story then throw it away if I feel its lack lustre.

How many hours a day do you write?

When I am in full blown mode I can write 10 or more hours a day until I  complete one whole draft. Then I will usually have a few days of writing less before I start again.

How do you select the names of your characters?

Sometimes they just come to me as I see the characters in my head and other times they have silly meanings to me, like small personal jokes. Related to people, places or things in my life.My books are littered with personal jokes.

Do you read your book reviews?

Yes, I do, although I have to remind myself to take a lot of reviews with a pinch of salt as readers can be harsh. I do find however that you can gain a lot of constructive criticism from reviewers. 

What was your hardest scene to write?

The hardest scene to write, in book 3 were the scene in which Vanquis hurts Emma and the wedding. Firstly I have had experiences in my past that made the Vanquis scene a little hard to get through and secondly I really do not like weddings. I was practically breaking out in cold sweats trying to get through and had to have my editor talk me through while holding my hand. Lol.

Do you believe in writer’s block? 

Yes, in the same way you can have painters block when faced with a blank canvas. I do however believe there are many ways to overcome it which work for me.

Thank you all for all of your questions, I hope I answered them successfully and hope you enjoy reading my responses.