E.A. Hennessey - Author Review

E.A. Hennessey

E. A. Hennessy is an author of fantasy and science fiction novels. Since childhood, whenever she happened upon a wishing well or other wish-granting object her wish would be the same: she wanted to go on an adventure. And so, she wrote the types of adventures on which she'd like to embark. E. A. Hennessy lives in Buffalo, NY where she works as an environmental engineer. When she isn't writing or working, she can be found dancing and making nerdy-themed candles.  - Goodreads

This lovely lady was kind enough to share Grigory's Gadget with me as well as answer a few questions so we could get to know her better! The review is several posts back if you would like to check it out. So, here she is... E.A. Hennessey! 

1.Describe yourself in 5 words. 

Nerd, dancer, introvert, optimist, empathetic

2. What was your inspiration for Grigory's Gadget?

I started writing the original version of Grigory’s Gadget (at the time called “The Necklace of Time”) when I was in junior high as a result of my fascination with pirates. The original story was about a group of friends who find a magical necklace that sends them back in time, where they are kidnapped by pirates. A lot of the story has changed since then – for one, there is no magical necklace and no time travel! There are still plenty of pirates, though!

3. What has been the greatest moment of your writing career so far? 

I’m not sure if this is necessarily a “moment”, per se, but I’ve really enjoyed getting involved in the writing community (especially the indie writing community). Everyone I’ve met and interacted with through Facebook groups, Twitter chats, and online forums is so supportive, creative, and helpful! Writing is often thought of as a solitary endeavor, and for the most part it is, but we writers need community support, too!

4. What books or authors made you fall in love with reading and writing?

I was a huge Goosebumps fan when I was young! I had so many of those books – my great-grandmother would constantly buy me more whenever she saw them. I was also a big fan of Bruce Coville’s books. As a teenager (and continuing to present-day) I really loved anything by Kurt Vonnegut and Clive Barker. Obviously they’re very different authors! I love Vonnegut’s wit and absurdity, and I love Barker’s very imaginative and (morbidly) beautiful stories.

5. What was the hardest part about writing Grigory's Gadget?

Editing! But, more specifically, editing on my own. It was really difficult to be objective and to make decisions about my story at first. I found it a little easier after getting feedback from beta readers, and significantly easier after getting feedback from my professional editors. Fresh pairs of eyes are so helpful!

6. And lastly, what advice do you have for aspiring writers?

I’m sure a lot of writers have heard this advice before, but it’s advice that holds true for me. First, if you want to be a writer, you need to write! Even if it’s only for a few minutes here-and-there, you need to form a habit of getting words on paper (or on…screen?). Second, if you want to be a published writer, stop thinking of that as some abstract, distant goal. I used to think, ‘Oh, yeah, I’ll publish a book someday…someday…’. Then one day, less than a year-and-a-half ago, I decided, ‘I’m going to publish THIS book. I’m going to work toward publishing NOW’. And that’s what I did. Third, research all of the options out there to decide what’s right for you. Research which publishers and agents might be interested in your work, or research means to self-publish. Join writing communities (in person or online). Watch webinars and listen to podcasts. There’s a lot of information out there! You don’t have to go into the world of authorship alone and blind!

Thank you so much for answering all of my questions. I can't wait for the next book! Readers, if you haven't picked up a copy of Grigory's Gadget... Stop what you're doing right now and head over to Amazon to order it!

- The Blonde Bookworm