Photo: Liz Bullard, acclaimed author and creative visionary, shares her passion for storytelling and character-driven narratives.
Discover the Creative Journey of a Multi-Genre Author
Liz Bullard explores storytelling, character development, and the impact of setting in her beloved fantasy and mystery series.
Liz Bullard shines brightly in the literary constellation as a multi-talented author, podcaster, and coach, captivating audiences with her unique voice and riveting storytelling. Her works, most notably the enthralling Prophecy Series and the intriguing Lira Somers Mystery Series, have garnered acclaim, earning nominations for coveted awards like the Indie Story Geek Awards, Sultry Listeners Awards, and Boozy Book Club Literary Awards. Her narratives, celebrated for their fast-paced plots and vivid characters, pull readers into immersive worlds of mystery and fantasy, where every page promises high stakes and unforgettable adventures.
Beyond her novels, Liz’s influence extends to the popular eReads Podcast, where she masterfully navigates the realms of books and storytelling, engaging her audience with her insightful interviews and discussions. As a coach, she inspires creatives to unlock their full potential, guiding them to overcome barriers and achieve their dreams. Her passion for crafting stories where duty, destiny, and personal sacrifice interweave seamlessly with character-driven plots gives her books a depth that resonates profoundly with her readers.
Liz Bullard is not just a writer; she is a storyteller who conjures worlds as vibrant and dynamic as the characters who inhabit them. Whether guiding her readers through the magical landscapes of Zodia or the intricate mysteries surrounding Lira Somers, Liz Bullard’s works are a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of a well-told tale. We invite you to delve into this exclusive interview, offering a glimpse into the creative mind of an author who continues to enchant and inspire with each new story.
Liz Bullard captivates with her imaginative storytelling and multifaceted characters, making her a standout voice in contemporary literature.
What inspired you to create the world of Zodia and the elemental warriors in the Prophecy Trilogy?
My writing group had a prompt: New Moon, Leo, Portal. Immediately, I saw a Black woman with curly hair standing before a whirling portal, with a man with locs urging her to follow before it was too late for his people. This five-minute prompt led to the completion of “Portal,” which I initially thought would be Book 1. However, after I finished writing, it became clear that more context was necessary, so the story had to begin in Zodia. This realization led to the birth of the Prophecy Trilogy: New Moon.
“I saw a Black woman with curly hair standing before a whirling portal.” – Liz Bullard
How did you approach balancing the personal struggles of characters like Eli and Talia with the larger, epic storyline?
Honestly, it can be a struggle. Sometimes I feel they take up too much of the storyline, but when I step back and look at the story as a whole, I realize their journey is just as important. The vivid, movie-like images in my mind help me consider what a director might cut or add for visual clarity. My film school background at Boston University’s Center for Digital Imaging Arts and my former dream of becoming a film editor have been invaluable in this area.
What challenges did you face in developing Tabatha’s journey as the Chosen One, and how did you ensure her growth felt authentic?
The biggest challenge with Tabatha is that she is not your typical heroine with in-your-face strength. I knew from the beginning I wanted to highlight that quiet strength is just as necessary, so I had to be intentional about showing that meekness does not always equate to weakness. I remind myself that strength takes many forms, such as learning to be resilient or moving forward in the face of fear. Pairing Tabatha with a character like Talia, who is often praised for her external strength but struggles internally, helps highlight these varied forms of strength.
How do you weave themes of duty, destiny, and personal sacrifice into the narrative without overwhelming the reader?
I write character-forward stories, which helps because I am always asking myself what this person would do next and what their natural response would be. These questions help create authentic themes that aren’t heavy-handed with my influences. Also, incorporating lighter scenes with characters like the Three Gaggle of Geese (Sumarra, Veya, and Corrine) adds levity to balance the themes.
What role does the setting of Zodia play in shaping the story and the characters’ journeys?
I love Zodia because it is basically the world I’d love to live in: very coastal, natural living, where people respect the environment and work with it. It’s the thing that fuels the people’s powers: respecting the elements. In many ways, the setting becomes a tool for elemental magic or highlighting emotional tension through weather. The environment in Zodia plays an active role, like preparing for the eclipse of the two suns or the trees swaying and humming to the wind. The setting is as alive as the characters themselves.
How has your experience as a coach and podcast host influenced your writing process and storytelling?
Any time you get to work with people it is very enriching. People are fascinating, and they remind me to take more risks with my characters and allow them to have bolder responses. People are imperfect and passionate; they are complex, and each interaction I have reminds me to create unique, quirky characters. As a coach, when I help people through different blocks or barriers they experience, it helps me be more aware of thoughts and behaviors that limit myself. Through helping someone else gain awareness, I allow myself to develop introspection and give myself permission to challenge barriers I wasn’t aware were there. As a podcast host, when I talk with other writers it feels very empowering. Especially when I was a new writer, it was great hearing insights from other authors who gave words to many things I was experiencing. But most critically, it helped me learn that there is no one right way to be a writer. Everyone tackles the creative process differently.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to create immersive fantasy worlds and compelling character arcs?
Immersive fantasy is about being present and using sensory elements to be in the experience. I remember riding the virtual reality ride, Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney World. It’s a ride where you literally feel like you are flying on the back of a banshee in Pandora. What makes you feel this way is more than what you see; it’s what you experience: droplets of water as you ride atop waves, the screech of the creature, the sensation of your stomach dropping as you hop from the cliff, and the scent of floral flowers. In this same way, consider what is happening as you see your scenes play out in your head, like a virtual experience, and note the sensory elements. As a writing exercise, jot down all potential sensory details for a scene. You don’t have to use them all—just those that make the strongest impact. The best advice I can give about characters is to be authentic and true to them—and that only comes by spending time with them. Write about how they behave at a grocery store when their card gets declined; explore what’s important to them and ask yourself why. Once you understand who they are, it’s easier to figure out where they want to go. For example, Talia, the water warrioress, mother, and wife from my series only wants to love her family and have them whole, so this means she will do whatever it takes to get closer to this task; no matter the situation, she is going to behave in a way to achieve that objective. Get to know your characters.
