Author Interview with C.P. Silver
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with C.P. Silver, the talented author behind the enchanting novel “Whispers of the Elixir.” With a background in law and expertise in Chinese medicine, Silver brings a unique perspective to her writing, crafting character-driven stories that explore themes of legacy, identity, and survival. Set in a captivating matriarchal empire of sentient forests and ancient secrets, “Whispers of the Elixir” is a lyrical and emotionally resonant fantasy that is sure to captivate readers. When she’s not immersed in the world of storytelling, Silver can often be found hiking forest trails or delving into the classics. Join us as we delve into the mind behind this imaginative writer and uncover the inspirations behind her captivating work.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Always. I wrote my first “book” when I was seven or eight—just a few folded pages with hand-drawn illustrations. I was immensely proud of it and kept it for years. It told the story of a bunny family who packed their knapsacks and ran away to live on Mount Rabbitsmore (the rabbit version of Mount Rushmore).
From then on, I never stopped dreaming of being a writer, even as I pursued more practical paths in adulthood—like practicing law. But the writing never let go. Eventually, I stopped treating it like a side project and decided to give it everything I had.
What is your favorite childhood book?
“A Wrinkle in Time” was the favorite for many of my childhood years. I think this was where my love of fantasy and sci-fi originated.
Describe your writing space.
My desk is in front of a window; I have to be able to see nature when I write, so much of my inspiration comes from this. My desk is decorated with a set of limited editions of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion—J.RR. Tolkien is by far my favorite author. Often there’s a cup of tea or coffee, too, and almost always there are pens and scribbled notes next to my computer keyboard. It’s the kind of desk where the real world steps back—just enough to let a story come through.
How many hours a day do you write?
When I’m drafting, I usually write for four or five hours a day, then spend the rest of the day outlining scenes for the next. But by the time I was finishing final edits on Whispers of the Elixir, just before handing it to my editor, I was putting in nine or ten hours a day. It’s a labor of love—and by the end, it asks for everything you’ve got.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Writing definitely energizes me. Apart from motherhood, I’ve never done anything that asks so much of me, yet still gives so much in return. It’s challenging, but there’s something deeply meaningful in the way writing gives back, quietly and consistently, as the story takes shape.
How do you develop your plot and characters?
I start with the role each character needs to play, then shape their personalities using the Enneagram. That’s usually enough to bring them to life—once the story begins, they tend to move on their own. For plot, I use Save the Cat as a loose framework. Then, once the bones are in place, I follow what I see unfolding in my mind’s eye, even if it veers from the outline. It’s how I stay grounded in structure while leaving space for instinct and discovery.
What was your hardest scene to write?
The hardest scene to write was probably when my protagonist is attacked outside a seedy tavern. Stepping into that moment was emotionally difficult—especially knowing how many women have experienced something like it in real life. I wanted to handle it with honesty and care, adapting it to my fantasy world but without turning away from the truth of it.
Are there any projects or books you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on the final three books in the series. The full arc is outlined, and Book Two is about a third of the way written.
What books do you enjoy reading?
Fantasy is my mainstay. I love discovering new reads, but I’m also a re-reader—I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read The Lord of the Rings. Michael J. Sullivan’s books are the same, along with favorites like The Stormlight Archive, Mistborn, Robin Hobb, R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War, and The Name of the Wind, which I absolutely devoured. But the list goes on. When I’m not reading fantasy, I indulge in the classics—Shakespeare, Jane Austen, even Homer. There’s something so rich and delicious about them; I can’t get enough.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
Michael J. Sullivan was a huge inspiration for me. I remember reading an interview about his writing journey years ago and thinking—yes, here’s someone I can learn from. He was so open about his process. He said he taught himself to write by studying other authors, and that really stuck with me. I figured, if I love his books and I learn the way he did, I’m on the right path. That mindset shaped how I approached Whispers of the Elixir—not just in how I wrote it, but in how I kept going. His example gave me both a method and a kind of permission. Honestly, I think the genre is better because he’s in it.
What are the words you live by?
“In every world—real or imagined—the stories we hold close shape who we become.”
That’s why I write about characters learning to tell themselves a truer story.
What is your favorite quote from your book?
That’s a tough question—there are a few lines that stayed with me, but if I had to choose, maybe this one:
“Collared or not, today she would prove she was not her mother’s lapdog.”
Here, my protagonist, Tori, is struggling against two types of collars: a literal, decorative ruff worn for ceremonial purposes, and the figurative collar of her mother’s control. This line captures the heart of Tori’s journey—her quiet rebellion against control, her complicated bond with her powerful mother, and her struggle to define herself in a world where loyalty is demanded, not chosen.
You can find out more about C.P. Silver here>>
A Book by C.P. Silver
Want to read some of C.P. Silver’s work? Keep reading to learn about Whispers of the Elixir.
A matriarchal empire. A princess with forbidden power. A mother who would kill to protect her legacy.
As Min Daughter and heir to the empire, Tori has spent her life beneath the iron will of her mother, Empress Zinchen—a sovereign determined to shape the world in her image. But Tori carries two secrets: the weight of a tragedy no title can absolve, and a forbidden magic that threatens everything her mother has built. If Zinchen discovers the truth, it will cost Tori her life.
Haunted by this threat, Tori flees into the hidden lands—a place of ghost-flowers, sentient forests, and immortals who have stepped out of myth. But magic here is neither blessing nor curse—it is a mirror. And as her trials mount, Tori is stripped of privilege, certainty, and pride.
Each failure shapes her. Each choice tests her resolve.
To survive her mother’s ambition, Tori must purge the power that could condemn her—but in doing so, she risks losing the very future she was born to claim.
Whispers of the Elixir begins the Order of the Ember series—a saga of betrayal, power, and the strength of a princess destined to rise from the shadows and claim her place in legend.
Perfect for readers of Andrea Stewart, Patrick Rothfuss, and Robin Hobb
Purchase Whispers of the Elixir here>>