Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
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Exclusive Interview with
When did you start writing?
Even though I struggled with English due to a childhood illness I have always been a storyteller. Though it has only been in the last two years I have become serious about my writing to the point where I literally write every day.
What makes writing your passion?
The passion comes from the ability to evoke an emotion in another person. To draw them in, literally having them barrack for your heroes and boo at your villains.
How long have you been writing?
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Exhilaration was definitely the first emotion but that was closely followed by a big fat case of anxiety. I think when we put ‘it’ (our work) out there we are always hoping that the lovers will be in the majority but you do not know until it happens.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I think for an author to connect with a reader something about the story has to click with them. It can be place or situation but really the best way is for the reader to connect with your characters (does not matter if it is the stories protagonist or antagonist). I love my protagonists to be kick-arse with a great sense of humour and true to their own values (which are not always conventional). My baddies on the other well I want you to hate them as much as I do.
In Rowland, The Senator’s Son, Alexia Kingstone is a character I love. Nothing about her is conventional. She lives by a her own very strict sense of morals. Even after going through hell, she displays strength and compassion in equal measure. In the end I suppose my choice of characters is all about the virtues I want to cultivate in myself and the ones I look for in others.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
The amount of misinformation in the marketplace and those wanting to take advantage of new authors trying to promote their work.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I always have at least 2 or 3 books on the go at a time. So if I get stuck or feel its not quite working like I want it too, I shift to another story. Normally what I find is because I am not forcing myself to continue any one story line at a time I don’t stop writing.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
For me writing is two-fold firstly I can express myself and secondly I am wanting to leave a legacy. You are correct a Writers path is never easy but it is worthwhile and probably more honest than any other career. You are the one who is solely responsible for getting the job done. So with that in mind I would encourage new authors to start treating their writing like a conventional job (part time or full time). Set up a space for yourself to work. Book time in to do it. Get as much feedback on your work as possible (but be discerning as to what and who you take your advice from, trust your gut). Finally put in the effort, it is so rewarding when you do.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
DON’T LISTEN TO THE CRITICISM OF YOUR ENGLISH TEACHER EVER (or should I say do not allow any teachers opinion to set the limits of your abilities. They are not living your life and will never know how good a storyteller you are. As my sister explained it so well there are two sides to writing. The written word and the story. Anyone of moderate capacity can do the first. Now the story is a different thing, the ability to take the reader on a journey is rare and as I have discovered has no bearing on whether you can spell or how well you use semi-commas. Just tell your story with genuine emotion. You can always find someone to help you with editing and proof-reading.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes always. If someone has taken the time to not only read one of my books but to write a review, I am going to respect that and at least read it. While a review in the most part is subjective you need them to learn where you can improve. I think its just about being discerning how you absorb that. My work is not for everyone and some readers will downright hate it but a bad review will never stop me writing my next great line.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Energizing is the easy answer. Like most things though you need to be just as discerning over good reviews as you do over the bad ones. In the end I am just extremely happy that the reader has gained enjoyment.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yeesssss, but you can’t tell anyone.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I think when we start writing we incorporate a lot of our own personality traits into our characters and I am as guilty as most new authors for doing this. I suppose I made Alexia Kingstone a jeweller because that is another of my passions and I can realistically describe anything she is doing within that trade. You probably will not find any skinny girls in my stories either because I am on the BBW side and make no apologies my characters being the same.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Yes is the short answer. Before someone dives in between the pages you first have to get them to open the door. It gives you a chance to share your story.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I really do enjoy chatting to my readers it helps me develop ideas and helps me to become better at my craft. If you do not know your audience you are just writing for yourself.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I am a new author so am yet to experience this. Though the models I have used on my covers have received recognition and they love it.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Ok so I love reading Sci-Fi Alien Romances (total guilty pleasure), my favourite author from this genre is S.E. Smith I love her writing style and the way she tells her stories. They are fast furious and sexy with big fat streaks of relatable humour.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Wow Dream! I would like to be as widely read as S.E. Smith and M.K. Eidem. Be able to go on holidays to the south of France or Sicily for 3 or 4 months and write my next best seller on location.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Rewrite probably not major edit, probably yes. My first book that is called “The Tempest of Eerikki” is one. I love the story but as with most things I am sure it could always be better.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
I would say…“Karma is going to bit you when you least expect it and I will never need to raise a finger or say a word for it to happen. Have a beautiful life”
What would you say to your readers?
Firstly thank you. Secondly, I really love hearing what you think. If you do not want to leave a review that’s okay, just drop me an email.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I am based in the Hunter Valley, a beautiful area of rural New South Wales, Australia (about 2 hours from Sydney). I live a simple live that includes my two Jack Russel puppies, Missy (15) and Little Man (13).
What is your day job if you have one?
I am an Artisan Jeweller and Writer. Man I love my “JOBS” and am fortunate to be able to write and create every day. With relation to jewellery I design and hand make pieces for men that I sell online that is called “Sir Stag.”
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I don’t really need hobbies as I do what I love every day. My free time is usually spent reading though.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Interesting question it is a yes/no answer. I have the most amazing mother and sister anyone could ever want. The males in our life though left a lot to be desired. Let’s just say I am a much stronger person through necessity and leave it at that.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
This may be one of the strangest reasons for starting to write fulltime but it’s a true one. About 2 years ago I was on the poorer side and not able to purchase metal to create jewellery to sell. I am the type of person that needs to be creative to stay sane. So I picked up pen and paper and started to get serious about my writing, (not to make money though that would be a great side benefit) but to allow that creative outlet.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
Yes several. I have two books that I would describe as contemporary love stories. They centre around two friends (you know the Man Candy) an Architect and a Developer. I have another two books in the first series I wrote that need editing and I am just about finished on the second book in the “Forces at Play Series” it is called “Oryan the Governor’s Man.” They do straddle different genres but they could all be described as raunchy action adventures.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Lack – a lot. I have a huge amount of respect for teachers (My Sister is one of the best) but I see that children are being treated like lab rats with the continual changes in teaching techniques.
These techniques are often created by intellectuals that have either not taught in a classroom for decades or even worse never set foot in one. The basics are often overlooked.
My personal experience with education was dreadful I was labelled and pretty much written off. I am not naïve I know that it all comes down to dollars but we need smaller class sizes and teachers that are passionate and who can actually teach.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
1. For my Nieces and Nephews to inherit a peaceful world
2. For my beautiful puppies to live as long as I do
3. For at least one of my books to be made into a movie
What is your favorite music?
Jazz of course…..
Share a secret with us 🙂
LOL a secret. While each of my books in any series are great standalone reads, I always place a stack of little breadcrumbs for the reader as to the overall AH HA moment. Would love to suggest that my readers take note of some of the smaller details. I do love the WOW moment when a reader gets it.