Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m from Brisbane, Queensland, and mostly read fantasy and romance, with the odd smattering of science fiction. I love characters – they make or break a story for me. I geek out over games and books and movies, so long as their characters are complex (though not necessarily lovable!). I’m currently obsessed with Bucky Barnes and the ladies of the Marvel universe. I’ve only written a single short story that’s available on Amazon at the moment, but I’m working to rectify that – I’m creating a superhero universe for my next story.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“His Smile Like the Sun” – it’s a romantic short story based in Sydney, with an unusual protagonist. I’ve always loved Sydney (I grew up there) and I felt that it was the best setting for this story. I’m not sure what inspired it short of an insatiable love of romance!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure what unusual is – I can either sit down and bash out a story and hate it, but sometimes I’m inspired and am relatively satisfied with the first draft. It depends on when the inspiration hits, I guess!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
J K Rowling’s was the first book series I ever grew attached to. I owe a lot of my love of reading to her. C S Lewis is a close second, and then it really depends on my mood – I’ve read from genres all over the place, from lit fic to Mills and Boons.
What are you working on now?
Working title is “Static” – it’s about a group of people who can channel electricity, with static electricity being the most common form channelled. I’m not sure where I got the idea, to be honest. Superhero fiction is a favourite so I think I was just trying to find an individual way to introduce a new superhero.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning that myself!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write, to start with. Don’t worry about quality, just smash out your first draft and then go back over it with a fine-toothed comb. Don’t worry about going over your target word count, either – you’ll definitely cut it back while editing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write every day, no matter the quality.
What are you reading now?
“The Dragon Book”, a collection of dragon-esk fantasy stories written by authors like Diana Wynne Jones and Neil Gaiman.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d really like to edit more. I loved editing my manuscript, and I’d like to practice it more – I think it’ll help my writing also.
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?
1. How to build a raft (the Dummies guide)
2. The Bible
3. Narnia
4. Surviving (the Dummies guide)
Author Websites and Profiles
Gabrielle Kempthorne Website
Gabrielle Kempthorne Amazon Profile
Gabrielle Kempthorne’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account