20 - 24 January 2014
By
Lizabeth Klein
While he searches for the last king to gain total control, two orphaned brothers and an Elf girl begin a quest to locate the seven lost crystals of the Morning Star. This jewel alone holds the key to Morgran's overthrow. Their journey leads them through the perilous land of Gardenia, where their friendship is tested. But one dark secret threatens to tear them apart altogether ... Firelight of Heaven is the first volume in the Bethloria fantasy series. Greenheart of the Forest, Book 2 is due for release 2014.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Elizabeth (Lizbeth) Klein and I live in the Sutherland Shire with my husband, Malcolm. I have over 19 years experience in the classroom and 6 years as Tutor of English for both Primary and High School students. Four of my students have completed actual novels (unpublished).
I have published several stories for the Yellow Box, a reading kit for early readers in Primary School. I have also had many on-line Educational articles and lessons published as well as poetry and stories in two anthologies. Currently I am writing a fantasy series and have almost completed the fourth book. There are three to go in the Bethloria series.
My website is: Bethloria.com.au
The following interview was first published on Come Meet Ausjenny 17 October 2013.
The following interview was first published on Come Meet Ausjenny 17 October 2013.
Getting to know you interview:
1. Can you tell us a little
about yourself?
Well, I’m a daughter of
refugees who fled the Russian invasion of Hungary in the fifties. I grew up in
a small village with three brothers. We were quite poor. One day, someone brought
us a box of comics. I wanted to read them so badly, I taught myself to read. I
loved writing from an early age and spent all my time at the local library. I
became a teacher and taught for 19 years, then left and became a tutor and
writer of fantasy books. I live with my husband in Sydney.
2. When you were a child did
you have a favourite book or books?
As a child, I was drawn to
classical adventures such as Coral Island
by R.M Ballantyne, Kidnapped by R. L.
Stevenson. I also grew to love science fiction novels back then, but I can’t
recall any that I read apart from those written by Ursula le Guin. There were
also aspects of fantasy that I loved as a child, too.
3. Do you have a favourite
Genre to both read and right write?
It has to be the genre of
fantasy.
4. Did you have favourite
authors growing up who have influenced you?
Definitely the classical
authors whose writings are beautifully crafted. Lucy Maud Montgomery, Robert
Louis Stevenson, Ballantyne and Daphne Du Maurier were just a few.
5. When did you know you
wanted to be an author?
Early in life. I loved writing
stories in Primary and I wrote my first book back then. It was quite a good
science fiction story about a boy who discovers that he’s not human. Anyway, I
thought it was good.
6. How did you go about
becoming an author?
Lots of hard work, persistence
and prayers. I joined my local FAW and also a small writers’ group where the
veterans put my writing in its place. I learnt about show, not tell and many other aspects of writing about which I had
no idea. I admired these old time writers and wanted my writing to shine like
theirs did. I started to enter competitions and wrote for Viatouch, an
educational online site that accepted lots of my articles and lessons. Then I
had the wonderful Annie Hamilton mentor me for a week and I learnt so much from
her. When I felt my ms was finally ready for publication, I sent it to Rochelle
at Wombat Books, who accepted the first two books in my series.
7. If you were not a writer
what would you like to be?
I have no idea. I’ve never
contemplated a life not writing. To me, writing is the best vocation. Perhaps a
movie director might be something I’d consider as I love directing plays.
8. Outside reading and writing
what do you like to do?
This is probably a bit boring,
but since I have hardly any time to sit and watch anything, I really love
seeing a good movie such as Oblivion
or After Earth or Narnia. I also love grabbing some
take-away and going and sitting beside the sea with my neglected husband. We
watch the waves, the dolphins and occasionally whales spouting in the blue. And
no computers.
9. Do you have a place you
love to visit or would love to visit?
One of the places I’d love to
visit is Middle Earth, New Zealand and Britain.
10. If you could have a meal
with 3 living people who would you choose and why?
Just having dinner with my three
best friends and having a normal conversation (not about writing).
Hi Jenny - thanks for this insightful interview. I remember looking at the first draft of Lizbeth's work years ago and thinking, "I hope she's got the fire in the bones of a true writer because this is a great story but it needs so much work to bring it to a publishable level." It's a huge thrill to see someone who has the patience and dedication to work so hard. It's well-deserved! Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to read more about Lizbeth. Loved the answer to question 10. I really enjoyed this book.
ReplyDeleteLizbeth and Jenny, thanks for sharing your interview with us :) It was great to learn more about Lizbeth and her writing.
ReplyDeleteLovely to get to know Lizbeth better. Great interview, Jenny.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting interview! Thanks, Jenny... and great to learn more about you Lisbeth.
ReplyDeleteBritain's on my to-visit-list, too.