Good morning Elizabeth and thank you for interviewing with us this morning. Please tell us a little about yourself.
Born and raised in Absecon, a small town in Southern New Jersey, I spent my childhood looking for ways to make sense out of life. This search blossomed into a passionate need to understand eternal truisms. My father, a Christian minister, taught me about the Christian Faith, from a fundamental point of view. But I saw a deeper meaning in Biblical metaphors and similes. After a lengthy career in human services and involvement in human rights and positive social reform I retired and began an earnest quest for a greater connection with Spirit. This has lead me on a spiritual journey that continues to this day. Along the path, I have studied the writings of many of the world's religions and through that study, have developed an understanding of spiritual law and the impact that our own thinking has on our lives. I learned that prayer and meditation, when practiced diligently, keep us aligned with the Spirit as we travel the worlds of God. I have discovered for myself, as have others, that all thoughts are creative. Through thought control, we can participate in the creation of our own world view. I am the wife of William H. Bowers. Together we have two children and four grandchildren. I have written many short stories, vignettes and journalistic articles. I am the compiler and co-author of "Pieces of The Tapestry", and am a prolific poet and student of metaphysics. Among my published works are "The Inner Garden", and a children's book, "Poetry Can Be Fun". I hold a Master of Arts Degree from Lindenwood College, (now Lindenwood University) and have been very active in the field of the humanities for more than forty two years. Look for my upcoming novel, "EPACE".
Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?
God is my inspiration for writing this story. My novel, “Every Ready Soul Comes,” is my testimony to the world of humanity that we are all one with God who is the Energy sustaining all that is with the word “Be.” It has and continues to be my experience that thoughts manifest materially, when powered with acceptance. Knowingness shapes our experience of the moment for good or ill. Nevertheless, we are all destined for greatness. The life forced within us continues to travel endlessly through the vast worlds of God without number as we continue to dance in the heart beat of God Himself. It is an allegorical fantasy work of fiction, showcasing divinely distilled dialogue that unites the various characters featured within the story’s sundry scenarios. From Compochia’s travels through the snow-filled land of Koobaca—a world brightened by lavender twin suns suspended in a cloudless purple sky—to the land between the old life and the new life called Beck Forest, a place where tired souls refresh themselves before taking their next spin of life’s wheel, I have created a ‘forever-forever land’ learning lab model illuminating discovery and inquiry of universal spiritual lessons and truths. It is available at amazon.com and is in e-book and soft cover. “Every Ready Soul Comes,” is also available for special order at most fine bookstores.
What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?
Fantasy and Philosophy. I am an avid student of all the scriptures of all faiths. I read a lot of associated essays and text that provide further insight into the religions of the world. I find that strip of customs and dogma, the same truth is revealed in the magnificent poetry and prose of the Holy Scriptures of all Faiths. The basic truth is the same: “As we think, so shall it be materialized in our lives and affairs. God is, and we are all one in Him.
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What was the biggest compliment? Did those change how or what you did in your next novel?
That’s funny. I’ve been asked not to advertise my book on Face Book by at least one person. Another person defriended on me on face book for daring to assert that the basic truths of all religions is not in conflict. The conflict comes when tradition and dogma enter the picture.
When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer?
I actually do both. I use my dreams for inspiration. I keep pen and notebook at my bedside. Before I lift my head off my pillow, I record everything I can remember about my dream. Do you prefer one way or the other? I use my computer’s Word Program to turn my dreams into prose or poetry.
What do you do when you are not writing?
At first light, I walk outside for an hour observing the beauty of nature and getting inspired by it. I do the normal things that we all must have done like washing clothes, watching TV with my husband, and reading the works of other writers.
Do you pick up some from your to be read pile?
I have an entire library of books I downloaded to my kindle from amazon.com. I retire early and read whatever I am in the mood until I fall asleep.
Compared to when you first started writing, have you notice any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now?
Yes, when I look at my earlier works I realize that my thinking is constantly evolving.
What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?
I love fantasy with a happy ending.
What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite?
The feeling that I have during the initial creative process is the best thing about writing. Like an architect, I develop the plot with attention to the scope. I plan my story by first deciding what I am going to write. I plot out the story-line (usually based on a dream) and decide the characters needed to make the story happen. I decide what each will look like in terms of physical features, personality, and fit. My least favorite part of writing is the marketing aspect.
When you walk into a book store, where do you head to first?
The Religious Section.
Why?
It is sure to have something of interest to me. However, since the advent of the amazon.com kindle, I buy my books at their kindle store.
Did you get to quit your day job and become an author or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?
My husband and I are retired.
What has been the strangest thing that a reader has asked you?
As I mentioned before, a person on face book called me a false prophet. I found that to be very disconcerting.
What is your favorite junk food vice?
Popcorn
Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?
I love to draw and paint.
Did you have any teacher in school that encouraged you to write? My high school English Teacher and my history teacher. Did you take their advice?
Yes I did.
We all have our little things when it comes to reading, is there anything that bugs you when you read a novel?
I have a horrible habit of dissecting the characters and the plot.
What do you listen to when you write? Do you find one type of music over another that inspires you to write? Why?
I listen to music that is without words, non-intrusive such as meditation music.
On a typical weekend, what can we find you doing?
I am usually at my computer writing.
Who are you with?
My eighteen year old cat Mandy. Since we both have computers in the same room that we call our office, my husband pops in for a short while to read the news updates and check on the weather.
What genre are you most looking forward to exploring during your writing career?
Mysticism.
Why?
Because all of the prophets of God are mystics and I am interested in their every word.
Who was your current novel dedicated to?
My husband William.
Any particular reason?
Yes, he is my rock and my greatest fan.
What are you currently reading?
Beautiful Creatures
Who are your favorite authors?
Bahaullah, Abdu’l-Bahá, Ernest Holms Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, Joseph Murphy, Richard Back, and Kahlil Gibran are my favorite authors. I read from their books over and over. They inspire me very much.
What authors inspired you to write this particular novel?
I suppose every author I have ever read has been an inspiration to me at least in some way.
Why?
Reading, like everything else, is a life experience. This is because we are all connected and denizens of the great sea of thought.
What 7 words would you use to describe yourself ?
I am spirit enjoying my human experience.
Which character is your favorite?
Compochia is my favorite character and the one that has taught me the most about my own hidden motives, fears and talents.
Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview?
Understand that “Every Ready Soul Comes” is an allegorical fantasy. Forewarned, leap into the adventure and simply enjoy it.
Thank for sharing with us today, Elizabeth.
Every Ready Soul Comes by Elizabeth Bowers
ISBN-13 978-1434369215
Publisher AuthorHouse
Softcover (436 pages)
Purchase the book here: Amazon
Book blurb:
Every Ready Soul Comes, is an incandescent work of fiction in which a true seeker searches for herself as she travels through the worlds of God. Her celebrated life and career in Sector One leaves her unfulfilled and feeling the need to go on searching for a more fulfilling purpose to justify her existence. She passes through tunnels of cold and desolate places. Her many travels are arguably the most thrilling and significant elixir of self knowledge and character development. Her power to influence others as well as circumstances grows with each step along the cobblestone path of her ever changing reality.
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