Louise Wise

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I am Louise or TE Kessler from the Land of Weird Musings. I knit for invisible creatures, weave baskets with glowing jellyfish, and sculpt thoughts telepathically. I collect dreams of flying teapots and sentient mushrooms, seeking the beauty in the extraordinary (but not always finding it).

When and why did you start writing books?

I started writing professionally in 2008 because my imaginary friends demanded it, and someone had to keep track of their wild adventures.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I needed a legitimate excuse to avoid housework and endlessly search for the meaning of life in a coffee cup. Writing seemed like the perfect cover story!

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Ah, it's got to be Fly from Eden and Hunted. He was the reason I began the Jelvia: Not Human series under my pen name T E Kessler. Fly is a hardcore, dangerously sexy alien with a taste for thrilling danger (and humans!). My Jelvia: Not Human books explore the intense and perilous relationships between humans and Jelvias, blending sci-fi, romance, and heart-pounding action. Yikes!

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

The hardest book to write was definitely Wake Awake Asleep, a time travel novel set in the 70s and 80s. It stretched me the most as a writer because it took me back to my childhood waking memories—some sweet, some terrifying. Imagine reliving the awkwardness of a first kiss, the thrill of watching Doctor Who on a black-and-white telly, and the excitement of choosing pick and mix from Woollies, all while trying to untangle time travel paradoxes!

Who is your favourite author and book?

I do read mainstream authors, but I prefer the unbridled minds of indie authors the most. From Trevor Belshaw and Sy Palmer to Pam Howes, I have a whole tribe of indie author friends. Reading their books is like jumping into a literary carnival—wild, unexpected, and delightfully chaotic. I try to read them all, though my TBR pile is starting to look like Mount Everest!

What book are you reading right now?

I've just finished 'Sally's Hope: Hope: Small Town Romance' by Ruth Taylor. A very good read!

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I get my inspiration from a mix of strange sources: late-night conversations with my cat, who swears he's an alien, and deciphering the cryptic messages my toaster leaves in burnt bread. Sometimes, I find inspiration while daydreaming at work (I'm a pharmacy tech), but when a patient asks if their farts are normal or if their birthmark is a secret map, my imagination goes into overdrive!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my spare time, I collect unusual objects like stardust dreamcatchers and hidden-message teacups. I perfect shadow puppetry by moonlight, host imaginary tea parties with my royal cat, and experiment with lavender bread recipes. When not indulging in these quirks, I immerse myself in romance novels, sci-fi adventures, and rom-coms, fueling my imagination for my own writing.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I am finalising the last book in my Jelvia: Not Human series under my pen name T E Kessler. As Louise Wise, I have just published a book of short stories called Put the Kettle on Love, a very British collection. As you can tell from the title!