Interview with Australian Author – Sara Powter
“Australian Authors” – Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
Sara – I’ve been tracing my family history since I was eight and my mother and I came across so many amazing stories they were too go to ignore. many are now novels.
“Australian Authors” – What made you want to become a writer?
Sara – I only started writing during COVID-19, so I could finish my mother’s last story. Sadly, she died before it was finished. It inspired me to keep writing…
“Australian Authors” – What gives you inspiration for your book(s)?
Sara– The trauma and trials of our Australian Convicts are so often belittled. However, although many had a horrible time in irons, others took the opportunities they were given and turned their lives around.
“Australian Authors” – Now, the big question, are you working on another book?
Sara – Yes, of course! Many of my stories follow the handcrafts of the women of the era. This current one is about Jams and preserves.
“Australian Authors” – What genres do you prefer to write in?
Sara – Australian Historical Fiction – set in Colonial Times.
“Australian Authors” – What do you think about the ebook revolution?
Sara – It’s great … now. I was hesitant at first – but I have been won over. However, I still like real books, too!
“Australian Authors” – Do you start a book with a definite plot, or do you just write?
Sara – No, although as I write with real history as my background, the outline is often already there. Various governors and surgeons’ journals are online for free and with access to TROVE, the details are easy to access.
“Australian Authors” – Pen or type writer or computer?
Sara – Computer all the way – and LOTS of sticky notes, too.
“Australian Authors” – Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or are you always in control?
Sara – Occasionally – I have one die that I had no intention of that happening.
“Australian Authors” – Are your characters based on real people or completely imagined?
Sara – 50/50. Many of my characters are historical fighters, but the others are fictional, woven through history.
“Australian Authors” – Have you thought about joining with another author to write a book?
Sara – I did- I finished my mum’s book, but no – not anyone else.
“Australian Authors” – Who are your favourite authors?
Sara – Marcus Clarke (For the Term of His Natural Life), Catherine Gaskin (Sara Dane), and so many others, but I’ve fallen for Téa Cooper’s books too.
“Australian Authors” – What’s your advice to Authors? On writing? Publishing? Marketing?
Sara – Keep going! But unless you are experienced, don’t try to edit while you are writing… they use different parts of your brain.
