Order of Seven - Interview with Author Beth Teliho

In the course of my blogging, I have been introduced (virtually) to a cadre of incredibly intelligent and talented women who have shared their talents with the world – either by writing blogs – and some of them, even books.  I try not to fangirl (too much) with these women – especially after I’ve had the opportunity to experience their exceptional talents (by reading their books).  Of late, however, it’s been difficult for me.  There are several books on my “must read” list – but given the whole three kids, blog, full time job thing I have going on, it’s rare that I have the opportunity to actually sit down and read a book.  So it’s a  compliment that in late in 2015, when I picked up Order of Seven by author Beth Teliho, I didn’t put it down for the couple of days it took to finish, despite all those competing priorities.

The amount of imagination it took for this gifted writer to put all of the images and stories into my head – I can’t even fathom.  It was an action packed adventure rife with an incredible amount of fine detail and such rich and vivid imagery.  The book is great for adults – but also geared to a young adult audience.  When my eldest is ready, I’ll be passing it on for him to read – and I’m certain he will enjoy it.  And certainly my daughter as well.

So…when I asked Beth if she would be interested in an interview on my blog and she consented, I was thrilled!  The questions I asked were mostly (selfishly) for me – as I hope to write my own book one day, and thought this was a good opportunity to learn from the best.  Without further adieu, here’s Beth!

Did you have an interest in ancient civilizations before the idea for the book came into your head?

Oh god yes. I love archaeology. Like super-nerd love it. Iโ€™m obsessed with all things science, anthropology, archaeology, and history, and Iโ€™m continually researching and learning. This deep-burning adoration began with my degree in Environmental Science fifteen years ago and has exponentially intensified. Itโ€™s in my bones and will always be woven into my stories.

How long did it take to write the book?

This is a bit of a tricky question because I stopped writing along the journey many times. Technically, it took me four years, but I didn’t write for sometimes four and six month stretches during that period. I was so overwhelmed and intimidated by the whole process, especially the mountain of self-publishing stuff to learn. I was terrified Iโ€™d actually publish and terrified I wouldn’t. Itโ€™s so scary to put yourself out there! But Iโ€™m proud of myself for pushing through despite the fear. Itโ€™s been an exhilarating and validating year, to say the least.

Do you have a day job?  What is it and how long have you been doing it?

Iโ€™ve been a SAHM since 2004. Both my boys are in school now, which is great because Iโ€™m able to dedicate lots of time to writing. You know, after the dishes, grocery shopping, and laundry are done. Prior to that, I painted murals for peopleโ€™s homes and also had paintings for sale and display at a local art gallery. When I wasnโ€™t painting, I was volunteering at a science museum/wildlife sanctuary where we lived at the time.

What does your family think of your writing?

I would never have followed through with writing if it werenโ€™t for my husbandโ€™s undying support and encouragement, and my sons love to tell people that Order of Seven is their favorite book. My family and friends gave me the gift of feeling believed in. I could never fully express how much this means to me, or how much it gets me past moments of self-doubt.

What does your writing room look like?

I have a little desk on wheels, so I set up wherever Iโ€™m feelinโ€™ it that day, and Iโ€™m pretty sure โ€“ aside from the bathroom โ€“ thereโ€™s not a room I havenโ€™t written in. I typically have several notebooks full of research, so plenty of table space nearby is a must, and Iโ€™m a post-it note freak. (see pics below).

Order of Seven - Interview with Author Beth Teliho 1

Order of Seven - Interview with Author Beth Teliho 2

How much research did you have to do? 

I did countless hours of research. All I have to say is thank god for Google and Wikipedia. Thatโ€™s another reason Order of Seven took a while.

Do you have a specific process?  How do you get in the right frame of mind to write?

I sacrifice a virgin and eat goat testes. Not simultaneously, that would be insane.

(Seriously, itโ€™s all timing, quiet, luck, and infinite hours on the treadmill โ€“ where I get all my best ideas.)

Do you favor longhand or typed?

All typed, aside from an abundance of barely legible notes. Since I keep one specific notebook for each of my novels, I decided if Iโ€™m super famous one day – Iโ€™ll sell them on EBay for a gazillion dollars and then roll around in piles of glorious cash.

No pressureโ€ฆ.when is the next book coming?  Is it a sequel? Something completely different?

It is definitely in the same vein as Order of Seven, and there will be some reoccurring characters and some new ones, but thatโ€™s all I can tell you or I have to kill you. As for whenโ€ฆIโ€™m really bad at setting hard deadlines because Iโ€™ve found them to be unrealistic (for me) with writing, not to mention defeating if I donโ€™t make it. SO. Letโ€™s just say I hope the next book is out in 2016.

Tell me a bit about your blog.  How long have you been blogging? How often do you post?  Whatโ€™s your favorite post?

I started blogging in July 2013. I think at that point Iโ€™d read exactly two blog posts in my life, and Iโ€™d never even had a Facebook account. I was super anti-social media. HA. What a goof. Anyway, I researched my butt off, stalked a gazillion blogs, wrote and wrote, and eventually got a nice community of readers/bloggers.

When I first opened my blog, I named it Writer B is Me, assuming it would be this cute little writing blog. But then my real voice came out and it turned into a humor-sometimes-sweary-no-niche blog. But I love it! My blog is my playground. Iโ€™m free there. My favorite post is the one I wrote after only a few months of blogging, and which first started showing my personality online: Blogging Takes Big, Hairy Balls. I will say since my book published, I donโ€™t blog regularly anymore. Posts are very spontaneous and random now. Like a sneeze, but with less snot.

Tell me about Sisterwives Speak.  How did that come about?

Sisterwives is just a group of blogger friends, really, who not only respected each otherโ€™s work, but also continually had each otherโ€™s backs with trolls, were always supportive to one another, always cheering each other on, etc. At some point, the idea of us doing a blog together came up, and a handful of us jumped on it. We wanted a place where contributors (whether that be one of us or another writer who submitted to us) would be free to write the hard stuff (the tough, honest, scary stuff) in a safe space where they would get support. Out of this idea, Sisterwives Speak was born. Weโ€™re very proud of what weโ€™ve built.

And finally:

Is Baron based on a real person?  (Spoiler – I realize that some of you haven’t read the book.  Baron isn’t the main character, but he is the love interest.  And wow…he sure is interesting.  If your interest is peaked, click the Amazon link below and get your own copy of the book – you won’t be disappointed.)

Sorry, Baron is only real in my head. Heโ€™s sort of a compilation of everything I think is hot in a man, and Iโ€™m not just talking about his physique. If youโ€™d like to see characters and scenery from the novel pretty much how I see them in my head, visit my Pinterest board: Order of Seven Inspiration. You might even spot Baron thereโ€ฆ

I really enjoyed my conversation with Beth about her book.  Hope that you did too.  If you’re interested in learning more about Beth, you can check her out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  She can also be found on her blog Writer B is Me, as well as Sisterwives Speak.  I’ll see if I can convince her to talk to me again just before her next book comes out!

Image Credit:  ยฉ Branches & Ink Text and Beth Teliho (used with permission)

Note:  There are affiliate links in this post.  If you purchase a book, I will receive some compensation.  However – this review contains my honest opinion.  You must read this book.  It’s awesome.

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56 Comments



  1. Thanks beth for the enlightening interview,
    its definitely not selfish.

    Eat Healthy Stay Healthy ๐Ÿ™‚

    Myda Tahir

  2. I love Beth’s attitude, I can only expect her book to be just as awesome. Great interview, very encouraging. Than you.

    1. Thank you, Maria! “I love Beth’s attitude” is something mother didn’t say often. LOL Hope you get a chance to read Order of Seven, and thanks for taking the time to read this interview! ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. So interesting interview ๐Ÿ™‚ I would like to read her book ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for sharing this post


    1. Author

      She would be amazing wouldn’t she? I hope to actually meet her IRL some day so I can give her a big hug (with her consent of course). You have to read it – it’s amazing!

    2. Ha! I am fun to hang out with, but I need like 12 hours (or 2 glasses of wine) around new people to warm up. Then WATCH OUT cuz things are about to get cray. hahahaha
      Thanks for stopping by, Jovanhanna Kristina!

  4. Ok so LOVE you and LOVE Beth. I adored her book and it just makes me all warm and snuggly that you’re reviewing it now – so much ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Kristi Krist Kristi – I LOVEADORE you. You know this. Thanks for reading. xoxoxo

  5. It’s always so interesting to hear about how writers write. Love the idea of just moving around a wheeled desk too!

    1. I love my traveling desk! ๐Ÿ™‚ I can adjust the height, too. It’s the best thing ever and super convenient! Thanks for reading, Silly Mummy!

  6. OK. Goat testes. I can do this. With enough butter anything is edible, right?

  7. Lovely job of interviewing, Mizz Lola, and Beth, GREAT book, and always fascinated to know how much work went into creating it, and how passionate you are about all the history/ancient stuff ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Author

      She is amazing isn’t she. I have YOU to credit for getting to know her better. Thank you so much for introducing us Lizzi!! You are amazing AND you have amazing friends!!

    2. BLOG WIFEY!!!!! You’re the sweetest to come over here when you would probably rather put pins in your eyes than read more about my writing process, hahahaha. My friends are THE most supportive people EVARRRRR. <3

      1. My sweet, I’m pretty sure I almost usually discover something new about your process, and no, I would never rather stick pins in my eyes than read you ๐Ÿ™‚ Always happy to support you, my BW <3

  8. Hi Beth, I loved Order Of Seven. I read it last fall and enjoyed it immensely. I look forward to your next book. I love that your desk is on wheels. Brilliant.

    Thanks for hosting Beth, Liv. Great interview!

    1. Thanks so much, Lisa! ๐Ÿ™‚ I’m thrilled you enjoyed it and thank you for reviewing! You are awesome.

  9. Oooh!! SUCH great questions and answers!!! This book IS amazing… and it totally shows off all that hard work, writing and research you did Beth. It was the most fascinating read and I can see why- you have such a gift in both your creative imagination and brilliant story telling.

    1. CHRIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSS!!! I love you madly. Your enthusiasm leaps off the page. Every time you comment somewhere (geared to me) I feel like we just hugged! ๐Ÿ™‚ xoxoxoxo Thanks for all you lovely words here.

  10. Love learning about new books and authors. This is one I’ll be looking into! (By the way #blogsharelearn sent me, and I’m glad it did!)

      1. If you’ll have me, I would absolutely love to come back for the next book. You’re so cool, Lola. Love yer guts.

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