Interview with Australian Author – Camille Fitzgerald
“Australian Authors” – Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
Camille – I speak three languages. Spanish is my first. I was actually born in the US to South American parents, and am now a dual citizen (US/Australia).
“Australian Authors” – What made you want to become a writer?
Camille – I have written for as long as I can remember. I can recall writing short stories as a teenager. I’ve been wanting to write my life story for nearly two decades and suddenly I had to opportunity to do so, and Miss Metamorph was born.
“Australian Authors” – What gives you inspiration for your book(s)?
Camille – My recent debut is a memoir. This story practically burst out of me last year, and just needed to be written. I weaved in journal entries from my late mother’s diary, and I like to think that it has made it incredibly unique.
“Australian Authors” – Now, the big question, are you working on another book?
Camille – Yes! I’m actually working on a speculative fiction right now. It’s more of a utopian dystopia romance and I’m so excited to dive back into writing fiction after living and breathing my memoir.
“Australian Authors” – What genres do you prefer to write in?
Camille – Fiction and romance were always my go-to when I was younger. Writing my memoir was empowering, cathartic and a gift of hope to its readers. I am so proud of finally fulfilling that dream.
“Australian Authors” – What do you think about the ebook revolution?
Camille – I will forever be a physical copy book lover, but I also understand that the cost of living is high, and printing costs have become prohibitive, especially for a small indie author. I love the convenience of reading on a device, and think if the choice is between not reading or reading ebooks, I wholly support ALL types of reading–audiobooks included.
“Australian Authors” – Do you start a book with a definite plot, or do you just write?
Camille – With my memoir, shaping it into something cohesive was both interesting and challenging. With fiction writing, I have a loose plot, but prefer to just write and see what comes out of me.
“Australian Authors” – Pen or type writer or computer?
Camille – Computer! Nothing beats the speed and ease of corrections, edits and shifting things around.
“Australian Authors” – Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or are you always in control?
Camille – I am always in control! Not too dissimilar to my real life.
“Australian Authors” – Are your characters based on real people or completely imagined?
Camille – My memoir is all based on real people, but everyone (except me) was deidentified for privacy reasons. For my fictional writing, I think my characters are often a combination of people I have met.
“Australian Authors” – Have you thought about joining with another author to write a book?
Camille – No, that doesn’t interest me at this point. Too much of a control freak, I suppose! Also the logistics of timelines, scheduling and editing together sounds like a real headache.
“Australian Authors” – Who are your favourite authors?
Camille – Isabel Allende, Tara Westover, Sarah J Maas, Tolkien, George R.R. Martin
“Australian Authors” – What’s your advice to Authors? On writing? Publishing? Marketing?
Camille – There is so much information out there – make sure you utilise it! I loved dealing with Ingram Sparks (for printing and distributing) and Reedsy for formatting and writing. It has been a steep learning curve, but stay flexible and curious and it pays off.
