For the next couple of posts I thought I’d follow up my latest blog by sharing some more interviews. But this time it’s me being interviewed!
In the interview linked below I’m talking to Wombat Books/Rhiza Press Director, Rochelle Manners, about the Blaine Colton trilogy. This brief chat is a nice prelude to what’s coming next time … but more about that then. đ
For now, I’ll hand you over to Rochelle.
Author interview: Blaine Colton trilogy & writing with Rochelle Manners
Did you know Iâm a self-confessed science geek? If youâve met me, Iâm pretty sure you do. In fact, it becomes a little obvious when you read my near-science fiction trilogy (science-based speculative fiction that feels like it could happen now in our modern world) and my current WIP, which is a science fantasy time-slip parallel narrative. What may surprise you is that there have been times Iâve been at reader-writer events and felt like a fish out of water.
What may also surprise you is that science fiction isnât everyoneâs cup of tea. (I know, right?) At some events I not only have to explain what my techno-thriller novels are about, I find myself talking a lot about the genre and where my novels fit. But not this weekend just gone!
Have you heard of Oz Comic-Con? I had, but until science-fiction author friend, Lynne Stringer, and fantasy/science fiction author friend, Jeanette OâHagan, contacted me, I didnât realise the event had anything to do with books. How wrong I wasâand itâs been a blast.
My enjoyment of this event was for multiple reasons. It was my first Oz Comic-Con and I was there with friends. Writers, if youâre ever going to a new event as an exhibitor, consider sharing your stall (if possible) with an author friend or two in a suitable genre. Not only could we take breaks and cover for each other (we even got to meet & greet with other stall exhibitors), we found if one of us didnât have the type of story a reader was interested in, the other might, and usually did. The other fantastic factor was the attendees spoke our language!
Now, Iâve been to signings or events where there are heaps of booklovers in attendance, but rarely have I spoken to so many people with an interest in science at a single event, let alone science fiction. In fact, if the attendees who visited our stall werenât into science fiction, they were into fantasyâor both! Sure, I still had to tell people about my stories, but it was amazing having them so familiar with a genre theyâd break in partway to clarify exactly where the novels fit. Some knew just the sort of books they liked and were happy to try a new author like me (or Jeanette or Lynne). (Happy author heart ⊠Love sharing stories with people who are excited about reading them. <3 <3)
The other fantastic factor, and the one that remains the highlight whatever event Iâm attending, were the people. SO many new faces and stories (life-stories, that is) and some seriously cool names. And then there were the amazing costumes. Like, wow!
Folks, I think Iâve found my literary tribe. Donât worry readers, I wonât neglect my other author connections, but honestly, this was serious fun. Next time youâll have to come along for the ride!
This week I was delighted to guest blog for best selling author, Michelle Dennis Evans, making a ‘choral installment’ in her series on friendship. Come and Join the Chorus!
Make sure you drop by her site to find out more about Michelle and her writing. You’ll be pleased you did!
Michelle writes picture books, chapter books, young adult contemporary novels and also enjoys dabbling in free verse poetry. Her debut novel, Spiralling Out of Control, and her poetry collection, Life Inspired, both reached #1 in sub-categories on Amazon in their first week of release. She lives in the Gold Coast hinterland of Australia with her husband and four super active, super fun and super time consuming children.
The Next Big Thing is a blog chain for writers and artists linking together and talking about their current projects. It gives you, the reader, a chance to discover great writers and their work, which you may not have heard of before. The concept is simple: each creator gets a chance to share a bit about their latest project (new release, completed book or works in progress). The opportunity is paid forward to another blogger or group of bloggers who likewise post about their next big thing in exactly one weekâs time (30 January 2013).
Thank you, Sandra Peut, for tagging me for the âNext Big Thingâ contribution. Iâve not only had the pleasure of reading Sandraâs romantic thriller, Blue Freedom, but Iâve also been recently privileged to read the latest draft of her current project, YA paranormal fiction, The Guardian. Keep your eyes out for more updates on Sandraâs website www.sandrapeut.com
The Questions
1. What is the working title of your next book?
My first novel A Devilâs Ransom is due for release in early 2013.
2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
This sounds horribly clichĂ©d, but originally the story came to me as a repetitive dream. Only more recently have I remembered writing a maritime fiction (but MUCH shorter đ ) as a child â which, incidentally, I never completed.
3. What genre does your book fall under?
Historical drama with romantic elements
4. What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Funny this question should be asked… A few months ago my publisherâs social media rep asked me to write a pre-launch blog, which was on this topic. It was quite fun, as I always claim to see/hear what I read and write on high definition wide screen with full surround sound, but it did involve some serious talent scout work! (I donât get to the movies much and am pretty bad at connecting actor names to roles and identities.) I also discovered that itâs quite a responsibility to put actual flesh and blood on your beloved (and some not so beloved) fictional characters! Youâll have to check out my character choices when my book is nearer release on http://sunpenny.blogspot.co.uk. For now, Iâm busy casting for my book trailer which, fingers crossed, will come together soon!
5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? (Or what is the book blurb for your book?)
Captain Quinn MacKinnonâs fate rests on an illegal slave trade agreement, but when a bungled abduction brings a wealthy Englishwoman aboard his ship, he faces a decision that could cost him his life.
6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
A Devilâs Ransom is being published by UK based Sunpenny Publishing under their Rose&Crown imprint (www.sunpenny.com)
7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
The first draft probably took a few months to write (that was a while ago!), but it was just the beginning of a grand (more than a decade long) adventure that saw me lose myself in the historical section of numerous libraries, maritime and other museums, both in Australia and overseas. I delved into the nautical world of the Age of Sail, including boarding and sailing on Tall Ships, and exploring the waterfront of historical shipping ports about the globe. Of course itâs only fair to share oneâs obsessions, so in the name of writing I also dragged my longsuffering husband off to various historical locations and remote reaches off the world, the memories of which Iâm sure he will cherish âtil his final breath… Hmmm, perhaps Iâd best move on before my darling reads this over my shoulder. đ Eventually I found myself studying a Master of Letters in 2006, which saw me completely rewrite the entire manuscript. (First draft take 2?)
8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
It is probably a similar style to the historical works of Michael Phillips and perhaps Francine Rivers â though it feels decidedly self-elevating to be comparing my writing to that of such time tested, well crafted authors!
9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Besides the dreams, I think a large debt of gratitude rests with my family for their value of history and stories, along with a number of school teachers. In particular, one primary school teacher fostered my love of reading and writing, provided me a sound appreciation of Australian history, including the maritime tie underpinning our colonial history and culture, and frequently reminded me of the importance of self-discipline and persistence. Much needed traits for a writer! I also love the research and discovery process and always feel that there is so much more to learn.
10. What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?
A Devilâs Ransom has a good blend of adventure, mystery and romance, but itâs also a story of spiritual awakening and the restoration of broken dreams, which is an element I find particularly satisfying.
It is with great delight that I now introduce you to next weekâs Next Big Thing blog contributor (uploaded 30 Jan 2013), Australian author Skye Wieland. Skyeâs success with her recently released novel, Sarahâs Gift, is soon to be followed by the second book in her Dare to Follow Trilogy, Markâs Strength. Skyeâs engaging stories will sweep you to the wilds of Africa and into the hearts of characters who, when inadvertently caught up in a dangerous ivory smuggling operation, must find the courage to face their past and overcome the evil plans that threaten their future together, and even their lives. To find out more you can check out Skyeâs blog on http://www.skyewieland-author.blogspot.com.au and tune in next week for the âNext Big Thingâ!
