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Exclusive Interview with Raven Eckman | Insights & Stories on CraveBooks

Raven Eckman

Member Since: 05/2021

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Raven Eckman is an author, freelance editor, and literary fangirl. She always knew books were her passion, well before her grandmother’s challenge to read a book a day when she was young.

She obtained her Bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Arcadia University and is currently pursuing her MFA at Lindenwood University. Since 2016, and the launch of her editing business in 2018: A New Look On Books, she’s been working with a range of authors, both self-published and traditionally published, on short stories and novels from horror to contemporary in YA and Adult fiction. And reading, lots of reading.

Shadowspeak is Raven’s debut novel. Itchy Pants is her first picture book.

She is currently working on multiple projects including two more picture books and a prequel to her debut novel.

Raven lives in Pennsylvania with her GSD, Atlas, and two rescue cats Loki and Freya.

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

Hi everyone! I’m Raven. I write both New Adult and Children books in the fantasy genre and am a freelance book editor. When I’m not reading and tackling my TBR list, writing, or editing, I am out with the dog on a hike, horseback riding, or watching ghost stories.

When and why did you start writing books?

I started writing when I was 13 after reading Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. I had a werewolf teen story, with a ton of magic, that just needed to be shared. From there I wrote my own stories as well as dabbled in fanfiction. Poetry was also explored through angsty teen love-inspired poems.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

After I not writing for five years, I had this story (which eventually became Shadowspeak) burning inside of me. The characters kept speaking and I kept ignoring them. Eventually, I had this moment where I gave myself a choice: I was either going to publish a book or walk away from writing altogether. So … I published the book.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

My debut, Shadowspeak, is my only novel published so far. And it will always have a special place in my heart. I have a few projects in the works … one of which may very well take the favorite spot. My little monster named Booglie, and his story, is pretty cute. As of now, I’m just writing and seeing what happens.

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

Ah. Shadowspeak really pushed my limits a writer, especially since I was only getting back into writing after a long hiatus. However, the prequel I am currently working on, tentatively called Shadowmarked, is pretty intense and is constantly challenging me.

Who is your favourite author and book?

This is always a hard question. I have so many authors and books I admire from a certain character to a particular scene to a trope did so well I was blown away. A continued favorite of mine, author-wise, would be Leigh Bardugo. I just adore her writing.

What book are you reading right now?

I’m currently rereading H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Everywhere!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

What is spare time? Kidding … well kind of. I try to make the most out of my time, whether I am writing, working, spending time with my dog or family, or having some self-care TLC time.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yup! As mentioned above, I have a few projects in the works from being WIPs that are drafted to Pinterest boards that may or may not become a story. I am finishing up with my upcoming picture book, Itchy Pants, and working on the prequel to Shadowspeak.