Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was a teacher before almost losing my sense of humour (and mind) and deciding I needed to devote myself to the thing I loved most – writing. I became a full-time television scriptwriter for children, entered a nationwide scriptwriting competition and was selected to be on the writing team of a popular South African soap. I also worked as an advertising copywriter, wrote radio ads and jingles, educational textbooks and readers…anything to keep the wolf from the door. Basically, I’m constantly writing, books and TV scripts and if not that then plotting, planning and scheming how to take over the world. In 2000 I embarked on a new journey, crossing the galaxy to settle on a new planet or as some like to call it ‘Immigration’, and am now a proud possessor of a maroon Intergalactic Wayfarer Permit and have come to love the aliens I mix with daily.
The sequel to Blue Dust : Forbidden will be released next year – Blue Dust : Destiny.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first bookm sci fi for teens and YA and anyone else that can read, is Blue Dust: Forbidden. It was inspired by my own struggles as an ‘alien’. I found immigration very hard and it felt like I’d landed on another planet. I began a blog that morphed into Blue Dust: Forbidden, which is published by Ghostly Publishing, one of the UK’s largest independent children’s publishers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I must have the TV or radio on while I work. I make up fantasy and sci fi names by turning words backwards or spoonerising them. I always work the names of my family and friends into my books in some way – turn it backwards, spoonerise it, change a few letters about, so every book has a little ‘kiss’ for everyone I love.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a child Enid Blyton, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys. And then Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Karen Slaughter, Jo Nesbo, John Creasey, John Grisham, Chine Mieville, Terry pratchett, Christin Lackberg, Dick Francis, Alistair McClean, Desmond Bagley – they really influenced me – I have eclectic taste, what can I say?
What are you working on now?
Blue Dust: Destiny, the sequel to Blue Dust: Forbidden. It’s due for release in october. I’m also working on an as yet unnamed book – Terry Pratchett stole (:)) the name I wanted and we don’t want to confuse anyone. It’s due for release next year along with the final Blue Dust book, Insurrection.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
A shed load of social media – Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, Tumblr, reddit, G+ and reviews by bloggers. I’m still getting the hand of promotion although of course my publisher does some of this too.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. Don’t ask your family and friends to tell you what they think about your work – they will say what you want to hear! Find a good editor-professional editor – a do what he/she says. if you self-pubolish, make sure your book is well edited. Read loads in many genres and then try out different genres until you find your ‘voice’. This is very important. Take advice from people who know what they’re talking about. If someone says you can’t write, see what you can do to improve. You have to believe in yourself and your writing, but try to face the truth about your work, even if you don’t like what’s said. Never be afraid to cut, cut, cut and often the passages or sentences you love best need to be trimmed. Take some writing classes if you can…never surrender if you truly believe you have what it takes. but remember, very few writers end up like JK Rowling, it’s a hard business with a lot of competition.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get a good editor.
What are you reading now?
Karen Slaughter – Fallen
What’s next for you as a writer?
The release of my second and third books and writing my fourth book. Adapting my books for Hollywood.
What is your favorite book of all time?
The Book Thief
Author Websites and Profiles
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