Gillian Eliza West, debut author of Ruin: The Infernis Duology Book One, lives in Austin, Texas. With a passion for mythology that has taken her around the world despite her fear of flying, she strives to infuse her stories with a similar kind of wonder and magic. Her first foray into writing for an audience was fan fiction, allowing her to hone her storytelling skills. When she is not working on her debut duology, you can find her snuggled up with her dog, Walter, and a book or her favorite fanfic. Meet Gillian: 

You are an author, but is it your day job? If not, what fills your days? I would say it’s half my day job. I also work as a yoga instructor, but I feel very lucky to spend a good portion of my time committed to writing.

Did you always want to be an author? No, I was an avid reader for many years, though I fell out of the habit in my early to late twenties, only to rediscover it in my thirties. When I was very young, I liked to write, but it was mainly poetry and things like that (as many preteens and teenagers tend to do).

What is your most recent book and what inspired you to write it? My book Ruin, first in the Infernis Duology was inspired by many different aspects of Egyptian and Greek Mythology, but what sparked me to begin was seeing a touring production of Hadestown the Musical.

What are you most excited about with this book? I’m excited for readers to get to experience the world I’ve created for them and fall in love with the characters I also love so much. It’s been a wonderful experience so far.

How do you handle setbacks and criticism? I try to take them in stride. Setbacks I try to reframe as an opportunity to reframe or reshape my plan for whatever it is I’m doing. Criticism (as in critical feedback from those on my team who I trust implicitly and are looking for feedback from) is an integral part of my writing process. I always want my writing to be the best it can be, so though sometimes criticism can hurt, I know it is always for the best of my work. Unprompted criticism from others, however, I try to tune out and focus on those around me.

How do you structure your day and make time for writing? It depends on the day and my teaching schedule, but I typically like to make myself a cup of tea, read through what I wrote the day before, and then start on the day’s writing goal (it’s usually one to three chapters a day when I’m working on a project). I give myself breaks as I go so I don’t get too overwhelmed.

What book uplifts you? Gosh there are so many books that inspire and also soothe me. I would say The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice feels like home. I’ve been reading her work since I was very young (let’s be honest, probably too young) and she has heavily inspired me as a writer. My favorite from the series is The Vampire Lestat, and I find myself going back to it when I feel lost.

Anything else you’d like to share with your readers? I am so incredibly grateful for this new step in my writing career and always want to thank the fanfiction community for giving me the confidence and the space to hone my skills and for all of their unending support. For new readers, I cannot wait to get to know you and welcome you into these worlds that are waiting for you.

Connect with Gillian Eliza West and learn about her books via her website.