Tag Archives: Maritime

SciFi – For the Real World

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For those of you who’ve been following me since I started blogging, you’ll know I began with an inspirational historical fiction focus. Back then, that’s what I was writing. As you’d have seen, over recent years my genre focus has changed. Gradually my website has started to reflect that shift, but my blog largely hasn’t changed. I figure it’s about time I addressed that.

So, I’m going to be trying a few new things in the coming months. As the busyness of life allows. It’s been so great having you come on the journey with me. And hey, if you’ve got any ideas, feel free to toss them onto the suggestion pile.

And for those faithfuls who followed in anticipation of the romantic maritime historical adventures, don’t worry, I’ve been trying to keep those stories ticking along in the background. If that moves forward, you’ll be the first to know.

But back to this YA near-science-fiction focus, specifically “Science Fiction for the Real World”—I’ve got a few rabbit holes I’d like to run down on this theme in coming weeks. So sit tight and join me for the ride where you’ll get a glimpse of what’s coming next, a few Blaine-related things I’d like to chat about and, well, whatever else comes on the radar. It’ll be super cool to have you along.

All Hands

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Did you know it’s ‘International talk like a pirate day’? I’m sure there are thousands of, ‘Arrrrr,’ type comments being made across the world in keeping with the fun of this date, and perhaps a lovely buzz is building for all things maritime.

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Having written a historical maritime novel (A Devil’s Ransom) I have a great deal of affection for the nautical, but today I’d like to take a slight tangent to this theme. That is, the dynamics of a ship’s crew.

Now, I promise this is related! Last weekend marked the official book launch celebrations for my new YA novel Integrate. It was a wonderful event shared with many others who have supported me throughout the publication journey or have heard of the book and wanted to share the excitement of its release. But this day could not have happened without the many hands that managed all the behind the scenes work. My writing group. (Not to mention those involved in seeing the book to publication prior to that!)

Signing_Launch2On the morning of the launch my husband was given several chores to do while I zipped out to finish getting ready. When we finally arrived at the venue, I could feel fissures of stress edging through me. With a zillion thoughts in my head, including a list of what yet had to be done, I was stopped in my tracks as I stepped into the room. It was perfect. Everything had been set up and there was an atmosphere of calm as my writing friends went about their business – tasks they had previously delegated between themselves. Upon asking after a few items on my mental list, I was met with a smile and reminded that people had already offered to do these things, and had.

I felt something like the awe I hold when watching a ship’s crew at work – especially a sailing ship. Each crew-member knows their task and the importance of performing it well. If they don’t, they not only let themselves down, they risk jeopardising the safety of the ship and the souls aboard. There is something quite magnificent and equally intriguing about the team work involved in performing evolutions (or manoeuvres) under sail. Considering the physics of a sailing ship and the forces acting on it, the precision of this work can be appreciated.

The same applies to life. At times we can lose sight of our efforts in the bigger scheme of things, but don’t become discouraged in doing the little things well. No matter what moment we are in, there are always many hands that have seen us, supported us, to our ‘now’. From the simplest word of encouragement to meeting an overwhelming practical need, each hand bears a little weight in life’s journey. Let’s never undervalue the power of  supportive hands in our world – and our part as a ‘crew-member’ for others.

Next Big Thing

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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 week’s time (30 January 2013).

Thank you, Sandra Peut, for tagging me for the “Next Big Thing” contribution. I’ve not only had the pleasure of reading Sandra’s romantic thriller, Blue Freedom, but I’ve 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 Sandra’s website www.sandrapeut.com

The Questions
1. What is the working title of your next book?
My first novel A Devil’s Ransom is due for release in early 2013.

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
This sounds horribly clichéd, but originally the story came to me as a repetitive dream. Only more recently have I remembered writing a maritime fiction (but MUCH shorter 🙂 ) as a child – 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 publisher’s 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 don’t get to the movies much and am pretty bad at connecting actor names to roles and identities.) I also discovered that it’s quite a responsibility to put actual flesh and blood on your beloved (and some not so beloved) fictional characters! You’ll have to check out my character choices when my book is nearer release on http://sunpenny.blogspot.co.uk. For now, I’m 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 MacKinnon’s 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 Devil’s 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 it’s only fair to share one’s 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 I’m sure he will cherish ’til his final breath… Hmmm, perhaps I’d best move on before my darling reads this over my shoulder. 😉 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 – 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 Devil’s Ransom has a good blend of adventure, mystery and romance, but it’s 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 week’s Next Big Thing blog contributor (uploaded 30 Jan 2013), Australian author Skye Wieland. Skye’s success with her recently released novel, Sarah’s Gift, is soon to be followed by the second book in her Dare to Follow Trilogy, Mark’s Strength. Skye’s 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 Skye’s blog on http://www.skyewieland-author.blogspot.com.au and tune in next week for the “Next Big Thing”!