Author Interview – AK Cooper-Elliot – Aeternum

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, romantic thriller author AK Cooper-Elliot talks about her new book, Aeternum, and what inspired her story.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed AK Cooper-Elliot about her life and career, what inspired her to start writing, and the story of her new romantic thriller novel, Aeternum.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I am an author of Romantic/ Thriller novels.  I led a very exciting life, riding motorbikes, skiing, and bungee jumping. At the age of forty-nine I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. It ended my Executive career in 2020, in which I unlocked my boxes to publish years of notes and ideas into novels. I live with my husband and mother who support me, especially when I am ill.

I have two children. One lives in New Zealand and the other in Yorkshire like me. Both are grown up and again I receive lots of love from them. My Westie/Scottish terrier dog gives me hours of fun – when she sits on my feet in winter, keeping them warm!

When did you first WANT to write a book?

When I was a child. Every week my father and myself used to walk to our local library and select our novels.  This inspired me to imagine stories beyond the books I was reading, and I knew there was a story in me.

When did you take a step to start writing?

When I was thirty – twenty-four years ago.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

Aeternum came to me in the nineties. Soap operas were huge on TV at the time. So, notes were written down and locked away. Thirty years in total from start to finish.

What made you want to write Aeternum?

The world now is a frightening place. I want people to relax into a world of fiction, rather than listening to tragedy and other dark news. Taking their minds off the real world and being in a world of excitement, suspense, and love.

What were your biggest challenges with writing Aeternum?

My career took a lot of my time. Juggling a career and family was crazy, but I achieved it. I struggled with tiredness and my concentration weakened as time passed by and then I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

1950’s Romance films. The characters were picture perfect, and the story plots just blew me away.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

Gangster movies. Greed, money, and their sadistic ways.

What is the inciting incident of Aeternum?

The creation of Theo-James Miller.  Octavian-Stanley Miller is infertile. Desperate for a son, he offers money to a local businessman Luc Brambilla to sleep with his wife Clara. Octavian changes his mind and asks his close friend Alex to sleep with her instead.  Clara becomes pregnant with Theo-James Miller.

What is the main conflict of Aeternum?

Luc Brambilla loses his investment in a property that is worth a fortune, due to Octavian-Stanley pulling out of his agreement. Luc’s son Robert Brambilla swears vengeance on the Miller family after his father is ruined.

Did you plot your book in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

The story flowed freely with the ideas I had.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Aeternum need?

Yes, and all my book was edited.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

Write your ideas down and plan. Always research before writing.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

The Heavenly Body series – A trilogy concerning Theo-James’s daughter. A song/writer and actress scooped into a world of corruption and power.

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Yes, I feel now that I suffer with MS, I am glad that all my work is out into the world and people can enjoy my stories that have been locked away for years.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

https://akcooper-elliot.com/

https://akcooper-elliot.com/contact-us/

https://www.stage32.com/profile/1005127/about

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63348727-aeternum

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aeternum-ak-cooper-elliot/1142547831

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ak-cooper-elliot-926387224_customer-reviews-50-out-of-5-stars-5-out-activity-6993144785087647744-tsTe

https://www.facebook.com/people/AK-Cooper-Elliot/100073980026636/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=ak+cooper+elliot&crid=21JMMO8SG827N&sprefix=%2Caps%2C102&ref=nb_sb_ss_recent_1_0_recent

https://www.waterstones.com/book/aeternum/ak-cooper-elliot/9781802278231

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