Fighting Prose Interview with Elena Shelest!

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.

Elena Shelest

is my interview this week!

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing poetry and making up stories probably since my early teen years. As an adult, I kept a journal. Writing was always my outlet for thoughts and feelings. In 2018 I turned this passion into a blog where I share my insights on topics such as identity, relationships, and inner-healing. I always wanted to write books and was finally able to start that process three years ago.

If you've written several books, which is your favorite?

I only published one book on Amazon so far - The Seven Lives of Grace, and it will probably always be my favorite. Every time I go back and read a few chapters, I am always amazed at how fun the story had turned out. I must have been super excited to pour out everything that had been collecting in my heart for years. I hope many people will be inspired while reading it.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

I love fantasy, but more on a lighter side, and that's the genre I write in, by mixing reality with imagination. I like to dream of things that seem impossible, and I appreciate books that uplift and bring hope.

How do you get in the mood to write?

I am a pantser, meaning I don't do a lot of prep for the story. I usually have an idea and just go for it. That way writing for me is as exciting as reading an interesting book - I don't need to be in a mood to get back to it because I can't wait to find out what happens next! But once the story is out of my head, and I get into revisions, then it's all about persistence. That said, I do have some days when I can't figure out how the story needs to progress. Then I just set it aside and read a good book.

How do your characters come together?

I get to know them as they go through their adventures. I usually like to have a name and some background, maybe a few obvious characteristics, but then I just follow them around and see what they do. (I did say I am a pantser :))

How do you get your ideas?

The Seven Lives of Grace was inspired by my desire to help women (and people in general) see themselves in a different light and realize their gifts. The book I am writing now - The Healer's Choice, is inspired by my love of history and my own ethnical roots. A free novella I wrote just for fun - Sweets Make Everything Better, was inspired after I encountered a grumpy bank teller :D. I think story-making is in our blood, plus we all have our own unique stories to share. I always find real-life events more interesting than made-up ones.

Who do you admire in the writing world?

This is a hard question as I read a ton of books. Do they have to be alive? There are many authors I admire from the past: Leonid Tolstoy, Jack London, Mark Twain, Jane Austen, Jules Verne, Alexander Grin... By the way, did you know that Agatha Christie is the world's best-selling and the world's most translated fiction writer in history with over 2 billion books? I like her too.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

Oh, goodness. I am always busy. I am a full-time ER nurse. I also have two boys who eat a lot and play a lot of sports. When I find time or inspiration, I paint or draw. This was what I originally wanted to do with my life. Maybe, when I retire. My art account is I also stay active on my author's account.

Have you always been creative?

I've been into art since I was a baby. Finally my parents figured out that it was cheaper to pay for art classes than to have me draw on wallpaper or use mom's makeup as paints. I still paint and draw, but writing takes a lot of my free time now. It's hard to do both because these activities require 100% of me. Once I get started, it's hard to let go until the piece is complete, and it takes longer with books than paintings.

Have you ever had writer’s block? If so, how did you get out of it?

I had one a month or so ago, and it was terrible. Honestly, I didn't believe this was a real thing until it hit me. I don't want to blame the external factors (2020 hasn't been the funnest year), but I think not being as active physically somehow affected my ability to create. I think we all need a balance in life to be most productive. So, I put aside my computer and went on a bike ride.

When you sit down to write, is it easy or hard? If it's hard, what makes you keep showing up?

It's fun to write. It's not easy to edit. I hate that part. I would rather be pulling weeds or washing dishes. What keeps me going is the story - I can't abandon it once I write it. I feel responsible to make it the best it could be. So I roll up my sleeves and go to work.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

Don't think that good writing comes naturally. It doesn't. It's a craft that needs to be mastered like any other. Take classes, read good books, get feedback.

What is your dream writing location?

I'd like to say that it would be out in the nature, but I actually write best in my comfy bed or on a couch at home. It would be neat to be in a remote cabin somewhere in the mountains, in the forest or on the beach, but I would probably get distracted and would want to explore.

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

"How did you come up with these ideas?"

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

My characters are normal people like you and me. They do get into abnormal circumstances ;), but I would say they are very relatable, so I wouldn't mind hanging out.

What do you think makes a good story?

When it pulls on the reader's emotions. If a story makes me laugh, cry, and think - it's a winner.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

As a child I wanted to work with animals. I read a lot of stories about wildlife and wanted to be an explorer or a zoo keeper. Now I have a dog, a cat, a bunny, and a few kids, so my dream was somewhat accomplished. I think we do a great job of dreaming big as kids. Let's not forget how to do it as adults - go after yours.