Interview with Australian Author – Pauline Yates
“Australian Authors” – Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
Pauline – I’m a late starter in the writing world. I’ve always had a passion for reading and writing, and like most authors, I have a secret collection of handwritten, partially finished stories hidden away in the bottom of a drawer. I got serious once my youngest child started school and I had some more me-time. I wrote three novel drafts, and then switched to short story writing to improve my craft. The short story publications helped to build my author profile. They also gave me valuable insight into the publishing industry. I then returned to the first novel draft, finished it, and published it as my debut novel when I was 52.
“Australian Authors” – What made you want to become a writer?
Pauline – I love telling stories. But telling a story and writing a story are two different things. Writing is a challenge to show in words the story I want to tell, and I love a challenge.
“Australian Authors” – What gives you inspiration for your book(s)?
Pauline– My characters. I’ve spent years developing and understanding my characters and feel it’s my job to reveal their life stories.
“Australian Authors” – Now, the big question, are you working on another book?
Pauline– Yes. Always. And if not a book, a short story, or a poem. I like having multiple projects on the go, so if I get stuck on one, I can jump into another. Writing is like a muscle. You need to work it if you want to get better at it.
“Australian Authors” – What genres do you prefer to write in?
Pauline – My strengths lie in horror and science fiction, or a blend of the two. Anything dark and speculative draws me in. With a dash of romance if the characters take me that way.
“Australian Authors” – What do you think about the ebook revolution?
Pauline – Nothing will ever replace a book, holding it, flipping through the pages, the smell of the paper and ink, sinking into the armchair, eyes glued to the page. But I can only fit so many books in the bookcase. Ebooks come with benefits. I can try a new book without outlaying too much money. I can read it straight away. I can buy multiple ebooks for the same price as a paperback. If I really love an ebook, I will buy the paperback or hardcover because of all the reasons above. We live in a digital world, and ebooks have their place. And space on my ebook bookshelf is limitless.
“Australian Authors” – Do you start a book with a definite plot, or do you just write?
Pauline – I usually have a basic plot, but sometimes the characters take over and tell me the story they want told, so I am open to changing direction if needed.
“Australian Authors” – Pen or type writer or computer?
Pauline – I’ve used all three. I love pen and paper for deep-dive planning. I grew up using a typewriter, and I don’t miss the carbon paper. My laptop has become an extension of myself and is where I write most.
“Australian Authors” – Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or are you always in control?
Pauline – I’ve had plenty of characters take charge. It’s their story, so who am I to argue?
“Australian Authors” – Are your characters based on real people or completely imagined?
Pauline– Completely imagined. Though some character traits may be drawn from people I know.
“Australian Authors” – Have you thought about joining with another author to write a book?
Pauline – No. Everyone’s imagination is unique, and I think there’d be too much clashing of ideas or loss of author voice.
“Australian Authors” – Who are your favourite authors?
Pauline– I grew up reading Stephen King, so I love his earlier books. Misery is probably my favourite. I also love YA books, and enjoy Richelle Mead and Veronica Roth. And I enjoy Matthew Reilly and his fast-paced action scenes.
“Australian Authors” – What’s your advice to Authors? On writing? Publishing? Marketing?
Pauline– On writing – write every day. Writing is like a muscle and you need to keep it in shape.
On publishing – there is no one way to publish. Self-publishing, small press, traditional Big 5 – they are all options. Ultimately, choose the path that you trust the most.
On marketing – like publishing, there are multiple marketing avenues. Some work. Some don’t. A must have is an author platform – a website, author profiles etc. Make it easy for readers to find you.
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