Frequently Asked Questions
What are your books about?
I've written stories which range from vampire thriller to renaissance adventure, so on the surface they seem pretty different! But if you peel back the layers, there are a few central themes which always crop up. Practically everything I write is inspired to some degree by mythology or folklore, reshaped and adapted into a new story. There are always grey areas with my characters, because good guys and bad guys have flaws and redemptions in equal measure. But more than anything, the keystone of all my stories is acceptance in all its forms - not just of differences between people, but of past hurts, future uncertainties, and the inability to change everything you want. They rely on that quiet, unassuming strength, which we don't realise we have until we need to use it. They all explore the human condition through a lens of fantasy: shining a light on reality while taking you on journeys that prove you can overcome anything.
What inspires you to create?
I often use elements of history, legends and philosophy in my books, but I'm also inspired by dreams, nature, different cultures, fairytales, landscapes, music, and my own life experiences. I'm a person of extremes; I love both the light and the dark. But I suppose my main inspiration is my curiosity. I can never shut my mind down, and I love learning, so constantly imagining and researching things makes me wonder. My favourite question in regards to creativity is, "what if...?"
Where can I find you on social media/book channels?
I try to maintain a steady presence across several social media channels. You can find me on Facebook (@echibbs), Instagram (@e_c_hibbs), Tiktok (@e_c_hibbs), Twitter (@echibbs) and YouTube (@echibbs).
In regards to book channels, I'm on Goodreads, Amazon, Bookbub and StoryOrigin.
In regards to book channels, I'm on Goodreads, Amazon, Bookbub and StoryOrigin.
Can I contact you for an interview/commission/appearance, etc.?
In all instances, please contact me via this page.
I'm always happy to provide interviews and/or guest posts in the literary world.
I primarily provide book cover artworks and illustrations for authors, but I am open to discuss art commissions as well. My mediums are digital art, graphite pencil, acrylic on canvas, silhouette papercutting, pyrography, and calligraphy. I try to fulfil all commissions as quickly as possible, but please note there may be a waiting list depending on my workload.
I am also able to provide live storytelling on special request, within the West Cheshire and Merseyside areas of England. My specialties are tales by the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen.
I'm always happy to provide interviews and/or guest posts in the literary world.
I primarily provide book cover artworks and illustrations for authors, but I am open to discuss art commissions as well. My mediums are digital art, graphite pencil, acrylic on canvas, silhouette papercutting, pyrography, and calligraphy. I try to fulfil all commissions as quickly as possible, but please note there may be a waiting list depending on my workload.
I am also able to provide live storytelling on special request, within the West Cheshire and Merseyside areas of England. My specialties are tales by the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen.
Will you write/read/edit my story?
Sorry, but no. There's nothing wrong with hiring someone to write your story, but I simply don't have the time to do it. For the same reason, I also won't read, proofread or edit any unpublished stories. If you're looking for advice on a story, I highly recommend finding an editor.
Which authors/artists have influenced you the most?
In regards to novelists: Philip Pullman, Anne Rice, Neil Gaiman, Michelle Paver, Oscar Wilde, Marcus Sedgwick, Holly Black and Charlotte Bronte. I also grew up reading a lot of poetry, especially 19th century Romantics, so I also owe a great deal to writers such as William Wordsworth, Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, John Clare, Christina Rossetti, Emily Bronte and Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
My art inspiration varies between mediums. I'm a big fan of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and silhouette artists of the Victorian era, the illustrations of Arthur Rackham and John Bauer, and more modern artists such as Selina Fenech and Anne Stokes. As for my own children's book illustrations, I tend to draw on the styles of Quentin Blake, Raymond Briggs and the Disney animators.
My art inspiration varies between mediums. I'm a big fan of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and silhouette artists of the Victorian era, the illustrations of Arthur Rackham and John Bauer, and more modern artists such as Selina Fenech and Anne Stokes. As for my own children's book illustrations, I tend to draw on the styles of Quentin Blake, Raymond Briggs and the Disney animators.
Do you have any writing mottos?
When in doubt, simplify.
Believe in what you're doing. If you don't, others won't.
Be proud, be happy, be different.
If the fairy godmother doesn't come, become the fairy godmother.
Believe in what you're doing. If you don't, others won't.
Be proud, be happy, be different.
If the fairy godmother doesn't come, become the fairy godmother.
What is the Batty Brigade?
The Batty Brigade is the affectionate term I use for my readers and fans. I think of you all as a community, so I like giving you a special name to show how much that means to me. The name itself is partially from an old nickname of mine, but it's also because I love acknowledging how everyone is different and a bit 'batty' in their own way. And together, we're like a little brigade, united by our uniqueness.
How often does your newsletter go out?
The newsletter is sent on the 27th of each month. The only time there may be more than one a month is when I have an upcoming book release.
Why the fantasy genre?
I love to give my imagination free reign, and for me, that's surrounding myself with magic of all kinds. It may be bright and mystical, or dark and bloody - Both ends of the spectrum are captivating. And I think fantasy is the best way to explore reality. It offers escape, adventure, but also inspiration and humanity, and shows the power to endure whatever life throws at you. Plus it's just plain awesome!
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Don't stop. Don't stop writing, don't stop reading, don't stop learning, don't stop trying. But more than anything, don't stop believing.
Do you have a Patreon Page?
Yes, I do! There are five tiers, ranging from USD$5 to $40 per month. All my Patreon supporters can access Millie-Moo Monday: weekly posts which updates you on my creative progress and behind-the-scenes info unavailable anywhere else. Other tiers enjoy exclusive early access to new material, first glimpses of new artworks and WIPs, features in the acknowledgements of books, signed calendars, weekly fairytale livestreams, and whenever I'm working on a new novel, the in-depth Writing Desk Diary posts.
By supporting me on Patreon, you directly contribute to me being able to continue my creative journey. Your support allows me to attend more in-person signings, invest in better promotion and materials, reach more people, and work towards wider distribution for my novels.
To become a Patreon Batty, click here.
By supporting me on Patreon, you directly contribute to me being able to continue my creative journey. Your support allows me to attend more in-person signings, invest in better promotion and materials, reach more people, and work towards wider distribution for my novels.
To become a Patreon Batty, click here.
Can I get your books in brick-and-mortar stores?
My books are stocked by Suzie K @ The Secret Garden in Chester, England, and Linghams Booksellers in Heswall, England. I'm currently in the process of organising wider distribution.
You're a bit weird! Why?
Why not? I've never been ashamed to be myself, and I wear the Village Crazy Lady badge with pride. I think showing your uniqueness is wonderful. I love the quirky, the odd, the obscure, the slightly-strange: everything that makes people individual. It might get me a few snide comments and stares in the street, but I don't care. If people want to tear you down for being yourself, it says a lot more about them than about you.