One of the joys of being a writer in today’s connected world is making new friends all over the planet. I’ve never actually met Bronwyn Elsmore (who lives in New Zealand, just about as far away from Scotland as it’s possible to get), but I do feel I know her from an online writers’ support group we both belong to, eNovel Authors At Work. I’m really looking forward to learning more about her – so, welcome, Bronwyn! Let’s get started.


DSC00027Tell me about Every Five Minutes – what inspired this story?

It must have been something in my subconscious, I think. I have wondered myself, because there’s a strange story behind it. I was writing another novel, stepped into the shower one morning, and the idea came almost magically. In the few minutes it took to wash, I had the format, the main character and the opening. It intrigued me so much, I abandoned the other work and started Every Five Minutes right away. I still wonder about it. Maybe psychologists will make something of it, and one person even hinted at angels! Whatever, I’m glad the idea came to me, because I’ve had some stunning letters from people who have read it.

My goodness, I must hop over to New Zealand and borrow your shower! I take it this isn’t your first book?

No, I have nine of my own and my work is also included in several anthologies. My books cover a range of genres from children’s books to academic works.

Hmm, that sounds a bit like me. So how did you come to be published?

I’ve been a professional writer since leaving school, when I was employed in radio. Over my career I’ve been an advertising copywriter, freelancer, contract writer, editor, education writer, playwright, writing mentor and tutor, and an academic writer during the years I was also an academic.

A lot of novelists use writing skills learned elsewhere, don’t they? I certainly did. I imagine that fertile mind of yours must be working on something else now?

Well, I’ve just finished another novel, Backwards Into the Future, that is going through the publication process and should be available soon. Then it’s probably time to complete the volume of short stories I’ve had waiting for years. I should also get back to that novel I abandoned to write Every Five Minutes. Or, I might get side-tracked and write another play.

Focus, Bronwyn, focus! Maybe settling down in your best writing place would help? Where is that exactly?

My desk in my office is the spot where I’ll be found most of each day. I’m occasionally distracted by something I spot out the window, but otherwise avoid anything that takes my mind from the work. An allowable exception is a visit from a purring cat.

That sounds like a lot more focus that I have! You sound ideally qualified to give other writers some tips – go on, do share!

Work, work, work, work. When you think it is done, rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. Then, polish, polish, polish. Okay, I know that sounds excessive, but that’s the reality if you want a good result. Don’t be in a hurry to publish.

Sage words, Bronwyn. Thank you so much for sharing your writing life with me today – good luck in your next venture. Oh – and don’t forget to stop writing for long enough to have that inspirational shower!


Bronwyn Elsmore describes herself as New Zealand born and bred and though she’s travelled a lot (67 countries and counting) she’s “very much a Kiwi”.

She has published over a wide range of genres – fiction and non-fiction books for adults and children, short stories, articles, poetry, and stageplays – but she is now concentrating on novels. Bronwyn has won many writing awards, particularly for short stories and plays.

Home is on the outskirts of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, overlooking the beautiful Waitemata Harbour, where she tends to spend too much time at her desk rather than getting into the garden or enjoying the area. When her novels hit the best-seller lists and make mega-bucks, she plans to employ an assistant to deal with all the additional tasks that take her away from the creative side of being an author.

Other pastimes are going for walks, and appreciating cats. You can usually tempt her by offering a cup of good coffee, but a much more effective way is buy one of her books.

Available from

Amazon Author page

Blog

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter

Website


Cover-Brag copyEvery Five Minutes

Gina, if that is her real name, wakes to an autumn morning and, against her better judgment, selects a light dress to wear to work. Deliberately, she misses the bus and walks into the city, then turns and walks back home. This is not a day for work. Tomorrow, in her navy pantsuit, she will be there, but today she will spend with a white dog and a remarkable man.

   Every Five Minutes is also about the colour cornflower blue, beaches, parks, city streets, exotic places, coffee, flowers, polished stones, a unicorn and a swan, words, theatre, movies, music, and love. But most of all it’s about Gina, the dog, and the man.

It has been awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion by Book Readers Appreciation Group.

Readers say:

“Bronwyn Elsmore has crafted a beautiful story in a unique way.”

“A very unique read to be sure, but her writing brilliance showed on each page as she pulled it off.”

“I hated the story to end. Read it and you’ll see. It’s a lovely, lovely book.”

“A masterpiece! To find that it is perfect in its style and delivery has left me a little breathless.”

“Thank you for the opportunity to read this wonderful story! I love, love your book!”

“This is a love story, NOT a romance, and it’s beautiful.”

“A feel good read. A joy not to be missed.”

What Bronwyn Elsmore does Every Five Minutes

6 thoughts on “What Bronwyn Elsmore does Every Five Minutes

  • Pingback: What Bronwyn Elsmore does Every Five Minutes |

  • October 5, 2015 at 7:30 am
    Permalink

    Jenny, how lovely of you to include this interview on your site. As you say, we haven’t met in person, but are friends through the wonderful thing that is the internet! I love the way the www unites the world.

    I’ve read your novels People We Love, and Loving Susie – like them both very much.
    Best wishes for all your titles.

    Reply
  • October 5, 2015 at 9:07 am
    Permalink

    Thank you Bronwyn – and thanks for being my guest!

    Reply
  • October 5, 2015 at 9:10 am
    Permalink

    Wonderful interview, Bronwyn and Jenny. Thank you!

    Reply
  • October 5, 2015 at 11:03 pm
    Permalink

    Hey, Jenny, so nice to revisit your site. Great to read more about you, Bronwyn. I have to admit, I’m always in a hurry to publish but have to nag myself to wait. 😀

    Reply
  • October 6, 2015 at 10:43 am
    Permalink

    Thanks for dropping by, Dale. Personally, I really enjoy the editing process!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Susan Tarr Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *