Interview With Author Claire McCall
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Kia ora. I am a freelance writer and author based in New Zealand (lucky me!) I usually get to spend my days visiting architecturally designed homes because I write for the shelter titles here in Aotearoa and in Australia. I’ve had two books published traditionally (by Penguin NZ and Chanel Publishers) but the third, a more personal book, I self published as I feel it will appeal to an international audience.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hiking the Hexa: Up, Down & (Almost) Over the Hill on France’s newest long-distance walk. After the pandemic (where we were locked down in NZ probably more than most of the world), I couldn’t wait to get out and travel again. Since I love to do multi-day hikes staying in rudimentary Department of Conservation huts overnight, and I was also learning French, when this new long-distance walk popped into my social media feeds, I thought: that’s me! (Only it wasn’t quite). I am no mountain woman so setting off on this adventure at the age of 55, was a HUGE challenge (there were tears and panic attacks). But also many many surprising rewards. I loved it! And, being a journalist, I had to write about it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nope. Don’t think so. I am a professional journo so am very good at scheduling my writing time. Deadlines are my friend! But also, I find, if I am struggling with a piece, if I change the font on my laptop, it makes a big difference. Somehow the visual look of the letters inspires me to continue. Calibri (body) which is the default is so boring – sends me to sleep.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well I love Bill Bryson. If I could write with his wit and charm and innate attention to the details that make up our lives and have his ability to research, I’d be content. His observational humour in Notes from A Small Island is superb.
Also, because I was born in South Africa, I love books set in that country. My Traitor’s Heart by Rian Malan encapsulates most of what I felt growing up in Johannesburg. It is tragic, haunting and so so true.
What are you working on now?
I’m a job-a-day journo so today I might be writing up website copy for a design-and-build company but tomorrow I may be off to interview an interior designer or an architect or a clever homeowner. I also proofread for a culinary magazine here. My latest book was published in December so is practically a ‘newborn’ – and takes up a lot of my time.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love sharing the story of the long-distance hike with friends – and have appeared on a couple of podcasts. That is fun! It gives me leeway to tell the funny stories that happened on the hike and I find people, especially women of a hmm certain age, can really relate.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Schedule writing time. Books don’t just happen. I put aside every Friday (around my other work) for working on the book. Get a good proofreader and editor. If you’re anything like me, words are my strength – not pictures. Hire a graphic designer to design your cover. Don’t think you can do it all yourself. I was lucky because I work in the magazine industry so had a good friend help out.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
On the walk through France, it was where to find a clean supply of water (in a village churchyard as the water is used to keep the flowers fresh).
In terms of writing – Haters gonna hate. Try to ignore them.
What are you reading now?
Te Araroa – One Man Walks His Dream by Geoff Chapple. It is about the creation of the long-distance thru hike in New Zealand.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Global success and a film option of the book of course!
In reality, probably another house design story.
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?
The Greatest Survival Stories of All Time: True Tales of People Cheating Death When Trapped in a Cave, Adrift at Sea, Lost in the Forest, Stranded on a Mountaintop, and More by Cara Tabachnick
50 Ways to Eat Coconuts: Culinary Adventures Unveiled by Lila Monroe
And my own – so much time to relive the memories of blessed freedom when Hiking the Hexa
Author Websites and Profiles
Claire McCall’s Social Media Links
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