BY AVELLINA BALESTRI
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. What first inspired you to start writing?
I am the youngest of seven. One of my earliest memories was when my dad would lead all seven of us across a five-lane highway—canoe and all—to the river on the other side. Of course I would be holding his hand. Each time we visited the river there would be an unkempt path in the woods I would long to explore. My family would always be busy preparing the canoes to float toward the rock bar for me to take the trek. But each time I wondered what lay beyond those trees.
It was my very first fantasy world. Nothing special or too outlandish. Just a little girl’s dream of rainbow unicorns and fairies. Heck, it didn’t even have a proper plot. But it was mine. Even when I was far away I would think of it, travelling there in my dreams.
That’s the way my mind worked. Even before I could write down a proper tale I would love telling stories. Whether it would be with sticks and stones in my backyard or fingers in the air. I would steal all the scrap paper in our house and sit down with a pencil or pen, drawing my little stick figures and making them come to life. Those little tales were floppy–held together by staple alone–but they were a stepping stone. I look back at them and laugh now, but they were my very beginning. They helped me walk so I could take my novels and run.
What are your favorite genres to write in, and why?
I enjoy writing in all genres and even experiment with genres I have little experience with (horror/sci-fi). Although, it seems like most of the time when I try to sit down and write a “normal” story, it usually ends up involving magic. So I guess you can call me a fantasy author. But I enjoy writing in whichever genre an idea may take me.
What are some of your literary projects which have already gone to print or are currently in the works?
Back in 2016, I test ran one of my picture books on Amazon called Don’t Count Your Chickens. It’s a cute little story about a farm couple who want to enter their chickens in the town fair but end up with more than they bargained for!
Snowdrops in Springtime is an analogy which I collaborated with other authors through Queen Anne’s Lace Publishing. The book was released in February of 2025 and has a variety of short stories and poems about the importance of staying hopeful. I have one poem, “Hope in Paradise,” and one short story, “Rising of a New Era,” included in the work.
A few months later in May of 2025, I published another children’s book on Amazon called Let The Vast Voyage Begin. Since my chicken book was published nearly ten years ago, I wanted another refresher before publishing my whole novel–
Which brings us to King’s Court. This story has held a special place in my heart for a long time; gnawing at my soul and nagging in my ears. What started out as a simple “what if?” in the middle of church, quickly grew into the novel you see today. God planted a seed, I had friends and family to help me water it. Now it blooms into something bigger than I could have ever imagined. The release date for my debut novel is November 12th 2025; only eleven days from the 100th celebration of the Catholic feast of Christ the King. Viva Christi Rey!
What are your favorite and least favorite parts of working within the historical fiction genre?
King’s Court was the first time I attempted a historic novel. I enjoyed researching what life was like back in the Middle Ages. I believe it helps place the reader in the story better than throwing in several different time periods in one. The not so fun part about it? Just when I think I can write a normal piece of history, suddenly a dragon appears and all heck breaks loose.
Long story short, that’s why I market this novel as a very low fantasy. One day I hope to write a complete novel without an ounce of fantasy mixed into it.
Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?
I’d say I am a little of both. When I first start a story, or if I hit a road block, it’s helpful to write things out. But there are other times when the words flow right out of my head onto the page and I have no idea where they came from.
Do you tend to write your scenes in order or out of order?
Order. Scenes must stay in chronological order. A couple times I may have an idea for a scene later on, in which case I will write the short scene and flash back to the last place I left off. The scene will sit there until I reach the point in my story’s timeline.
What is your method when it comes to world building, and how do you balance that with character and plot?
Honestly, I’m not sure I really have a method. I just write the story and the world builds around it. The only time I will build a world first is when I am outside making up a story on my own. Those tales don’t often get written down and are continuously growing each time I step outside for another visit.
If you could meet/spend time with one of your characters, who would it be?
There are a few characters I would like to spend time with from King’s Court, however. It would be a toss-up between Katrina and Fool.
Katrina is a gentle soul who has such great faith in her King and the kingdom. She is who I strive to become most.
Fool is a jester from unknown origins. He showed up one day to join Levi on his quest and always has a smart quip to share with anyone who will care (or not care) to listen. His real name is not specified, but it doesn’t matter. What he lacks in identity; he makes up for in heart.
What do you find more enjoyable/difficult: First drafts or editing/rewriting?
Each step is hard and easy at different points. First drafts are enjoyable because you are creating a new world; telling a brand new tale. But because it is brand new, the words and scenes can take time to form properly. Editing and rewriting is actually fun for me because it gives me a second chance at writing a good story. It can be time-consuming though; especially when it comes to copy editing.
How have you gone about publicizing yourself and your works?
Mostly, I have spread the news via word of mouth with fellow acquaintances. A few years ago, I set up an official Facebook page, and this year, I added a few more socials to my name. I will add them below.
What are some of the main themes/morals you would like readers to take away from your works?
In almost all the stories I have ever written, I have placed God somewhere in each of them. After all, He’s the one who gave me this gift to begin with. It’s only right I give it back to Him. Hope is a theme I also use in a lot of my stories. As well as courage, faith, and love.
What is some advice you would give aspiring authors that has helped you as a writer?
I don’t know if I have enough experience to advise anyone since I’m still learning too. I guess what I would say is even if you feel like giving up and the world would never want to read your stories; keep going. God has given you the gift of words for a reason. If you choose to write for Him; trust that He will work it out in your favor.
Plug your socials, published works, and current projects!
Website: https://elizabethagnesauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethagnes24
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/24elizabeth_authoress/
My youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@24elizabeth_authoress
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@24elizabeth_authoress
Here is where you can find my books.
Don’t Count Your Chickens (as Helena E. Krieger): https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Count-Chickens-Helena-Krieger/dp/1494807769/
Snowdrops in Springtime: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/snowdrops-in-springtime-andi-michelson/1146882842?ean=9798230483342
Let the Vast Voyage Begin: https://www.amazon.com/Vast-Voyage-Begin-Elizabeth-Agnes/dp/B0F88L7JXP/
KING’S COURT will be available on November 12, 2025, on Amazon (ebook as well as physical copies) and Barnes & Noble.
Fellowship & Fairydust 