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On The Table Read, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author Elicia Roper shares the creative process that went into her new book, All That You Are.
Written by Elicia Roper
What inspired me to write All That You Are?
Reading inspires me. Authors like Nicholas Sparks & Jasmine Warga because they use their own real-life and personal experiences in their writing. That is so brave and inspiring, and it encourages me to do the same with mine.
What got me to start writing in the first place though was an assignment I was given to write a short story in my grade 12 English class. I wanted to continue the story for fun, so I did and I even was going to type it up too! However it got destroyed by mistake and that made me really sad and never want to write again.
I wanted to write again but was too discouraged and didn’t think I had the time to write anyway. Then the 2020 pandemic hit and I realized I had no more excuses. I decided I would do what I’ve always dreamed of, write a novel.
I wasn’t sure that I would actually finish it though (as I wanted to quit a million and one times). My friends and family encouraged me and my little sister especially by giving me constructive critisim. IF it wasn’t for them, I would have never become an author. I am so grateful for them.
Was there any person or people that I had in mind when I was developing these characters?
Yes
Athena:
Athena is inspired by what I think the best version of myself would be.
I also gave her similar flaws to the ones that I have too, so that I can see how it would look to overcome them.
Family that inspire the characters –
Alex:
is inspired by my younger brother (or as he likes to say he is my older brother and i am his “little sister”) We became really close recently around the time that I started writing All That You Are so he is a huge part of the book. You will see my relationship with him through Athena & Alex’s characters.
He is the best brother ever! He is the sweetest! He was so fun to write about and he loves that I wrote about him and brags about it to his friends! I really love our relationship 🙂
Sky:
Sky is inspired by my little sister Alyssa. She is the same one that encouraged me and gave me really good constructive feedback while I was writing All That You Are. If it wasn’t for her, I honestly would not have finished it! Even when I was debating publishing it, because putting my work out there (my heart and soul) for people to see and critique terrifies me (it still does even now) she pushed me in the right direction and made me want to publish All That You Are.
I am so grateful for her!! She is also pretty snarky and funny as you will see with Sky’s character. It was funny how everytime I wrote something that Sky said my little sister Alyssa would say: “Hey, that’s my line!! There’s my line again! Wow I’m like the second main character.”
Friends that inspire the characters-
Violet
Violet is inspired by my best friend of 7 years. She is my ride or die. My favorite person in the whole world! There is a quote from the book that is a direct quote from something she told me years ago, that I memorized and hold so very close to my heart. When I am feeling down I recite it outloud and it brings me so much comfort.
“Can I tell you what I think?” She nods. “You have a strong sense of loyalty to your friends and family and that’s why you’re very hurt when you’re let down. You give out love and rightfully expect back the same love in return. But that’s not because you are sensitive, it’s because you have a big heart so when you love someone, you give them all of you and it hurts if they don’t do the same.”
My best friend has always been there for me through the thick and thin and I am so grateful to have found a gem like her. So happy to have her in my life!
Isabella:
Isabella is inspired by the sweetest 11-year-old little girl you will ever meet. What an honor it is to be called her best friend. She gave me a gift with this note inside and it brought me to tears! I included this note as Isabella’s gift to Athena:
“Dear Athena, you have been the best friend. No one ever treated me this way like how you treat me and don’t care about my age. People other than you they care about my age, if they see I am younger they won’t include me. But you included me in everything, so I want to give you a token of my appreciation.” – From Isabella
What is my writing process? Do I write at certain times, in certain settings, etc?
I write whenever I am inspired to write.
It always ends up being at a time when I am busy with something else lol I have a notepad on my phone and I keep a notebook with me always.
If I am in the shower (I’ll hop out and grab my phone) If I’m driving I’ll pull over and make some notes, If I’m at work I’ll sneak away to write more notes
I found out that I have to write as soon as the idea pops into my head or it’ll be gone forever!
What was my publishing process like?
The formatting design is all thanks to Draft2Digital, they are a free indie author service dedicated to helping self-published authors make their dream come true. It was my first time working with them and they have excellent customer service skills and tools to help indie authors. It was a really smooth transition, I would recommend them to any author that would like help with the formatting and publishing process.
The first graphic designer that I worked with it wasn’t the best experience. I have to say that my new graphic designer Putu from Upwork made my DREAMS COME TRUE. He gave me an opportunity to create the book cover of my DREAMS. He is so kind, creative, thoughtful, and patient!! I WOULD DEFINITELY WORK WITH HIM AGAIN FOR MY BOOK SEQUEL! His insight and designs are PHENOMENAL!!!! I got so much more than I could ever ask for!! I am SO THRILLED to release my paperback copy of my very first book – All That You Are A Novel by Elicia Roper.
How many tropes are there?
13 tropes!
They are:
🍭YA Sweet & Clean Romance
💘Friends to Lovers troupe
😩Guy Falls First
💞”It has always been you”
💫Dual POV’s
🍩Cinnamon roll hero
💥Firecracker heroine
😂Entertaining family dynamics
♾Besties Crew
👏Mental Health Rep
✨Wholesome relationships
😭She cares for him when he has nightmares
🍬Sweet and endearing friendships
What is one booked that got me hooked on reading?
Gallagher Girl Series by Ally Carter
It was when I first read her books in middle school that I haven’t stopped reading since!
Do I have any recommendations, tips, or tricks that I’d like to share with other new authors?
Reading definitely is #1 it’s what inspires me to most to write
Music #2 Music has always been a big inspiration for me as well
Write down Everything even if you hate it
“You can’t edit a blank page”
“You only fail when you stop trying”
“No one else is like you, and that is your superpower”
Is there any advice that I would go back and give myself throughout this journey?
Don’t be so hard on yourself
Take your time and have fun enjoy the process
What are some of my personal favorite books I’ve read throughout my life? Do I see them in a new light after having written my own novel?
A walk to remember
Five Feet Apart
My heart and other black holes
Yes for sure! It feels so weird and surreal that I’m taking the same path as the authors I admire
Find more from Elicia Roper now:
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