Interview with Australian Author – Isobel Blackthorn
“Australian Authors” – Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
Isobel – I was born in London on my great grandmother’s birthday and I think this single fact has defined me as a person more than anything else. She was a private nurse and a Spiritualist. I have always thought my occult leanings have come from her.
“Australian Authors” – What made you want to become a writer?
Isobel – I have a deep need to be creative. Without some creative pursuit, I’m listless and dissatisfied. I’ve wanted to write since I was eleven, but it has taken many decades to get here, much living, many hard knocks.
“Australian Authors” – Now, the big question, are you working on another book?
Isobel – I am working on eight novels at present. One is ready for publication, another almost. The others are at various stages of completion. I feel like a factory.
“Australian Authors” – What genres do you prefer to write in?
Isobel – I like literary fiction but that is hard to pin down and very hard to promote as in indie author. I write dark fiction, along the lines of mysteries, thrillers, elements of historical fiction perhaps. I also write contemporary fiction.
“Australian Authors” – What do you think about the ebook revolution?
Isobel – I don’t mind it. I read Kindle books. I review that way. I think the technology is terrific. It opens up a lot of possibilities for authors and readers alike
“Australian Authors” – Do you start a book with a definite plot, or do you just write?
Isobel – I’m a pantser. I only devise enough plot to get things going. The absolute minimum. Too much plot and my muse won’t play ball.
“Australian Authors” – Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or are you always in control?
Isobel – There have been times my characters have hijacked the plot. The Cabin Sessions was like that. The Legacy of Old Gran Parks wrote itself, the four protagonists loud in my head. I just let things happen. They were in control.
“Australian Authors” – Are your characters based on real people or completely imagined?
Isobel – All my characters are completely imagined. I do not think it is wise to admit to anything else.
“Australian Authors” – Who are your favourite authors?
Isobel – There are so many! I appreciate many, many authors. My favourite Australian author is Peter Carey. I love Booker Prize winners. I love the writing of indie authors, including Rachel Nightingale (Harlequin’s Riddle), Elizabeth Jane Corbett (The Tides Between), Kathryn Gossow (Cassandra) and Patricia Leslie (A Single Light), to name but a few. In the horror genre, I adore Gerri Gray (The Amnesia Girl), Donna Maria McCarthy (Biddy Trott), Craig Stewart (Worship Me).
“Australian Authors” – What’s your advice to Authors? On writing? Publishing? Marketing?
Isobel – Don’t give up. It’s a long, hard road. Expect rejection. Expect to have to dedicate the larger part of your life to writing if you have any ambition. Above all, be nice.
