Author Interview: AK Cooper-Elliot
"Thousand of authors have written numerous amounts of books and it just takes one of their stories to make it big."
Today’s interview is with AK Cooper-Elliot, author of the Lilly Everlea Series.
AK, tell me about yourself.
I am from Yorkshire, and I live with my mum, husband, and dog. My children are all grown up and have flown the nest. One child lives in New Zealand and the other lives five miles away from me.
I retired early from my executive role in 2020, because of my Multiple Sclerosis. Once a whizz-kid, I dramatically found out that I couldn’t keep up with my team, especially on conference calls to the states. I struggled terribly and had to reduce my hours. When covid broke the country, my company asked for voluntary redundancies.
My name was the first to appear on my director’s desk at 6:00 a.m. the next morning. Everyone was shocked. My team members were younger than me and had young families to support. For me, it was an easy decision to go and that would allow my team to take on my role. No brainer.
My job was stressful working in the procurement sector. I travelled to Italy on business and had tough negotiating tasks involving company contracts. Doing accounts and purchasing was a great job, but do I miss it? The answer is no. It opened a new chapter in my life.
When did your writing journey begin?
My writing journey began years ago. I have always loved reading as a child, and I wanted to star on TV programmes like Jackanory and Why Don’t You? I would write my children’s stories in notebooks and read them to my dolls. My bedroom was set out like BBC’s Playschool studio with dolls and Lego all over the floor. Mother was never too pleased when she hoovered my room.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I have always wanted to write, and I bought myself a home study course, years ago. I found myself writing ideas for novels when my meetings were boring, or if my computers used to crash and I had to wait for IT to fix the problem. Once I was in a five-day conference and my company laptop just packed in. The guy hosting the event would not stop for anyone. So, I got left behind. I didn’t panic, I just got my notebook and created one hell of a story. Was the conference beneficial? Yes, for my novel!
And how many books have you completed?
I have published six books and have another one coming out shortly. Next year I have another three books lined up for publication.
What are you working on right now?
I am writing the new Lilly book: The College Years. Lilly Everlea is twenty years old, and she investigates the mystery of two missing students from her college. The idea flows from the Lilly Everlea Series, (children from 6+). This book is more intense for children from 12+.
What's been your biggest challenge as a writer?
My biggest challenge as a writer is my Multiple Sclerosis. There are times when I cannot function with fatigue. I write backwords, miss words out and I seem to be ahead of myself. I struggle with my hands, and I cannot use a laptop keyboard. I use an ergonomic wireless keyboard instead.
My nurse admires the fact that when a challenge hits me, I find a solution and work around it. I think that comes from adrenaline for motorbike riding and throwing myself off mountains skiing. That happened a long time ago when I was well and much younger.
Podcasts are the worse for me because I struggle to think and to get my words out. My friends can see it when they watch the shows, but everyday people think I am clear. I will continue to battle this disease.
Which online platforms help support your journey?
My journey is supported by LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. I am on Facebook, but I seem to do better on these sites. My only complaint is that I get hounded by so called marketing experts. With my experience I tend to ignore them because some are scammers or offer you a poor service.
Where can people find you online?
People can find me on Akcooperelliot.com, as well as on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Do you have any big plans for the future?
I have no big plans. My wish is for someone to write a script for the Templeton-Miller Dynasty and then I can watch it on Netflix.
At the moment, TV is short of ideas and the same old programs are repeated or lets just watch boring reality TV. Where is the exciting new material? There are so many great novels out there itching to be put on the big screen.
Finally, can you share a golden nugget of advice for aspiring authors?
My advice for aspiring authors is never to give up on your dreams. Try and maintain control from start to finish with your book. Seek legal advice when reading through contracts. Traditional Publishers are all not what they seem, look at other options like Hybrid and Self-Publishing. It may take you years to publish a best seller, but one day someone will read that book.
Thousand of authors have written numerous amounts of books and it just takes one of their stories to make it big. Remember to brand market your name and one day that winning lottery ticket will come in.