Eva, what have been the greatest influences on your writing in your life?

What really has influenced my writing has been my life experiences. I have travelled the globe, including a safari in East Africa, dengue fever in Central America and numerous other adventures. Ernest Hemingway is a prime example of an author who loved to experience before writing. I love learning about and living in other cultures.

I have taught biology at the college and high school level so I gained good experience in human nature, a must for any writer. My hobbies from SCUBA to horse ownership, belly dancing and even a short stint as a stand up comedian also helped develop my voice. I’m also a parent and married to my life mate which completes my life experiences.

Does your background in wildlife biology help you write your novels in any way?

Absolutely. My experience volunteering at a wolf sanctuary inspired the creation of The Wolf Maiden Chronicles, my paranormal romance lycan series. I also created Gaia’s Keeper, a fantasy about a woman who can do animal speak. I am passionate about wildlife and zoology and animals are important in all my stories. My degrees in Zoology and Biology do help get the science correct. I also volunteer at a local animal sanctuary as an animal observation recorder. With a timer I sit and describe in great detail an animal’s behavior every minute for an hour. Great exercise for a writer.

What draws you to write fantasy and mythological-themed stories?

I love ancient mythology and because fantasy is so similar, early on I became hooked on fantasy novels. I especially love animal lore and do workshops on the subject.  I love creating fantastical universes with cool mythological beliefs. I view the world as magical, which keeps me constantly creating stories which though not real here are perhaps very real in a parallel universe.

Eva, are you a romantic at heart or do you just think every good story needs a romance?

I am a romantic but I read non-romance fiction so a romance is not a necessity to a good story.  However, in the stories I write I prefer to include a strong romantic element.

If you spend one week in another author’s shoes, who would it be and why?

So many to choose from. However, I think the shoes would not be too different. Getting up, coffee and then pounding the keyboard. A famous author like JK Rowling would be fun to experience since her book signings draw a huge crowd. Honestly though, if I had to really walk in an author’s shoes it would have to be Naturalist and Humanist Jane Goodall because she travels around the world, meets important people and has a huge impact on influencing mankind on how to better our world.

To learn more about Eva Gordon, visit: http://www.ravenauthor.com/

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