Our interview today is with international bestselling author Beth Elisa Harris as she discusses her book Vision (Vision Trilogy). This is the first book in the series with the second book, Soul Herder, scheduled for release in early summer of 2012. Before her interview, a quick description of Vision: The “Vision” trilogy spans over 300 years, starting on a remote Scottish island haunted by dark secrets and a violent past. Two loves, Sarah and Jonathan MacPhie are brutally murdered in 1731 by a jealous clan leader out for bloody revenge. The night before Sarah dies, she predicts her death in a letter to a distant relative Layla Stone who will be born in 1991. Three centuries later, Abbey Grace digs up Sarah’s letter in her backyard and contacts Layla in Portland, Oregon just as Layla leaves to study in the UK. Coincidence? Not in the life of a Clear. Once in Cambridge with her host family, Layla meets Stuart Fairchild, a friend of her host family, who seems more than familiar, mysterious and disarming. Layla’s once isolated existence turns upside down as she learns there are many things she doesn’t know about, including details about her workaholic mother and father. And what she doesn’t know could kill her.
Interview with Beth Elisa Harris:
What was unique about the setting of the book? The story takes place in multiple locations. In “Vision” the primary location is the UK (Cambridge, London), and specifically the Scottish island of Colonsay. Layla is from Portland, but she won’t go back until “Soul Herder” – the second in the series set for 2012 release. Colonsay is a personal location. Years ago our family learned we were descendents from the island, banished by another clan. Since hearing this, I’ve been a bit obsessed with that piece of my ancestry and built the story around the location. The clan names around the banishment are real, the rest is a lie.
What specific themes did you emphasize throughout the novel? “Vision” has been difficult to ‘classify’ with adjectives, and my readers agree. I have it down to ‘paranormal, historical, romance’ but these three words don’t necessarily sum up the theme. It has suspense, geo-political situations, humor…and, most important, an over-arching theme of personal growth, forgiveness, and love. Ultimately, it’s story of good versus evil, and attempts by the dark side to exploit Layla’s clairvoyant gift. There is lots of fast-paced action.
Do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? Do they ever! The main protagonist, Layla Stone, evolves from a secluded, intellectual, bookworm to a young woman falling deeply in love with a gorgeous, brilliant and worldly ‘young’ man while learning secrets about her family’s dark past. She also has a complicated relationship with her mother. Layla initially doesn’t think her mom really loves her. She believes they are as different as night and day. She basically feels abandoned and gives herself permission for independence. Through the first book, she learns about her mom and the extent of her love for Layla. This triggers significant healing between them. They are more alike than Layla realizes.
In what ways do the events in the books reveal evidence of your world view? Such a great question! First, I advocate good over evil (laughs). Entitlement and abuse of power really disgust me, hence the geo-political sensibilities. Also, I believe in the healing power of love (corny, I know) and the fact that people are all connected, and we are mentally and physically capable of great things.
Was there a basis for your story? Aside from what I already mentioned, I am intrigued by the power of the mind. I believe strongly in the sixth sense. I think we are all equipped with it – it’s our ‘inner voice’ – that ‘thing’ that speaks to us, guides us. Regardless of a belief system, religious or otherwise, I think intuition is real, it’s part of who we are. I experience it first hand on a regular basis. I wanted to take that concept and run with it. In the “Vision” series, Layla and others with powerful clairvoyants are called ‘Clears.’
What research did you have to perform to back up your story? I was equipped with documents around our actual family lineage on Colonsay. I have been to parts of the UK and have friends there now so the ambiance was easy. I lived in the Pacific Northwest for a few years so Portland was a snap. I used the Internet quite a bit. I think all writers do.
What is your method for writing a book? I am constantly flooded with ideas that I receive all hours of the day or night. If I’m in the middle of writing or editing, the character voices give me the dialog and they are very specific. I keep paper, pen and now my iPad handy to jot down notes until I can get to a computer. I don’t struggle with what to say next, but I lean toward obsessed about ‘how’ to say things. Words and rhythm are important to me. “Vision” is my first book and I launched almost immediately in to the sequel while starting another separate novel and drafting a few concepts for others. The first book is the easiest, because you are operating under complete creative freedom without expectations or deadlines or thoughts about what’s next. Once you finish and make a decision to publish, you enter the ‘Business of Writing’ world. It can’t be helped, but it creates new challenges to find actual writing time.
If you didn’t write what else would you do? Own a café so I could drink my own coffee and tea all day…and write. See? I can’t even imagine not writing.
What’s next? I am currently finishing “Soul Herder” – the sequel to “Vision.” We have not set a release date but it will be in the summer. Since the series consists of 3 novels, I will be starting the final book this year, as well as working on another novel already underway, “Flyers.”
Where can readers find you? Here are the links for ‘Beth Elisa’ in a bag! Just add water!
Thanks for hosting me! *waves*
Find Beth Elisa Harris on Facebook
Twitter @BethElisaHarris
Digital Book Today: Thank you for spending time with us and the best of luck in the rest of your trilogy!
Beth, I enjoyed reading about the story behind the book. Vision sounds like a great read. I’ll add it to my list. Good luck. This is a terrific spread on Digital book today.
Great interview about how Vision came about and your writing process, Beth Elisa. I love that your characters ‘talk’ to you! All the best for the completion of Soul Herder!
Hey, Beth Elisa! Great interview.
You said, “I believe strongly in the sixth sense. I think we are all equipped with it – it’s our ‘inner voice’ – that ‘thing’ that speaks to us, guides us. Regardless of a belief system, religious or otherwise, I think intuition is real, it’s part of who we are.”
I agree 100% percent.