Author Interview: M.H. Elrich!
Last year, I had the pleasure of interviewing my sweet Instagram friend and fellow author, Kayla Green (otherwise known as The Unicorn Writer). Today, I want to introduce you to another friend and author: M.H. Elrich! Her first fantasy novel is called Etania's Worth, which also has a sequel coming out soon. She is also the author of Toothbreaker.
Follow her online at her blog HERE, at Goodreads HERE, and on Instagram HERE!
Check out M.H. Elrich's books HERE, and her author interview below!
Q: When you're not writing, what is your occupation?
A: I am a Middle School ELA teacher. It can be crazy but also rewarding!
Q: What state/country do you live in?
A: I live in California, but I’m seriously considering moving to Idaho. It would be so much cooler!
Q: How long have you been writing?
A: I have been writing since I was a young girl. But I have been a professional writer since 2015, when I worked at a local magazine. I learned about publishing paths in 2016 and how to market myself while working at the magazine. Once I left the magazine, I went into teaching. Teaching helped me discover my writing process and how to teach writing to others. As a result, several of my students have won awards for their essays and short stories. One was even published in an anthology! I am very proud of my students and grateful that I have learned how to write better because of them.
(Hannah here: Wow! Doesn't she sound like the kind of teacher that anyone would be lucky to have? You're definitely doing something right to encourage and propel your students to such heights.)
Q: What inspired your stories?
A: My stories were inspired by books like The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, Eragon, and The Princess Bride. I also took my experiences in Lake Tahoe, Hume Lake, and Mt. Hermon to form some of my writing. Ultimately, my inspiration came from God, who is my “Muse” and helps me write character-driven stories interwoven with Scriptural messages.
Q: What is your favorite genre to write/read?
A: This is a hard one. I write and read Christian Fantasy or Christian Speculative Fiction. I prefer Young Adult fantasy over Epic Fantasy because I like to read books over a weekend. I also like my books with romance in them, so I tend to gravitate toward that subgenre as well. However, I’ve read many classics and may read more classics when I have more time.
Q: How long does it usually take to write your stories?
A: It takes me six months to write one draft when I’m working full-time, but then it takes me a year to edit and refine the story. I often have to write one draft and then rewrite it completely. Then I have to give it to an editor and rewrite sections in addition to correcting my word usage. It is a long process, which is why I haven’t come out with a sequel to my first book, Etania’s Worth, in awhile. I plan on releasing Etania’s Calling, the second book, this year.
Q: Tell me about your WIP!
A: Right now, Etania’s Calling is in the hands of the editor, so I’m dabbling in two side projects. One is a book about Tala, Etania’s mother, and how she came to marry Jakin and follow Melchizedek (my God figure). The other is Promisekeeper, the sequel to Toothbreaker, which I have ideas for, but haven’t written anything down yet.
Q: Can you tell me a little about your faith journey? Were you raised in church, or how did you come to find Jesus?
A: I was raised in the church and I became a Christian at a very young age. But I feel like when I started taking my faith more seriously was when I was in fourth grade and we went through a 40 Days of Purpose series for kids. During that time, I felt called to be a writer for God. My relationship with Jesus grew from there. I had to let God break down my perfectionism, find forgiveness, and experience his Holy Spirit to reach a level of spiritual maturity. I’m still growing and learning from God every day and I am constantly seeking to draw closer to God.
Q: Do you have any advice for other authors?
A: I have so much advice LOL. I wrote a lot of it on https://thecottagewriter.com/ which is my friend and I’s editing site. But, if I had to boil it down to one important piece of advice, it would be that you should write the story that God has given you. Don’t give up, Don’t surrender, and keep persevering until that story is finished.
Q: What are some books that have changed your life or that you continue to re-read?
A: It may sound like a cop-out, but the Bible. I’ve read it through twice, and I’m working my way through slowly with a Bible Study group. I also study it personally through devotions. For fiction books, The Blades of Acktar series by Tricia Mingerink, The Eyes of E’veria series, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, The Sorcerer’s Bane by C.S. Wachter, Strength, and others have all inspired my life with timeless truths.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: I know this is a totally authorly thing to say but I enjoy reading. I love curling up with a good book and finishing it during a weekend. I also like watching T.V. shows with my husband. He likes watching more reality shows, but I’ve gotten him to watch The Arrow and other shows that are more fantasy.
Q: What’s one unique fact or talent about you?
A: I am ¼ Japanese. My grandmother is Okinawan and she met my grandfather when he was stationed at an Air Force Base there. They fell in love and when they were engaged, my Japanese great grandfather threatened her life. She defied him and married my grandfather, eventually immigrating to the United States. This heritage is part of the reason I take an interest in Japan and anime. I’ve always wanted to tell their story, but I’m not sure if I want to tackle that kind of project either. Maybe someday.
Q: The most important question of all: what’s your favorite color? 😜
A: I love forest or olive green. It’s the only color green that looks good on me, as I’m more of a “Winter” as my mom calls it.
I'd like to thank M.H. Elrich for joining me today! I had such a fun time getting to know her. She's such a sweet soul, and I recommend following her on Instagram if you haven't already. Don't forget to purchase her books as well!
And, if you'd like to see her interview of me, click HERE!
