Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a twenty-seven year old Australian writer who survives by typing court transcripts during weekday daylight hours. I tend to stick around speculative genres, mainly fantasy, but I like to thread in a bit of sci fi and dystopian. Going by how many books I’ve published (I’m including short stories, here, and those available for pre-order) I’ve written five books. Going by how many books I’ve actually written, it’s closer to 10, most of those extra being novels I’m continually picking at.
I live for and with my beautiful kitten Fi, I have difficulty reading and writing at the same time (hence my reading life frequently, sadly, goes down the drain … ), and I am a perfectionist when it comes to editing (if you’re reading one of my books and spot a blatant error, PLEASE point it out to me … now I’m going to be particularly embarrassed if I’ve made any errors in this interview …). I’ve played piano since I was four, though I’m not very good any more, and I love to sing. I’m a bit of an anime fan, and I have a special love for Japan – my story cycle, Treading Twisted Lines, was initially inspired by a few experiences I had while living there. I studied biomedical science, psychology, and Japanese at university – that was a few years ago now – and I love connecting with lovely readers and writers.
I’m just throwing down random facts down now. Favourite colour: usually green. Favourite food: katsudon. Favourite animal: cats/narwhals. Ultimate dream: to be able to support myself by writing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is named Suddenly Calling, and it’s Book 4 in my fantasy story cycle, Treading Twisted Lines with Darren, Maddi, and Kai (it’ll be released on 16 July 2015). This book was more difficult to write than the first three, as Books 1 to 3 were truly created through bursts of intense inspiration. Suddenly Calling wasn’t. At first, it was a bit of a story of necessity, the other protagonists having featured in previous stories; one remained to be introduced. More, the fact that this story spans roughly 10 years of a girl’s life in a relatively short space made matters difficult for me. I tried a number of tactics – write in the style of a fairy tale, is the main one I remember. That certainly didn’t happen. I think Suddenly Calling became what it is through a large number of small, persistent nudges of inspiration – political moves I disagreed with, being introduced to the workers’ union, general corruption and awfulness on the news every day. A childhood pet of my mum’s. And sandwiches.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sometimes find it difficult to write unless the whole house is tidy, but I’m not sure that counts as a writing habit. When I’m editing I often read aloud in rhythm, punctuating with taps, usually on my jaw. Again, not sure if that’s quite a writing habit, specifically. I keep special notebooks for every story, and I only write in them using coloured pens with erasable ink I bought from the best shop in the world – Loft. That’s getting warmer, I think. Actual unusual writing habits … I tend to write multiple stories at once (not only different stories in the one series) so themes and personalities tend to bleed across them. Not sure how unusual that is, but that’s what I’ve got.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve wanted to write for so long I’m not entirely sure what started that, but certain authors did influence me to write fantasy. The absolute earliest I recall is Jahnna N. Malcolm, authors of the Jewel Kingdom series. Soon after came the more obvious Tolkien and Rowling, as well as Tamora Pierce. More recent shapers have included the best YA dystopian writers, such as Hugh Howey.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a story called Trials of the Gods’ Hands, Book 5 of the Treading Twisted Lines series (Book 6 has actually been finished for over half a year …). I’m also re-editing and popping up my (to this point) great work, my fantasy novel Embraced, on Wattpad and Inkitt (not quite ready to publish it independently in print or ebook form, yet). As well, I’m slowly working on a fantasy called Behind Glass, and shaping a YA dystopian set in a city run by trains, which I plan to be my main project once Book 5 is complete. However, focus may shift back to my second novel (previously unmentioned) depending on how it’s received by those currently viewing it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t been great at promoting thus far – I use my own Facebook, Twitter, and, more recently, Tumblr, but it’s difficult when your current audience is quite limited. Word of mouth is still helpful – possibly more than many think – but websites like Awesomegang are a brilliant way to reach new and interested readers. I still need to work on promotion in general, though. Hopefully, once more of the Treading Twisted Lines series is out, sheer numbers will assist.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Please don’t be discouraged. It may seem that everyone is writing and self-publishing now – and a huge portion of everyone is. That doesn’t mean that you can’t or you shouldn’t. It makes it harder to stand out, but I suppose we all need to work hard to be seen, now. You’re not alone.
And please take the time to edit. I hate the amount I harp on about books I’ve read that have been poorly edited when all I want to be doing is singing indie authors’ praises. I will sing, I promise – just make sure it’s edited well!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Revise backwards.
I forget where I heard that. But, once you’re finished, start at the end and work your way back. Odds are more time was spent refining earlier chapters. This is a brilliant way to make sure the end gets the same love and attention as the beginning. It’s also a good way to avoid plot holes, etc, and make sure things line up well.
But wait a few days or longer after finishing, first. I forget where I heard that, as well. Put some distance between yourself and your precious work. Then, when time comes to be necessarily brutal, you’re good to go.
What are you reading now?
Currently reading The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Slowly.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to move onto the above-mentioned train novel once Books 5 and 6 of Treading Twisted are released, but I suppose it depends on how things pan out. Shall continue to work on and slowly release Embraced, also. Maybe I’ll even find an agent … who knows?
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I can cheat and count a series as one book, I would take the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, the Legend series by Marie Lu, the Wool series by Hugh Howey, and a guide for desert island survival.
If I can’t cheat and one book counts as only one, I would take a guide for desert island survival, and three really thick notebooks – I could get a lot of writing done on a desert island. I’m assuming stranded implies temporarily …
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