Interview with Australian Author – Angela J. Maher
“Australian Authors” – Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
Angela – I write fiction, but I have a science degree with honours in zoology, so my first published title was actually a thesis on frog reproduction.
“Australian Authors” – What made you want to become a writer?
Angela – I’ve created stories for as far back as I remember. I love books, always have, so it was natural to me to want to write as well. It wasn’t until I became a stay at home mum that it became more than a pastime, however. I needed something to be other than ‘just Mum’. After a lot of long nights spent soothing a teething little one, daydreaming, I decided to try writing the story I had been imagining. It felt like coming home.
“Australian Authors” – What gives you inspiration for your book(s)?
Angela – It can come from anywhere. Occasionally I dream the basic idea. Sometimes I see a photo or illustration and get the start of something from that. Daydreaming, reading, watching TV, they’re all potential sources of inspiration.
“Australian Authors” – Now, the big question, are you working on another book?
Angela – Always! I have a large number of projects on the go, some novels, some short stories, and some more novella length. I hope to get something published by the end of the year, but nothing is near being ready yet.
“Australian Authors” – What genres do you prefer to write in?
Angela – I like both horror and romance. Although they’re quite different genres, they are both fun to write, and they tap into different moods. I like to try different styles and genres. I read a wide range, so it feel natural to write widely as well.
“Australian Authors” – What do you think about the ebook revolution?
Angela – It has made reading far more accessible. They often cost less, there’s no shipping to worry about, and the customer can alter the font to suit their level of vision. I will always love a physical book, but ebooks allow me to buy more than I have self space for. It also just so happens that most of my sales are digital. Without the ebook revolution far fewer people would have read my books.
“Australian Authors” – Do you start a book with a definite plot, or do you just write?
Angela – I usually have some idea of the plot, but sometimes a piece starts as a a small scene or vague idea and builds. I think I’d get bored if I knew too much of what will happen.
“Australian Authors” – Pen or type writer or computer?
Angela – Computer. I change bits here and there frequently so it’s what works for me.
“Australian Authors” – Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or are you always in control?
Angela – I write with little idea of the plot, to start with, so I guess the characters lead the story where it needs to go.
“Australian Authors” – Are your characters based on real people or completely imagined?
Angela – A little of both.
“Australian Authors” – Have you thought about joining with another author to write a book?
Angela – It’s an interesting idea but I’m not sure I could manage something like that.
“Australian Authors” – Who are your favourite authors?
Angela – It’s always hard for me to pick favourites of anything, but I have to name Stephen King as my all-time favourite author. I also really like Erin Kellison, Judy Nunn, Bryce Courtenay, Neil Gaiman, and so many others.
“Australian Authors” – What’s your advice to Authors? On writing? Publishing? Marketing?
Angela – Resist the urge to rush. Everything takes longer than you expect, but taking your time is worth it. Give your work the time and respect it deserves.
