Interview With Author Roxanne Collins
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Roxanne, a lover of beaches, bushlands, sports, and, of course, books! I grew up bushland and coasts of Western Australia, when I wasn’t reading or scribbling short story ideas. Writing a novel wasn’t something that I had seriously considered until adulthood and under the behest of my sister. She had nagged me for years to put pen to paper – or fingers to keyboard. So, eventually I did and I am pretty pleased with the result as an amateur novelist. Currently I have only one novel, but am really excited about expanding my catalogue.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’m thrilled for the opportunity to introduce readers to, “The Keepers of the Sacred Elements: Book 1” is my first published novel. I grew up in a pretty windy environment and the wind used to bother me a lot, it was harsh to deal with sometimes, so it was constantly on my mind. I also get very inspired by nature, particularly gardens and flowers at dusk, which is my favourite time of day. I kept having these vague ideas swirling around in my head and so I decided to explore those idea’s and the idea’s kept forming into what will become a series – most likely a trilogy.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably my only real quirk is that I need to have the right amount of quietness and the perfect temperature around me. So, a temperature controlled sound-proof room over overlooking nature would be ideal, though not very realistic. When I am working, I don’t like verbal contact at all, it disturbs all of the thoughts and creativity working in my brain. I guess I could be considered a finnicky temperamental writer. Outside of this I am considered a pretty easy-going personality.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many books to consider. In childhood, ‘Norman Lindsey and the Magic Pudding’, ‘May Gibbs with Snuggle Pot and Cuddle Pie’, ‘Enid Blyton’s Famous Five”. As I got older, ‘Sweet Valley High series and the Dolly Fiction series. I very quickly switched to writers like Stephen King and Wilbur Smith, both of which I am still fans .Virginia Andrews was another reader I was fond of in my teenage years, along with Clive Barker whose writing style I have long admired and am still impressed by.
What are you working on now?
The second book in, ‘The Keepers of the Sacred Element’s series”.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Currently, my best method is through Author promotions sites, such as, Awesome Gang and through my Website. Also, YouTube is great for promoting my book as an AudioBook.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advise I think that I can give, is don’t give up and keeping putting one foot in front of the other. Ignore any fear and, ”just ask”. Do that scary thing – whatever it is.
Slow and steady will eventually win the race. One step forward with a stumble is better than no step at all.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice that I ever heard, which I still adhere to daily, is, ‘Just Ask”. It is very simple advice, but has proven to be very powerful in my world.
What are you reading now?
These days I love reading classic writers from all over the world from all centuries.
I love Adrian’s Undead Diary by Chris Holbrook. I find him to be a great talent. Another writer that I am really enjoying listening to is Scott Medbury and his post-apocalytic works. I still think of this novella, Ínga’ and am inspired to listen to it again – I just wish that I could listen to it for the first time again – that would be cool.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have idea’s for a couple of spin-off’s from the Keepers. One of which will be a children’s book series, of the characters which feature in my prologue. I am also toying with the idea of doing an adult series, too, which will use certain characters to explore much more adult themes. I have idea’s and concepts but nothing concreted or in stone yet.
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?
How tragic to decide on three or four books, I better pick wisely. How about a lucky dip from the following authors? I will have to cheat here a little bit. The bible would be the first book and then any one book from any Russian writer ever. Any Tim Winton novel and the fourth?…. ‘The Old Man and the Sea’! I adore that book.
Author Websites and Profiles
Roxanne Collins Amazon Profile
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.