We recently connected with Eli Rainwater and have shared our conversation below.
Eli, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I switch it up. I have a dedicated office at home, but sometimes I switch rooms or locations to get a fresh space and perspective. I also listen to things that inspire me, especially music, or go to a museum or a garden. When I really start to feel burned out, I stop writing for about a week and just read books. Some are old ones I love, some new by authors I follow, and some are completely new stories from authors I had never heard of. I also switch up my creative outlets. I play music and cook, so I’ll do something like that for a while. Or I’ll really immerse myself in Dungeons and Dragons campaigns with my friends to get a breath of creative fresh air.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a self-published author who loves writing the stories I want to read. I love reading and started at an early age, and I have a close circle of friends who enjoy hanging out with good books and sharing our stories. Deciding to write as a career was scary, but I love it.
I am working on three series of books along with some standalone works that are available to my Patreon subscribers, and my third book will be out this spring. I enjoy appearing at local markets, especially Thrift-a-Bull at Surf Club once a month and the Solstice Markets from Magick Makers, and I have fun appearing as an author at fantasy and literature conventions. I’m looking forward to being at Festival of Legends in Holly Springs and the Smoky Mountain Geek Expo later this year.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Writing, knowing how to track profit and loss, and knowing how to track marketing strategies. If you’re going to run a business, even if it’s as an artist, you need to know where your money is going and what works or doesn’t work in your efforts to reach people. Take webinars, look for resources, and ask questions!
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My brother and sister-in-law, who are incredibly supportive and loving, and my best friend. The three of them are my top cheerleaders, have great ideas, and come through when I need an ear or shoulder.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elirainwater.com
- Instagram: elirainwaterbooks
