Elizabeth Casanova is from a small border town in Texas and began her writing journey at ten. We had the pleasure of having this Author interview – Elizabeth Casanova for our blog. Check out this fantastic author and follow them for more amazing stories.
Elizabeth Casanova is from a small border town deep in the South of Texas, where Space X blasts Rockets and people travel for food and music. Brownsville, Texas, is home and where she gets her best ideas.
Writing had a passion of Elizabeth’s since she was a small child when she was published in a collaborative poetry book at ten. Inspiration was not in short supply ever since; however, it took her twenty more years before she gained the courage to publish her first solo book.
She hopes her stories will be the light for others to share their beautiful work and stories worldwide.
When did you start writing?
I started writing after a poem of mine was published in a collaborative poetry collection called “An Anthology of Poetry of Young Americans” in 2003. I was around ten years old. This inspired me to continue writing no matter what.
What was it like growing up?
I lived a difficult childhood and had to grow up fast. Mental illness, addiction, violence, and PTSD are things I was exposed to at an early age. Watching movies and reading stories was my escape from life’s cruelest moments.
How was your early life?
My early life was complicated as I lived through difficult times with my family, but I always tried my best to persevere. Holding on to my dream of writing movie scripts or publishing stories is what motivated me to continue my writing journey no matter what. It still keeps me moving forward to this day.
What has been the biggest influence in your career?
The biggest influence in my career has been my learning experience at SNHU. My professors and advisor have been so supportive of my work; they were the catalysts that gave me the courage to publish my work for the world to see finally. They gave encouraging words about my stories and told me I have the talent and drive to succeed. I need to believe more in myself as they do.
Tell us about your newest release.
My newest release is my picture book called “My Best Friend the Cat.” It’s about a cat I had and how we grew up together. The main topic is pet loss, and its theme is even though our animal friends leave this earth before us, they will always be with us in spirit. It is a book for all ages, as many people have experienced losing a pet and felt heartbreak.
Which book of yours would you call your favorite child?
“My Best Friend the Cat” book is my favorite because it means a lot to me as it’s dedicated to my first cat named Spikie. It comforts me as I know he is still with me in spirit.
What inspired you to write this book?
My cat appeared in my dream. In my dream, he walked over and sat on my lap as I was sitting in my room. I felt he was checking in to see how I was doing and telling me that everything would be fine. I was going through a tough time with my family, and this dream reminded me that I’m never alone, even when I feel I am. I wanted to tell the story that animals are loving creatures who stay by our side when we are kind and loving to them too.
What are you usually found doing when you’re not writing?
I’m also a visual and digital artist. I’m either creating artwork or designing projects. On the other hand, I take care of my family, which sometimes takes up all of my free time.
What does your writing space look like?
My writing space is clean. I have a desktop with a few notebooks on the side when I prefer to write on physical paper. When I get inspired on the go, I type everything on my phone and upload it to my computer later.
If you wrote your autobiography, what would you name it?
I would name it “Perseverance” because only God knows I’m trying my hardest to make it through tough times and accomplish my dream of becoming a successful writer.
How long did it take to write your novel, and what was your process?
My picture book “My Best Friend the Cat” took a few minutes to write. The hardest part for me was designing the images for it. My artistic style is creepy, minimalist, and pop art. The picture book required a cute style far from my comfort zone. It took months to find a style that worked for me and even longer when I became very ill. It took me about five months to recover, delaying my book and pushing publishing into 2023. The original publishing date was June 2022. My book “Voices From the Gray: 13 Tales of ghosts, demons, and the Unknown” took a few weeks to write. It’s based on my memories, so I had no difficulty writing. The designing process was also swift, as it was in my creepy artistic style. It took me about six months to complete the entire writing, designing, and publishing process.
Favorite reads?
“Black Beauty” by Anna Sewell and “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett are my two top favorites. Anything pertaining to animals and nature calls to me.
Do you have any book recommendations?
I studied anthropology for a semester, and we had to read the book “The Forest People” by Colin Turnbull. I also like to read about people’s studies or documentaries, so I found this book interesting as the author wrote in detail about his experiences in the Congo.
What’s your next big project?
My next big project is to write and submit a script for a film and self-publish a poetry book. They both offer me a chance to express myself through writing and telling my stories.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Keep moving forward, and never doubt yourself ever. Follow your dreams and live your life the best that you can.
Follow Elizabeth:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elizabeth-Casanova/author/B09HZFMG6L?ref
https://elizabethcasanova01.myportfolio.com/
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