Interview with Australian Author – Craig Miller “Australian Authors” – Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
Craig – Although born in Australia, having spent 35 years in New Zealand, I feel more Kiwi than Aussie.
“Australian Authors” – What made you want to become a writer?
Craig – Reading. Discovering a library of books in primary school made me realise that there was an outlet for the ‘make-believe-stories’ that paraded through my mind.
“Australian Authors” – What gives you inspiration for your book(s)?
Craig – A spark, a particular scene pops into my mind, and the story unfolds in multiple directions from there. It’s then up to me to winnow away the chaff to find the kernel.
“Australian Authors” – Now, the big question, are you working on another book?
Craig – Yes. I’m about to launch ‘Talismans’, part one of an epic fantasy, and ‘A Hole In Her Pocket’, an urban fantasy, is currently being edited.
“Australian Authors” – What genres do you prefer to write in?
Craig – I live and breathe Science Fiction and Fantasy. IMHO, all novels are fantasy, especially romances.
“Australian Authors” – What do you think about the ebook revolution?
Craig – The advent of ebooks has disrupted the publishing industry. I have tried to attract the attention of a literary agent without success, so without the ability to self-publish, my stories would be languishing on a hard drive.
“Australian Authors” – Do you start a book with a definite plot, or do you just write?
Craig – I usually start with a scene and then begin plotting. I don’t cling to my plots. Most of the time my plots don’t survive for very long, so I find myself plotting and re-plotting.
“Australian Authors” – Pen or type writer or computer?
Craig – Computer! I wrote, pen and paper, until computers and word processing came along. I don’t comprehend how a novel was constructed without a computer. Hard work!
“Australian Authors” – Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or are you always in control?
Craig – Control is a myth! I can usually guide my characters, but sometimes I reach a block, and I discover that I needed to listen more closely to what my character wants, then the story flows again.
“Australian Authors” – Are your characters based on real people or completely imagined?
Craig – There are elements of people I know mixed into my characters but none of them are based on specific individuals I know.
“Australian Authors” – Have you thought about joining with another author to write a book?
Craig – It’s an interesting concept, but I’m not sure how that would work.
“Australian Authors” – Who are your favourite authors?
Craig – Too many to list here, but… Robert Heinlein, Michael Moorcock, Elizabeth Moon, David Brin, John Varley, JRR Tolkien, George RR Martin,
“Australian Authors” – What’s your advice to Authors? On writing? Publishing? Marketing?
Craig – Write what you love! Publishers and marketers follow the market, they don’t lead it. I will continue to try to attract a literary agent – there’s nothing like having someone on your side – but I’m not going to hold my breath.
