Author Interview

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Author Interview - Australian Authors Marketplace

Interview with Australian Author – Arabella Cornell

“Australian Authors” – Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?

Arabella – I like old black and white sci-fi movies with weird, screwy science in them. I hate corn chips but can’t resist eating them if they’re in front of me. I used to study art.

“Australian Authors” – What made you want to become a writer?

Arabella – I enjoy a great story as much as anyone, so I thought I’d give it a try. Turns out I find it really fun!

“Australian Authors” – What gives you inspiration for your book(s)?

Arabella – Sometimes it’s from real life romances of rock stars or actors. Mostly it’s pure fantasy, the type of thing most women have run through their mind at some point.

“Australian Authors” – Now, the big question, are you working on another book?

Arabella – Yes! I’m overdue for part three of Punch Sound, but I had an idea for a standalone novel I simply had to write. It’s taking longer than I’d hoped, so I’m not sure when it will be released.

“Australian Authors” – What genres do you prefer to write in?

Arabella – Romance is my thing, especially with a healthy dose of spice. Some drama doesn’t hurt, either.

“Australian Authors” – What do you think about the ebook revolution?

Arabella – I think it’s great! It’s so easy now to access so many books. The amount of choice is daunting but it’s fantastic being able to track down specific books, or new books in sub-genres you don’t see many printed books in.

“Australian Authors” – Do you start a book with a definite plot, or do you just write?

Arabella – I just write. I throw a couple together at the start and see what happens from there.

“Australian Authors” – Pen or type writer or computer?

Arabella – Computer for me. Writing time is limited and I don’t want to waste it transcribing.

“Australian Authors” – Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or are you always in control?

Arabella – The characters don’t hijack the story so much as I allow them to drive.

“Australian Authors” – Are your characters based on real people or completely imagined?

Arabella – I would like to say completely imagined, but all characters are based in some way on someone you’ve met. Only one character has been deliberately based on a real person, but I’m not telling you which one!

“Australian Authors” – Have you thought about joining with another author to write a book?

Arabella – I’m not the most reliable person, so no. Nobody would be bale to put up with my scattiness!

“Australian Authors” – Who are your favourite authors?

Arabella – Kylie Scott and Kristen Ashley

“Australian Authors” – What’s your advice to Authors? On writing? Publishing? Marketing?

Arabella – If you want to try writing something, just do it! Have fun with it. It doesn’t matter if anyone else ever sees it or not. And if other people do read it and love it, it’s awesome!

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Author Interview - Australian Authors

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.

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Author Interview

Interview with Australian Author – Maurice Hardy

“Australian Authors” – Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?

Maurice – I am a established Australian country/ballad singer songwriter. Left full time employment in 2003, moved from Tasmania to Queensland to further my career in the music industry

“Australian Authors” – What made you want to become a writer?

Maurice – Both my wife and I suffered serious health issues, resulting in lengthy periods of time recovering. Being an avid reader, during this time I decided to try creating my own stories. I guess once this urge was released there was no stopping.

“Australian Authors” – What gives you inspiration for your book(s)?

Maurice – I love the complexities that can be blended into my characters, and the twists and variations of the plots. I am always encouraged by feedback my novels and characters generate.

“Australian Authors” – Now, the big question, are you working on another book?

Maurice – I think I will always be either writing a new book or mentally structuring a theme or storyline.

“Australian Authors” – What genres do you prefer to write in?

Maurice – Fiction – Mystery, thriller, sci-fi, horror, relationships.

“Australian Authors” – What do you think about the ebook revolution?

Maurice – Inevitable.

“Australian Authors” – Do you start a book with a definite plot, or do you just write?

Maurice – Usually with a vague plot and create the sub plots, nuances, quirks, humour, drama, emotions and conflict as it progresses.

“Australian Authors” – Pen or type writer or computer?

Maurice – Computer. (Have difficulty reading my own handwriting!)

“Australian Authors” – Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or are you always in control?

Maurice – I feel I’m always in control, but I rely on their personalities and experiences to expand and enhance the storyline.

“Australian Authors” – Are your characters based on real people or completely imagined?

Maurice – A combination of segments from many people, although sometimes 100% imaginary.

“Australian Authors” – Have you thought about joining with another author to write a book?

Maurice – Always open to new challenges.

“Australian Authors” – Who are your favourite authors?

Maurice – Stephen King, Bryce Courtney, Danielle Steele, Di Morrissey

“Australian Authors” – What’s your advice to Authors? On writing? Publishing? Marketing?

Maurice – I am always seeking knowledge regarding the most difficult areas of writing (marketing, promoting). My advice is to believed in yourself and never give up. Also absorb as much advice as you can from ‘experts’ but don’t compromise your Individually and style.

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Interview with Australian Author – Kate Steele

“Australian Authors” – Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?

Kate – I love potato chips, but I love writing more.

“Australian Authors” – What made you want to become a writer?

Kate – I don’t remember thinking of one thing that made me want to become a writer. I just remember always reading and writing.

“Australian Authors” – Now, the big question, are you working on another book?

Kate – A few – a couple of mystery romances, a coming of age novel, and a project so complex I can’t figure out what to call it!

“Australian Authors” – What genres do you prefer to write in?

Kate – Mystery, crime and horror, but I don’t mind a bit of romantic mystery/ suspense for some fun.

“Australian Authors” – What do you think about the ebook revolution?

Kate – the printed book is still popular, and the ebook, just like the trend in audiobooks right now, has its place.

“Australian Authors” – Do you start a book with a definite plot, or do you just write?

Kate – Sometimes I have a plot, sometimes I just write

“Australian Authors” – Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or are you always in control?

Kate – Yes, my characters regularly hijack my stories, but that’s half the fun. You never know where a story will end up until you get there.

“Australian Authors” – Are your characters based on real people or completely imagined?

Kate – Only imagined, with a few quirks from real people thrown in to keep it interesting!

“Australian Authors” – Who are your favourite authors?

Kate – Barbara Baynton; Joan Lindsay; Randolph Stowe; Marcus Clarke; Tim Winton; Jane Harper; Jennifer Mills; John Steinbeck; F. Scott Fitzgerald; George Orwell…I could go on and on!

“Australian Authors” – What’s your advice to Authors? On writing? Publishing? Marketing?

Kate – I don’t like giving advice. All any of us can do is navigate through the industry and find the niche that suits us

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Interview with Australian Author – Carmel McMurdo Audsley

“Australian Authors” – Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?

Carmel  – I had a long and happy career as a Journalist, Editor and Publisher working on magazines and newspapers. I live in Brisbane and now edit and publish a magazine for the Scottish community in Queensland.

“Australian Authors” – What made you want to become a writer?

Carmel – I am lucky to have spent my whole career writing professionally. When I retired from full-time journalism, I started researching life in Scotland (where my father was born)and the stories I uncovered led me to write my first book ‘Ours, Yours and Mines’. I am currently working on my eighth novel.

“Australian Authors” – Now, the big question, are you working on another book?

Carmel – I am currently writing the third instalment in ‘The Undertaker’ series. At the time the book is set in 1860, women weren’t allowed to study medicine. The main character Kate, as well as being an undertaker and undercover sleuth, is desperate to become a doctor so it’s about Kate’s quest to enter the male-dominated world of academia. Of course, it wouldn’t be Kate, unless she is surrounded by death and mystery.

“Australian Authors” – What genres do you prefer to write in?

Carmel – Six of my seven books have been historical fiction which is my preferred genre. I did write a novella about an elderly couple who were both diagnosed with terminal illnesses, and whose family is too busy to spend much time with them. This story was inspired by an old couple I saw when I was on a cruise and so the story is set on a cruise ship. It’s a sad love story.

“Australian Authors” – What do you think about the ebook revolution?

Carmel – I sell a lot of e-books and I buy a lot of e-books, but I would much prefer to hold a print book in my hands. Perhaps because I have spent so much time with my nose in a book that it is more comfortable for me. I spend all day looking at a computer screen. When I relax at night, I don’t want more bright lights.

“Australian Authors” – Do you start a book with a definite plot, or do you just write?

Carmel – Because I write historical fiction, I have a storyline in mind and then do the research. I have to change the story and characters to fit the period but the basic storyline stays intact.

“Australian Authors” – Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or are you always in control?

Carmel – The characters surprise me all the time. In certain situations I ask myself (as the writer) ‘what would Kate do about this?’. I know my characters intimately – I get inside their skin and they get inside of mine.

“Australian Authors” – Are your characters based on real people or completely imagined?

Carmel – My first three novels were based on real people, places and events. The next three novels were purely fictitious and my seventh novel ‘Murder In The Bush’ was based on the true story of a young man who travelled from Scotland to Queensland in 1885 with the dream of owning a sugar plantation. He discovered that he could make a lot of money droving horses overland to sugar plantations in Mackay and Ayr, and also to the gold mines in Charters Towers. He made a lot of money but didn’t get the chance to spend it. He met a madman in the bush and died in gruesome circumstances.

“Australian Authors” – Who are your favourite authors?

Carmel – I read a lot of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Albert Camus and Walt Whitman at university and think that John Steinbeck has the absolute knack of writing about ordinary people and places in extraordinary circumstances. I’m a big fan of Hemingway and Dickens. When I read Henry Lawson’s ‘The Drover’s Wife’ at school, every word he wrote painted a picture and I still love the story. Another Australian author whose work I admire is George Johnston whose ‘My Brother Jack’ I studied at high school.

“Australian Authors” – What’s your advice to Authors? On writing? Publishing? Marketing?

Carmel – On writing, I would say there is no such thing as writer’s block. It simply doesn’t exist. When people say they ‘can’t write’ it usually means that they are afraid they will write the wrong thing. My advice is just to write anything, and eventually the right words will come. On publishing, I would say to would-be authors don’t be in a hurry. It is your name on the book and you want to be proud of the product you produce. Don’t even consider having a book published that hasn’t been professionally edited and proofread. You also need to engage a professional cover designer. Marketing is where the real work begins. Your book will be competing for readers’ attention with millions of other books of varying quality, so you need to find a point of difference to stand out. Your marketing strategy should be in place a couple of months before your book is launched. Whether you hope to make writing books your career, or you do it for the love of words, keep writing. It is one of life’s greatest joys.

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Interview with Australian Author – Elisabeth Cannell

“Australian Authors” – Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?

Elisabeth – I live on a hobby farm where chickens free range in the Japanese garden my husband created,show Boxer dogs, and am training my Shetland pony George into harness with the help of a friend. I grow many of my own medicinal herbs and use them, as I am a qualified Naturopath and Remedial Massuse and Bowen Therapist.

“Australian Authors” – What made you want to become a writer?

Elisabeth – I have always dabbled, even as a child and in my teens. Back then using a typewriter was laborious. Don’t get me wrong though, I have a soft spot for very old typewriters, collect them, even take them out and caress their enamelled keys occasionally. Life also got in the way. I’m at that stage of life now where, with the forgiving help of the modern word processor, I can give free rein to my creative juices.

“Australian Authors” – Now, the big question, are you working on another book?

Elisabeth – Yes. I am working on one more book in my current series, then I plan to really cut loose and write some paranormal romance and sci-fi.

“Australian Authors” – What genres do you prefer to write in?

Elisabeth – Romance, Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction, Science Fantasy. I have numerous tales planned. I just need to live long enough to write them 😉

“Australian Authors” – What do you think about the ebook revolution?

Elisabeth Cannell – Love it. I believe the eBook revolution lends to freedom of expression. It means we won’t lose good authors, overlooked by traditional publishers, who see thousands of manuscripts and have finite resources, and often will not read a submission beyond the letter of introduction. People still love the feel of a paperback in their hands, and this is still an option. Most independent authors have these available too.

“Australian Authors” – Do you start a book with a definite plot, or do you just write?

Elisabeth – I start with a plot idea, and then just write.

“Australian Authors” – Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or are you always in control?

Elisabeth – I give my characters a life, and then document them living it. Yes… ok… they often hijack the story.

“Australian Authors” – Are your characters based on real people or completely imagined?

Elisabeth – They are imagined, but may be based on real events I have heard about.

“Australian Authors” – Who are your favourite authors?

Elisabeth – Winston Graham, Isaac Asimov, Anne McCaffrey, Diana Gabaldon, Stephenie Meyer, Cassandra Clare.

“Australian Authors” – What’s your advice to Authors? On writing? Publishing? Marketing?

Elisabeth – Get your covers done professionally. As an independent author you will have more control over your work but stick to tried and true story arcs. Books and movies do need to move at a certain pace. Use lots of Beta readers, and set your finished work aside long enough, so when you pick it up again you see it with fresh eyes. Employ a copy editor if your budget can afford one.