What made you decide to use a pen name?
- I’m not trying to be trendy or mysterious, just practical. My name may change one day and I want to be able to have a consistent name in all my published work.
How exactly do you pronounce your pen name E. Ballay?
- The first “a” is “a” as in apple, not ball. So, same pronunciation as ballet (dancing) but with a different spelling.
What does your writing process look like?
- It looks different depending on what I’m writing. I don’t want to bore you detailing my process for poetry, a novel, a children’s book, or a blog post. But one thing that’s consistent no matter what I’m writing is that I’m always jotting down notes as ideas come. Some days, the ideas flood in the moment my head hits the pillow, and I have to get them down before I fall asleep. It’s what I like to call writer’s insomnia.
What was your inspiration for writing Tiki Tholley Reads Her Reflection?
- I was inspired by my younger self and my niece and nephew.
Who is the target audience for Tiki Tholley Reads Her Reflection?
- As far as reading age is concerned, the target audience is children 3-8 years old. Of course, there’s some wiggle room on that. If we want to get right on the bullseye, the target audience is any child in a new country who feels like they don’t fit in. But more broadly, any child who finds themself in any new place and feel like they don’t fit in.
What do you hope readers will learn or take away after reading the book?
- Being different is not a weakness. It’s a superpower.
Do you plan on writing a series?
- I have an idea for a second Tiki Tholley book. If and when that happens all depends on logistical factors.
What are some advice you have for aspiring writers?
- Oh my goodness, where do I begin? First off, don’t worry about what people will think. Write whatever comes naturally to you in whatever way that comes naturally. Your best writing and creativity come out when you’re true to yourself. That is your unique writer’s voice that only you have if you find the courage to use it.
- Second, remember your why. It’ll help you get through challenging moments.
- Third, write because you just can’t help not to. If you’re doing it for the money or recognition you’ll either be sorely disappointed and/or not have enough intrinsic motivation to begin and complete your writing project.
- Finally, be prepared to have a full-time or part-time job while pursuing a writing career.
Positively at E. Ballay 