Finding Elara

DL Nix

Building worlds with words and sharing those words with the world. A podcast for writers, world builders and artists that would like to take a mindful look inside their creations. This is an interview series that provides an opportunity for Authors to share their Worldbuilding style and Mindfulness tactics.

  1. Lexy Delorme Interview Part 2 of 2

    APR 13

    Lexy Delorme Interview Part 2 of 2

    Guest Bio: What are your Goals/aspirations/dreams going forward? About the Author Lexy Shaw Delorme (writing as LS Delorme) is the award-winning author of The Limerent Series, a genre-defying collection of emotionally charged novels which includes Caio, Bright Midnights, Fanning Fireflies, and Ghosting Academy. Her book Caio won a finalist spot in the International Book Awards for cross genre fiction. Bright Midnights was named a Publishers Weekly (BookLife) "Editors' Choice Pick" and was a finalist Golden Wizard Award Competition in 2024. Fanning Fireflies won first place for paranormal fiction in the Firebird awards. With a background as a lawyer, pop musician, and science writer, Lexy brings intellectual depth and lyrical prose to every story she tells. Lexy is a wanderer and storyteller at heart. Raised as a "military brat" by United States Navy Captain, she has lived on three continents, across four countries, nine states, and 21 cities. Now based in Paris, she lives with her charming French husband and two very cool sons. Lexy is an active member of the British Fantasy Society, the Science Fiction Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, the Horror Writers Association, IBPA, and ALLi.   Links Website: www.lsdelorme.com  Instagram: @ls_delorme Tiktok: @lexyshawdelorme   Bushland Scrolls Competition Catalyst Scroll: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/competitions/catalystscroll Heritage Scroll: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/competitions/heritagescroll    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast  Discord: https://discord.gg/YAhRF6J2     Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164 Treasure Chest:  Tote bag with Bookmark, magnet and a signed book - The swell  Bright Midnights 2 BCP coffee cups https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/fep/treasure-chest Music by: Izzy

    45 min
  2. Lexy Delorme Interview Part 1 of 2

    APR 9

    Lexy Delorme Interview Part 1 of 2

    Show Notes: Once a popstar - became a Lawyer - Became an Ex-pat and started writing Golden Wizard Award for YA Loves talking to people about the books. Always been interested in writing Started travel writing about travelling with Kids When at angus steak house - Told Hubby she wanted to write. He wasn't convinced to start with. First book was a million words - good start point 5 years to build the world Has been meditating since young Boredom + cooking helps with creativity Does visualisation time Has movie dreams - in depth film score When you have kids - Bathroom is your friend Have to create spaces where you know you can be alone Would tell kids about false private activities to keep them away Tell yourself you are going to write crap - you can massage it later Writes in the morning and the middle of the night Wants to do an audiobook Happy with reader responses Self publishing means you are a start up Reason you are writing impacts you approach Wants people to have strong reaction to books because there is meaning behind them Has been seared by fire through Law school. Created a persona to deal with rejection It is a challenge to deal with people that you are close to. You can't always put the persona in place. Reviews can say something about the viewer Motivated by kids - family community Once the series was established motivation is easy Collaborative approach with family 9th book finished and working on a book of short stories   Fast Fire Questions: 1.      What colour best describes your personality? Opal 2.      Is your main character capable of antihero actions? Most Yes 3.      What is your favourite fictional holiday destination? Ancient China 4.      Would you ever swap character with any of your characters? Might if Needed 5.      Would you main character save his loved one or save the world? Save their loved ones   Buffy Night: The Apothecary Diaries   Guest Bio: What are your Goals/aspirations/dreams going forward? About the Author Lexy Shaw Delorme (writing as LS Delorme) is the award-winning author of The Limerent Series, a genre-defying collection of emotionally charged novels which includes Caio, Bright Midnights, Fanning Fireflies, and Ghosting Academy. Her book Caio won a finalist spot in the International Book Awards for cross genre fiction. Bright Midnights was named a Publishers Weekly (BookLife) "Editors' Choice Pick" and was a finalist Golden Wizard Award Competition in 2024. Fanning Fireflies won first place for paranormal fiction in the Firebird awards. With a background as a lawyer, pop musician, and science writer, Lexy brings intellectual depth and lyrical prose to every story she tells. Lexy is a wanderer and storyteller at heart. Raised as a "military brat" by United States Navy Captain, she has lived on three continents, across four countries, nine states, and 21 cities. Now based in Paris, she lives with her charming French husband and two very cool sons. Lexy is an active member of the British Fantasy Society, the Science Fiction Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, the Horror Writers Association, IBPA, and ALLi.   Links Contact  Website: www.lsdelorme.com Instagram: @ls_delorme Tiktok: @lexyshawdelorme   Bushland Scrolls Competition Catalyst Scroll: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/competitions/catalystscroll Heritage Scroll: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/competitions/heritagescroll    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast  Discord: https://discord.gg/YAhRF6J2     Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164 Treasure Chest: Tot bag with Bookmark, magnet and a signed book - The swell  Bright Midnights 2 BCP coffee cups https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/fep/treasure-chest Music by: Izzy

    37 min
  3. Cecelia de Gzell Interview Part 2 of 2

    MAR 17

    Cecelia de Gzell Interview Part 2 of 2

    Host: DL Nix Guest: Cecelia de Gzell   Show Notes: Worldbuilding starts with the characters Returned to old haunts for research with the fam. There is a contemporary framework for the setting. Some of the characters have smatterings of people that she is familiar with. Medical terminology listed at the front and we talk about the different types. Relishes the opportunity to expand on the characters in later books. Character play: Poppy - Pirate ship, ballroom, dragon. Discovery writer during the plotting stage Needs to be really efficient with her time Biggest lesson: getting the first chapter right - you need to grab the reader quickly, help readers care about the character. More dialogue to help with pace. Writing requires ongoing education.   Fast Fire Questions: 1.      Is your fictional world photogenic? Yes 2.      Do you wear socks with ugg boots? No 3.      Would you rather fight I bear sized chicken or 10 chicken sized bears? 10 chicken sized bears 4.      Would you rather Immortality and no magic or magic at the cost of your lifespan? Magic at the cost of lifespan. 5.      Would you read your own book for pleasure? Yes   Linking to Elara: Lisa: What do you find inspires you Most - People and character inspire me Garry: How many books are they planning in the series and what inspired them into their field of doctoring? 6-8 in this series. Inspired by a specialist who spoke about the specialisation. Izzy: Have you drawn inspiration from real cases? How medically accurate is the story? Occasionally drawn from personal and close friend experiences. Tried to maintain medical accuracy without impacting the story.  Dianna: Do you think when writing medical dramas you need to fib a little to amp the drama  if a medical procedure is considered boring? Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story.   Guest Bio: Cecelia Gzell is a debut Author of the novel 'The Swell' which was released in June. As a radiation Oncologist who specialises in the treatment of patients with brain tumours. She had 14 peer reviewed medical publications and a PHD in glioblastoma research and is a regular presenter at international and national conferences. A period of burnout in 2019 reignited an old passion for writing and 'The Swell' is her debut novel. She lives in Sydney with her husband and 3 children and a goofy sheepadoodle, Fudge, who keeps escaping. Both her work and family exhaust her but provide endless fodder for the imagination. Dr de Gzell is aiming to release the second book in the series, 'Caught in the undertow' in 2026.   Links Website: cedegzellauthor.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cedegzell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ce_degzell_author/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/C-E-De-Gzell/author/B0F9LJM99Y?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast  Discord: https://discord.gg/YAhRF6J2     Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Treasure Chest:  From Cecilia: Tote Bag with Bookmark and Magnet (From BCP:) Signed copy of  The Swell to go in Tote bag. From BCP: 1 Season Three coffee cup Music by: Izzy  Name:   Podcast Music

    39 min
  4. Cecelia de Gzell Interview Part 1 of 2

    MAR 17

    Cecelia de Gzell Interview Part 1 of 2

    Host: Dianna Evans Guest: Cecelia De Gzell Show Notes: First Book June 2025 Second book March 10 2026. Lost count with the number od Drafts for the first draft. Used a self publishing service - The book Reality Always loved reading and writing but knew it wasn't a career. Didn't grow up in a medical family; had a strong personal drive. Loved science. Burnout in 2019 brought her back to the craft of writing.  Writing the book was a chance to balance out experiences  Her avatar was people like her. Limited writing time around her work, but writes notes when she is between sessions. Only 2ish hours a week to write Likes to write in silence When rejected: Limit how long she can feel down and her family has been supportive. Made sure she was kind to herself. Motivation: Always excited to get back to it. Fast Fire Questions: 1.      What colour best describes your personality? Red 2.      Is your main character capable of antihero actions? Yes 3.      What is your favourite fictional holiday destination? Officially don't know but she mentioned fourth wing and banksia college. 4.      Would you ever swap places with any of your characters? No 5.      Would you main character save a loved one or save the world? Don't know   Buffy night: ER Tv show and how it inspired her to become a Dr.   Guest Bio: Cecelia Gzell is a debut Author of the novel 'The Swell' which was released in June. As a radiation Oncologist who specialises in the treatment of patients with brain tumours. She had 14 peer reviewed medical publications and a PHD in glioblastoma research and is a regular presenter at international and national conferences. A period of burnout in 2019 reignited an old passion for writing and 'The Swell' is her debut novel. She lives in Sydney with her husband and 3 children and a goofy sheepadoodle, Fudge, who keeps escaping. Both her work and family exhaust her but provide endless fodder for the imagination. Dr de Gzell is aiming to release the second book in the series, 'Caught in the undertow' in 2026.   Links Website: cedegzellauthor.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cedegzell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ce_degzell_author/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/C-E-De-Gzell/author/B0F9LJM99Y?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast  Discord: https://discord.gg/YAhRF6J2     Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Treasure Chest:  From Cecilia: Tote Bag with Bookmark and Magnet (From BCP:) Signed copy of  The Swell to go in Tote bag. From BCP: 1 Season Three coffee cup   Music by: Izzy  Name:   Podcast Music

    44 min
  5. 100th Episode Special from host to guest with Dianna and Izzy

    FEB 11 ·  BONUS

    100th Episode Special from host to guest with Dianna and Izzy

    Host: Izzy Guest: DL Nix Show Notes: Izzy steps up to the mike for the first time and interview Dianna about her creative journey and her plans for the future od Finding Elara and Bushland Castely Productions.    Guest Bio: DL Nix (Dianna) is an Author, Podcaster and Publisher from the Wheatbelt of Western Australia.  Starting her Podcast, Finding Elara, in 2018 to build connections while waiting to hear back from an agent, helped her develop her writing skill set. She is now actively working on her Elaran stories and several smaller fantasy tales. Additionally she has created some low content books and creative non-fiction. She is a founding member of a new publishing company, Bushland Castle Productions with a small team in 2024. This company has a unique quest to publish a themed novella series every year, starting with the Otherworldly Emergence Series.  Married for almost 2 decades and mothering three unique personalities has kept her imagination alive. The worlds created within the sanctuary of her home office and caravan have inspired her to revisit them on a regular basis with a cup of tea at the ready.   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast Discord: https://discord.gg/YAhRF6J2     Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero

    35 min
  6. Ian Hooper Minisode

    FEB 4 ·  BONUS

    Ian Hooper Minisode

    Show Notes: Interview: Dianna Ian Andrew for Fiction and Ian Hooper for memoirs and Poems Started the Indie Author Book fair has lots of help First book, a time to every purpose Was lucky to have book reviewed and sold well. Because of the coverage build confidence Ran a training course and then then was asked to help others Has helped over 120 books. Trad publishes under Leschenault press Didn't understand the scope of self publishing until he tried it. Made all the mistakes on his ones and then knew for the others  Describe 5 words: Detailed, Research Driven with Comedy Advice: Take your time and hire professional that do the stuff you cannot Indie Author book fair. If one can't join them, beat them Most Indies don't get invited and this is a space for Indies Book reality: Great Stories from Great Writers Want stories that are engaging and people want to read Commercial Viability is second. Need to be able to take editorial advice.   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest Bio: Ian Hooper grew up in the coastal town of Larne, Northern Ireland. He joined the Royal Air Force at age eighteen and worked initially as an aircraft technician before being commissioned as an Intelligence Officer. After serving for two decades, he and his Australian wife relocated to the southwest of Western Australia. In 2014, writing under the pen name of Ian Andrew, his first novel, A Time to Every Purpose, was released to critical acclaim, and in 2018, the first of his 'Wright and Tran' crime series, Face Value, won the Publishers Weekly Booklife prize for fiction. In 2024, his poem, Just Enough won the Shore Lines writing for performance prize. He is now the executive director of independent publisher, Leschenault Press and its imprint, The Book Reality Experience, as well as being an author, editor and ghost-writer. In addition, he is the co-founder of the international series of independent author book fairs. A fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, he holds qualifications in management, training, and learning design as well as a master's in creative writing. Living in rural Western Australia, surrounded by a resident mob of kangaroos, he is currently working on the next novel in the Wright & Tran series of detective stories. Booklist: Face Value: A UK Military Detective Thriller (Wright & Tran series Book 1) Flight Path: A UK Military Detective Thriller (A Wright & Tran Novel Book 2) Fall Guys: A UK Military Detective Thriller (A Wright & Tran Novel Book 3) A Time To Every Purpose The Little Book Of Silly Rhymes & Odd Verses You'll Never Walk Alone: A Very Rough Guide to the Camino Francés Carrying the Light: A Collection of Short Stories by Graduates of the University of Hull's MA in Creative Writing Slaughtered Nursery Rhymes: For Grown-Ups   Best places to buy:  Book Reality: https://ianandrew.leschenaultpress.com/book-menu/  Amazon1: https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/Ian-Andrew/author/B00IOXOQE6   Links Contact Ian Website: https://bookreality.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IanAndrewAuthorWA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianandrewauthor/   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero

    19 min
  7. Shannon Riley Minisode

    FEB 4 ·  BONUS

    Shannon Riley Minisode

    Show Notes: Interview: Dianna Has full romantasy trilogy 99% Romance with a little variety Inspired by Nan who was also an author Wanted to be an author since she was 10 Went for self publishing because she wanted creative control. Had an idea how hard small business was going to be but learning along the way. Audio Conversion: harder in Australia but  Generally writes at night time with a glass of wine Spice is subjective but her stories are around 3-4 Describe: Original, writes for self, Sex positive  Editing, formatting and Publishing. There is a lot of support in Australia, you just need to find them. Couple of recommendation Interview: Chris Book store - The Indie Realm Surprising how many Indie authors there are Quite popular to still have the papeback People want the special edition   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest Bio: Shannon is the author of Fox Fire, a complete romantasy trilogy. She lives in Perth, WA with her partner and two kids. Shannon is also the owner of The Indie Realm in Subiaco. Perth, a romance bookstore for indie authors. When she's not spending time with the family or busy with The Indie Realm she's deep in the writing cave of her next project.    Booklist: A Flicker in Shadow  Fox Fire Trilogy:  Fox Fire Shadow Crown Broken Kingdom   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B0B9L7995J?ingress=0&lp_context_query=shannon%20riley%27&visitId=f88cc704-8d14-472b-a300-0dce9e2aadc1&ref_=ap_rdr    Links Contact Shannon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565399310604  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonrileyauthor/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorshannonriley    Contact BCP Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero

    22 min

About

Building worlds with words and sharing those words with the world. A podcast for writers, world builders and artists that would like to take a mindful look inside their creations. This is an interview series that provides an opportunity for Authors to share their Worldbuilding style and Mindfulness tactics.