Ammarah Asraf is a young author currently living in Wales with her family. The Elprits is her debut novel and was released on the 24th September 2015. 

1. How would you describe The Elprits, and who would you say it is aimed at?

I would say the The Elprits is a fantasy fiction novel based on the elements. It is the journey of a very ascetic teenage girl – Arianne Tucker – and the revival of a dormant race of humanoids. Friendship, dictatorship and kinship are all part of the story. This being the first book of the trilogy, I'd say it is probably just a peek at the real complexity of Arianne's story.

The book is aimed for older children/teenagers.

2. What first gave you the idea for The Elprits?

It was a childhood dream, I guess. From a very young age, I had a vague outline of the story and as I grew up it did, too. I think we naturally take inspiration from personal circumstance and company, and I can see hints of that in the story line.

3. IfThe Elprits were to be made into a movie, who would be your dream cast for the main characters?

I would think Mackenzie Foy (The Conjuring) would be great Arianne! Bernard, I think, would be best played by Ralph Fiennes and Adrian, Johnny Depp. When it comes to Veronica, Charlize Theron, and Natalia, Amanda Seyfried. (IF ONLY!) For Rachel, Charlotte and James, I have never really thought of anyone specific, but I think I'll know the perfect matches when I see them.

4. Do you have any future plans or ideas for writing?

Yes! I am finishing the series currently and hope to keep writing a hobby afterwards.

5. As a young author, how have you managed to balance writing with schoolwork/studying?

I wrote the main chunk of the book before I had started my GCSEs, so it wasn't too difficult. Otherwise, I guess I sacrifice TV time for writing! It can be hard, but if you really enjoy it then it isn't much of a task.

6. What advice would you give to other aspiring young writers?

Not to over-write; it just leads to writer's block and that is agony! Not to be too self-critical at first is important, because it will only lead to you quitting. I think editing is the time to be self-critical. Only write what you enjoy and try not to change stories too often.

7. Which books and authors have inspired you the most?

I really can't pick out one book or author. I'd have to say that every piece of writing I've read and every story I've been told has inspired me equally.

8. If you could pick any fictional/fantasy world to live in, what would it be?

Without a doubt, Hogwarts!