Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, I’m 14-years-old, and I just finished my first novel Games of Worth. I like basketball, love Jesus, and have a passion for the ’70’s TV show The Waltons (you should really check it out, it’s fantastic). I like eating too much pizza too often, I love Sweet Chili Heat Doritos, and I haven’t decided if I want to be a graphic designer or a front-end website developer when I grow up (along with being an author, of course).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest (and first) book is called Games of Worth, and it’s a YA Dystopian novel similar to the Hunger Games. What inspired it? Well, some of my favorite book series are the Hunger Games and the Divergent books, and I just really wanted to write something like. Mix a small bit of magic (or in my book, Mageic), and voila!, you have Games of Worth.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write my book down on paper first, and then I write the second draft down on the computer. It forces me to re-write the ENTIRE thing which is good for making my story a lot more refined and perfected.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite book of all time is probably Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline, and close runner-ups would probably be the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the Divergent series by Veronica Roth, and all of Stuart Gibb’s books. I’ve tried to learn from these authors, but I always make sure I maintain my own style of writing.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m starting book two of my Games of Worth series. Just brainstorming, spitballing, whatever.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think that Reedsy is a website that has been a lifesaver for me. It has the ability to connect you with any type of designer or editor you need, and also has a variety of priceless yet free tools and lists available to anyone.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I don’t really think I currently have the right to give advice to new authors, considering I’m barely a teenager myself and I’ve only written one book, but if I were going to give advice, I’d just tell new authors to not give up, and when people tell you that you won’t be able to write a good book or be successful by means of writing, use that and turn it into determination.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write. Now.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading Spy School Goes South, by Stuart Gibbs. I’m also reading Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer, by John Grisham.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully, I can get lots of people to find my book and download it. Right now, my dream is just to be able to sit back and think: “Somebody, somewhere, is reading MY book right now.”
What is your favorite book of all time?
Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline.
Author Websites and Profiles
Elias Barr Website