Author Spotlight: Belinda Missen

This week we welcome Belinda Missen to Killing Time Blog. She has some amazing news she wants to share with us. 

Belinda, welcome and please share with our readers your amazing news, 

Books have always been a part of my life. From a young age, the best thing ever was the Scholastic Book Fair, or the monthly book club orders. I read everything I could get my hands on, often snaffling Dad's library card on weekends to check out more books than I could possibly read. I wrote when I was a teenager – mostly stuff that would classify as fanfic, or really melodramatic 'romance'. It was terrible, and I put it away in an attempt to be an adult and get a 'proper' job (whatever they are).

In 2013, I quit my job on the spot and started writing. It was the best thing I ever did. What started as fanfic became full blown stories with colourful characters and exotic destinations. I released my first self-published book, Red, in April 2015. Five more books followed – about one every six months – until, in November 2017, I signed a contract with HQDigitalUK (HarperCollins).  They optioned to publish a new book I'd written and submitted to them, as well as taking on all of my self-published works. 

Wow Belinda that is HUUUUUUUGE news. Congratulations and we all look forward to watching you grow as an author. 

How long have you been writing, and how did you become involved in writing?
I feel like I've been writing forever, and that I'll keep writing for as long as I possibly can. I love the ability to create worlds, to see characters come to life on page (and inside my head), and sharing them with those who want to read my work. It's a constant thrill.

I guess I became involved in writing because I wanted more stories. Writing my own became something I did to keep myself occupied as a young teenager. At least when I ran out of books to read, I had my own there to spill out onto the page.

What are you working on at the moment? I've just finished copy edits for A Recipe for Disaster. Next up is a rewrite of Red. I'm also hoping to start writing another book in between the rewrites.

Did you have any goals with writing, and if so, how well do you feel you’ve achieved them? What do you hope to achieve in the future? Originally, my five year plan was to get an agent in 2017, and workshop a book until it was ready to submit in late 2018. I kind of bypassed all of that by signing with HQ, so I need to reassess. One of the things on my 'hitlist' is to write a screenplay. If SunnyMarch were to buy/opt/produce it, that would be all my five year plans written off in one fell swoop.

How long does it take you to write a book? About six weeks – if the inspiration is good.

What are the hardest parts of being an author for you? I'm my own boss, so the motivation to keep going. That can be particularly hard if faced with 'writer's block'.

What do you enjoy most about being an author? In complete contrast to the above answer, I love that autonomy. I'm my own boss, and answer only to my publisher – which is amazing.

Do you have a spot where you like to write? In my office, door shut, music up, and world drowned out. Having said that, if ideas strike on the train, or on a trip, or walking around anywhere besides the office, I'm glad for the note function on my phone. Large chunks of Red were written on mobile phone .

Besides writing, what do you love doing?
Family history, genealogy. I can get lost for days and weeks researching the tiniest detail, record, or an obscure person who's popped up on my family tree. I think it's incredible to know where I've come from, and to see just how much other people have influenced my life – whether I'd ever met them or not.

What books or authors have had the most influence on you as an author? There are a few, I think. One of the first books I binge read was Jurassic Park, by Michael Crichton. I was eleven years old at the time, and I remember thinking how wonderful it was. Judy Blume was another favourite as a young reader. In the last few years, I would say Lindsey Kelk, Mhairi McFarlane, and Christina Lauren have been huge influences. I think it was January 2016, I binge read all of Christina Lauren's books, and I could see a huge improvement in my writing afterwards. There's a lot to be learned about the craft of writing from all three of those authors.

What did you find most useful when you were learning to write and expanding your skills? Reading. So much reading. I'm still a voracious reader, and often lament that I don't have enough time to both read and write. I can't do audiobooks, so that makes it hard.

What are your thoughts about ebooks vs. print books? I am a traditionalist – I do love a good paperback, except that add massive weight to luggage allowances (you should see what I've picked up in London this time). EBooks have a place for me in that, if I'm not sure about a book, then I'll grab an e-copy first. If I love it, then I'll grab a print.

What are your thoughts about self-publishing vs traditional publishing? Both is good. What works for one doesn't always work for the other. Me? I'm not great at blowing my own trumpet, so I've always failed at the marketing side of self publishing, but I can see how other authors have thrived from it. They're both equally valid, and both hard work.

How often do you write, and how do you find or make time to write? Daily. I start writing at about ten in the morning, stop for dinner when my husband gets home from work. We eat, we chat, we catch up, and I'm often back in the office from about ten p.m to midnight, maybe later. It depends on the story.

Do you plan your whole book out in advance, or just let it flow? What does your writing process look like? It's a little bit of both for me. Originally, I didn't like plotlining, because I'd find I'd become bored a I wrote, because who wants spoilers? Not me. However, I now use cue cards – scenes ideas I've had, and I slot them in where they best fit in the story. So, it's a plot line, but it's flexible.

What's a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? I write in my office, surrounded by books and Marvel trinkets. There's lots of coffee, pyjamas, swearing, and being distracted by the internet.

Do you ever get Writer’s Block? If so, how do you deal with it? I'm not sure if it's writer's block, of if I'm just letting myself be distracted by the internet.

Do you read your own reviews? If so, how do you deal with bad reviews? I used to. Not anymore. You can't please everyone. I just like to hear from people who enjoyed my book, to make contact with them, and to have a good time.

Other than reviews, do you hear from your readers? What kinds of things do they say? The most amazing contact I had was when I first released Red. I was contacted by a reader who *loved* the story, and were so moved they wrote me a letter and sent me a candle. It was absolutely wonder. I keep that tacked up on my corkboard for whenever I feel like a bit of a fraud.

What are some ways in which you promote your books? What have you found most or least effective? I'm probably not the best one to ask about promotion. I suck at it.

How easy or hard do you think it is it to make a living as an author?
To make a living? I hope it's achievable, but it's such a huge market now, so we'll see.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be an author? Keep reading. Read all the things, read all the genres, read for fun, and read for learning the craft. And write. Write the garbage as well as the good stuff.

Tell us a random fact about yourself I'm currently sitting in an Airbnb in Dagenham. It's a lot of fun. That's not really a 'fact', though, is it? Not about me. Fun fact: I would be chuffed to write a film for Hallmark. Because why the hell not? (Amanda note: Me too, I want to write a Christmas special)

Thank you again for dropping to share you news with us.  How can readers find out more about your and your books?

• Website: belindamissen.com 
• Facebook: facebook.com/BelindaMissen 
• Twitter: @belinda_missen 
• Amazon Author Page: 
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/bmissen

Author interview - Speculative Fiction author Avril Sabine

Please welcome Avril Sabine to the blog. 

Avril Sabine is an Australian author who lives on acreage in South East Queensland. She writes mostly young adult and children’s speculative fiction, but has been known to dabble in other genres. She has been writing since she was a young child and wanted to be an author the moment she realised someone wrote the books she loved to read.

Can you tell us a bit about you as an author?
I've been writing nearly all my life and wanted to be an author the moment I realised someone wrote the words I loved to read. I wasn't old enough to attend school and didn't know the person who wrote books was called an author, but I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life.

What are the hardest parts of being an author?
The most difficult thing for me about being an author is finding the time to write the stories for all the ideas I have. There's no way I can write all of them in one lifetime. This makes it very difficult sometimes when it comes to choosing which idea to write next as I want to write them all.

What do you enjoy most about being an author?
I love finding out what is going to happen in my stories. I don't plot or plan. I'm discovering the story the same way a reader does the first time they read one of my books. As a reader and a writer that is one of the aspects I most love about being an author.

What authors/books have had an influence on your writing?
Fairytales have had the most influence on me as a writer as I was reading a book of fairytales when I realised I wanted to be an author.

Do you ever get Writer’s Block? If so, how do you deal with it? Do you believe there is such a thing?
I never get writer's block. There are times my characters don't want to cooperate and then I realise I'm trying to make them act out of character. I tend to go back to the start of each story when I reach about halfway and read it through, keeping myself immersed in that world and the story I'm telling.

Do you have a particular place that you like to write?
I write anywhere and at any time. I even write while doing housework, using a voice to text program. There have been times when I've been so drawn into a story that I'll miss out on sleep because I need to find out what happens next.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?
Time of day or night isn't important to me when it comes to writing. Nor are my surrounding or noise level. If there is a story I need to write, all else is irrelevant.

How do you like to reach your readers? 

I connect with my readers online and at events. I have a mailing list readers can sign up to so they can regularly receive exclusive news about new covers and what is coming out next. I think it's important to share that sort of information with my loyal readers first.

Can you tell us about your latest book? (is it part of a series, genre)
Since my latest book is constantly changing due to putting out a title every month, I'll talk instead about my writing in general. I have several ongoing series that I put out a book a year in. These are stand alone series. When I put out a continuing series I like to release it in a short time frame. Mainly because I hate waiting years to find out what happens so I don't think it's fair to make my readers suffer something I myself dislike.

How long did it take you to write the book?
When it comes to writing, I tend to write the first draft fairly quickly. Two to six weeks on average for a 50-60,000 word novel. It's the editing that takes time. Or research if it's a book I need to do some research for. On average, a book can take me anywhere from six months to three years to write, taking into account research, first draft and edits. I don't work on only one book during that time. I often have thirty or more books on the go at various stages of the process, but I only focus on one book at a time. When I finish a stage, I set it aside and work on something else to gain some perspective before returning to it. Or while I wait for it to return from my editors.

Do you have a favourite character/topic in your work?
In every single book I have characters I love. Quite often several and even at times the ones that aren't in the least bit loveable. There are of course the characters I love to hate as well. A great villain can often be extremely important, depending of course on the type of story being written.

What was your process? Did you plot out the entire book, or just let the storyline flow? Do you write in chronological order?I never plot. Frequently I don't know how the book is going to end. I start with an idea or character and go from there. I also write out of order sometimes. If a scene is extremely vivid in my mind I will write it, even if I haven't reached that scene in the book yet. That tends to make me want to get the scenes before it written quickly as I want to see how the events unfold that led up to that scene.


Do you have plans for further instalments?
I have my series that I've been releasing something in each year. Realms Of The Fae, Demon Hunters, Rosie's Rangers, Fairytales Retold, Myths And Legends Retold and Plea Of The Damned. I plan to continue releasing books in these series as well as a mixture of other books each year.

Do you have a plan for your next book?
I have a document full of ideas and I know I'll never have the chance to write all of them. Even if I wrote twenty books a year and lived to be one hundred and twenty I still wouldn't be able to write every idea. Other than my series, I choose the ideas that won't leave me alone. The ones that wake me at night and insist I write the story. The characters who remain in my thoughts and the stories that are the most vivid to me. Sometimes this is a difficult choice to make, as it can be more than one idea that insists on being written.

Ebooks vs Physical books? Do you have a preference when reading?
I like both ebooks and physical books. Ebooks are great for carrying around with you. How else can you take a library with you everywhere you go and not break your back? My house seems to be full of books, everywhere you look. I've had visitors tell me they feel like they're visiting a library.

Self-publishing vs traditional publishing? What are your thoughts? Do you feel that the industry is changing?There are pros and cons to both and it really depends on what an author is looking for as to which option is best for them. After knocking back several publishing contracts that weren't suitable for me I decided to publish independently. There are so many aspects of it that I enjoy including having final say in covers, editors and my publishing timeline.

And finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Aspiring authors should read well-written stories and write regularly. It might seem simple, but it's good to start with the basics. In life it's just as important to learn how to crawl, as it is to learn how to run.

How can readers find out more about you: 

Website: http://www.avrilsabine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avril.sabine

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AvrilSabine

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/avrilsabine

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7432722.Avril_Sabine

Thank you so much for dropping by Avril. 

If you'd you like to be interviewed for this blog, please email me at amanda@amandahoward.com.au

Until next time,

Cheers, 

Amanda

Author Interview Jennifer Burge, author of The Devil Wears Clogs

Happy New year Everyone. I really hope you have had a great time away from the hustle and bustle. Had time to rejuvenate and get started on those new plans for 2017.

I am continuing with the hugely popular interviews of authors across the globe and this week I invited Jennifer Burge for an interview on Killing Time Blog.

Jennifer Burge understands the challenges of life abroad. Having documented the pitfalls of taking her career from the United States to Europe in her first memoir, The Devil Wears Clogs, it’s hard to imagine she would be confounded by the complexity of another foreign culture—yet that is exactly the case. Her understanding of Asian tradition is a mirage appearing and disappearing with each new interaction.

Moving to Singapore when the rigidity of European life began to wear on her seemed to be the perfect solution. A sophisticated modern condo in the heart of a developing nation was the answer to her prayers—or so she thought. The entrance of the Global Financial Crisis compounded the already-challenging international job search to an unprecedented level. Living in her fourth country without her professional status or a peer network leaves Jennifer to question her identity. Solo travel across Asia allows her to create an authentic one.

Can you tell us a bit about you as an author?
I’ve always had an interest in writing, but for years that took second place to my number one addiction which is traveling. In order to finance my aspirations of world travel, I worked as an IT project manager and consultant for nearly 20 years. Assignments during that time took me to ten different countries with me taking up residence in five of them.

In 2012, I made the leap from corporate rat-racer to full-time author because I wanted to write about what it truly means to have an overseas career. It is rarely as glamorous as it sounds and it is NOT for the faint of hearts.

During the past few years, I have become an active member of the Queensland Writer’s Centre and the Australian Society of Authors which helped enormously in understanding an industry in which I was a complete foreigner. The Devil Wears Clogs, about life in Europe, was first published in 2014 and Singapore Salvation, on life in Asia, entered the world in late 2015.

What are the hardest part of being an author?
Sitting down and doing the work! As I mentioned, I am travel-obsessed, which means I have an aversion to sitting still. A quick look at my blog is proof positive. Other than that, I think writing memoir is a very tricky business. You have to be careful writing about the people and events in your life while being honest—sometimes brutally honest—and that is far from easy.

What do you enjoy most about being an author
When I sit down to write about a particular event, the telling of it rarely goes as I expect. The story takes me where it wants me to go and I am honestly just the channel. It might sound odd, but there is a certain sort of magic that shows up when I am in the flow. It is a feeling that cannot be duplicated.

What authors/books have had an influence on your writing?
Joan Didion, Mary Karr, Jeanette Walls, Caitlin Moran—all excellent female memoirists & non-fiction authors.

Do you ever get Writer’s Block? If so, how do you deal with it? Do you believe there is such a thing?Only when writing about something that bores me. If I’m excited by the story, it doesn’t happen to me.

Do you have a particular place that you like to write? My home office in a bushy suburb north of Brisbane is perfect. I watch the birds and my own personal rain forest. It’s the first place I’ve ever had where I can truly sit and think with zero distraction and for me, I require silence. Others can write with music blaring, but I’m not one of those people.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?Afternoons. In the mornings, my mind is simmering on something and by the afternoon, it’s ready to be served.

How do you like to reach your readers?
Social media, author talks, blogs, book tours---you name it, I do it. I think it’s the only way to truly discover what works for you. There is so much “advice” out there that you have to find your method in the madness.

Can you tell us about your latest book? 
Singapore Salvation is the second in a set of three books about work and life abroad. It is the sequel to The Devil Wears Clogs. In 2017, the final installment about life in Australia will be published.

How long did it take you to write the book?Singapore Salvation took two years to write. The Devil Wears Clogs, my first book, took six. On average, I am only ready to write about what has happened about seven years after it happens. That’s how long it takes me to gain enough perspective on these situations to make sense of my part of the equation.

Do you have a favourite character/topic in your work?

I call these books my ‘How NOT to Live Abroad’ guides as I basically share all the mistakes I’ve made in not understanding other cultures. When I left the United States for work in Germany in 2001, we didn’t have all this information about other nations and cultures at our fingertips as we do today. We still had analog internet! When I was looking for any sort of book that would tell me what my life and career would look like in another country, I was unable to find it. That’s why I’m writing these now.

What was your process? Did you plot out the entire book, or just let the storyline flow? Do you write in chronological order?
Luckily, digital cameras DID come into the world not long after I began my global misadventures, so I have an incredible archive of photos. As they are arranged by date, this helps provide the outline for the story as well as the basis for a lot of my setting description.

Once I have outlined, including the story arc, then I fill in the content.

Do you have plans for further instalments? The Python in My Driveway is my working title for the book about Australia that I am currently working on. For an American, a five foot snake in the driveway on a trip to the mailbox is far from a “normal” occurrence!

Do you have a plan for your next book? Too many to count!

Ebooks vs Physical books? Do you have a preference when reading?
I read both. When traveling I tend to read ebooks and at home I often read physical books.

Self-publishing vs traditional publishing? What are your thoughts? Do you feel that the industry is changing?I started with a publisher and switched to self-publishing. I have never worked harder, but I have never had more fun at work. I think you have to truly evaluate how much time you are willing to put into activities that aren’t writing/editing. If you don’t have an entrepreneurial spirit—do not self- publish.

And finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Don’t give up. If you love it, stick with it no matter what. If you don’t love it, this game probably isn’t for you.

If you'd like to know more about Jennifer's work, you can find her here:

Website: http://www.worldwisepublications.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/worldwiseJen/ (author Page)

               https://www.facebook.com/SingaporeSalvation/ (book page)

               https://www.facebook.com/devilwearsclogs/ (book page)

Twitter: @jenniferburge

Instagram: @jen_burge 

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Burge/e/B00NHDVL6E

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8456235.Jennifer_Burge

Author interview with Crime Author T.J. Spade

Welcome my lovely visitors, readers and authors, this week I am interviewing fellow crime author, T.J. Spade.

T.J. Spade has two fascinations: Indiana Jones and the macabre. After trying to be Indy for a while and earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeological Practice, T.J is now satisfying interest number two by plotting murder … on paper only of course.

Can you tell us a bit about you as an author? Well, I’m actually fairly new to this whole ‘being an author’ schtick. My debut novel, ‘The Everett Files Book 1: Take You Apart’ was published 30 November, 2015. Since then I’ve released Book 2 in the series and began work on Book 3. It’s been an amazing (and very busy) journey, and really, the best I’ve ever embarked upon.

What are the hardest parts of being an author?
Getting noticed and not becoming discouraged. A good friend of mine recently reminded me that it’s a marathon not a sprint – wise words.

What do you enjoy most about being an author?
No question, it’s the people I’ve met! Bloggers (you’re all amazing!), fellow indies, and of course my street team (shout out to Team Spade). I really feel as though I’m a part of something wonderful and the support is just incredible.

What authors/books have had an influence on your writing?
I write crime fiction, and I’d probably trace that influence back to when I was a teenager and frugally saving my babysitting money to buy the latest James Patterson novel. I fell head-over-heels for his fast-paced style and all the action! It was seriously such a thrill when my debut novel released and it got that initial big jump in sales (due to all of my family and friends who were obligated to buy it), and I found my title beside one of Patterson’s on the Amazon charts. I took a screenshot on my phone of posterity!

Do you ever get Writer’s Block? If so, how do you deal with it? Do you believe there is such a thing?I don’t really believe in it (novice claim alert!). Some scenes are certainly easier to write than others but I believe you can always write ‘something’. ($10 says I’ve now jinxed myself!)

Do you have a particular place that you like to write? Either in bed (computer in my lap and cat at my feet), or at the dining table. The table is conveniently situated near the air-conditioner and the heater, so it works well all year round.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write? The earlier the better. If it don’t get the ball rolling in the morning I start to panic.

How do you like to reach your readers? 

Mostly via Facebook but face-to-face is great too. I’ve done a talk at my local library and I’m on the author panel with fellow Indie, Montana Ash and the amazing Frederick Forsyth, for SpyFest (September 2016) – I’m super excited about that. I also have Books by the Bridge and Riveting Reads coming up in 2017.

and here are the links:

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJSpade/

               Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/tjspade

               Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14661559.T_J_Spade

Can you tell us about your latest book? (is it part of a series, genre)
My latest release is ‘The Everett Files Book 2: Take You to Hell’. It picks up directly from where

Book 1 finishes and continues to follow the various cases of psychic police consultant, Caleb Everett. Caleb has worked alongside Homicide Detective Jack Rafferty for many years and he basically helps to hunt murderers and sometimes catch killers even before they strike. There’s a bit of a love interest (of course), and lots of fast-paced adventure.

How long did it take you to write the book? Approximately three months because I also work full-time. The first three Everett Files books will all have been published within a one-year period.

Do you have a favourite character/topic in your work?
I love my lead character, Caleb, but Jack Rafferty is pretty popular – I’m under strict instructions not to kill Jack off! I also thoroughly enjoy writing my villains – they’re pretty fun.

What was your process? Did you plot out the entire book, or just let the storyline flow? Do you write in chronological order?

I definitely work in chronological order and I have a lot mapped out … however, things change. Sometimes the characters will do something unexpected, or the plot will twist in a direction even I didn’t anticipate. I just roll with it.

Do you have plans for further instalments?
Yes. ‘Book 3: Take You Home’ is a work in progress (due out in December 2016). I also have plans for at least two more books in this series – and another series is busily plotting itself out within my grey matter.

Do you have a plan for your next book?
Yep, and my lips are sealed.

Ebooks vs Physical books? Do you have a preference when reading? Give me the hardcopy every time; I want to touch it, smell it, doggie-ear the pages and basically ogle it on my bookshelf.

Self-publishing vs traditional publishing? What are your thoughts? Do you feel that the industry is changing? It’s a tough one. If I was traditionally published I wouldn’t have my Street Team and all the amazing connections that go along with it. The flipside, is that I would have a publicist with connections and more experience than I could ever dream of having. I get the sense that the industry is moving in the direction of self-publishing and I think we see more amazingly talented, self-published authors cropping up every year. Actually, this seems like a good time to give IndieMosh (my publishing partners) a decent plug – Jenny and Ally are amazing, talented, knowledgeable and beyond helpful – if you need assistance getting your book out in the big, bad world I suggest you look them up.

And finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?
To quote a wise fish named Dory, “Just keep swimming.” If you’re not as successful as J.K. Rowling after your first novel … or your tenth novel … that doesn’t mean you throw in the towel. I see a lot of authors on social media getting upset by sales and reviews (or the lack thereof), and threatening to pull their books because “no-one” is reading them. In my opinion, you only fail when you give up, and the time you spend sulking about your so-called ill-fortune would be better spent on writing or promotion.

Just, “Swim, swim, swim.”

Thank you again for dropping by to chat TJ.

Thanks agian everyone for dropping by. If you'd like to be itnerveiwed for this blog, please drop me a line. 

Until next time, Happy reading!!!!

Cheers

Amanda

Author Interview: A Hell of a Ride with author Emma James

Welcome again readers, 

I love an interview that starts with a warning: 

Emma's writing contains adult situations which may offend and graphic violence, but it is one hell of a fictional ride. Strap yourself in. For mature aged readers 18 +. 

Now that we've got your attention, let me introduce Emma to you all,

Writing has been a part of Emma James' life for many years until she decided to take a leap into the self publishing world and see where that journey takes her.

Writing words on paper is as important as the air she breathes. There's nothing more satisfying to her than writing all day to bring to life amazing characters who will stay in your heart.

Emma writes in both adult contemporary romance with her Men Of Ocean Beach series and dark suspense romance ( with MC influence ) , with her Hell's Bastard series. She is very passionate about writing and enjoys the discipline needed to line all those ducks up in a row to get a book over the finish line and published.

Life is about finding that one thing that you know you can do well and living it.

It's never too late to find it.

Thanks Emma for dropping in this week, can you tell us a bit about you as an author?

Writing has been a part of my life for many years until I decided to take a leap into the self publishing world and play for real and see where that journey took me. In my early twenties I started typing away on a spanky new electronic typewriter, ( as I said many years) and thought up beachside romance stories. Nothing I would release now. All was very raw and probably naive. I do have a paranormal series I have plotted out into a seven book series and actually stole one of the characters names. I’ll tell you it was Text. I’ve been wanting to be brave for a very long time.

Writing words is as important as the air I breathe. There's nothing more satisfying to me than bringing a story to life and letting the characters work their way into the reader’s heart.

What are the hardest part of being an author?

Back in 2014 when I was self publishing my very first book, A Little Faith, there was a steep learning curve with anything to do with the whole process. It was like climbing a writer’s equivalent to Mt Everest. Being a housewife and mum to three kids at the time and all of a sudden having to learn the ins and outs of releasing a book was pretty intimidating. I am still learning and fine tuning parts of the writing and marketing process as we all are.

What do you enjoy most about being an author?

Putting words on paper and then rereading those words and reworking them until eventually I have something I am proud to release into the book world. I enjoy bringing characters to life and letting them talk to me. There’s something very satisfying about being able to tell a story that readers love as much as you do. I love it when they fall heavily for certain characters. That means I’ve done a good job. I particularly enjoy seeing who they cast in their mind for the main characters and sub characters.

What authors/books have had an influence on your writing?

I try to write as original a story as I can. I try to make my own mark. Every author I have ever read has given me a little push to break through my invisible barriers I had constructed and to give it a go for real. I am inspired by Colleen Hoover and J.K Rowling every day and in particular the many talented Australian authors who have blossomed and gone onto publishing contracts as well as holding their own ground in the self publishing world. These authors are smart. They learn to work the system to their benefit. They are in control of their books by setting up deals that will work for them. They aren’t letting the publishing world control them as much as it used to.

Do you ever get Writer’s Block? If so, how do you deal with it? Do you believe there is such a thing?

I certainly believe there is such a thing as writer’s block. Touchwood I currently have so many ideas for stories filling my notebooks that I have the beats down to get me started. Nothing is easy about writing. Words don’t always flow naturally, but when I am having trouble expressing myself, I will go lay down on my bed, shut my eyes and just think. Let my thoughts get calmed and I play about inside my head with some scenarios and see where that takes me. It’s not writer’s block, it’s more getting my head around a scene that I need to get right. Then I grab for the notebook and get my thoughts noted down. Then I hit the keyboard again. For me personally, I need down time. I can’t write for ten hours straight. What works for me is about five hours at the keyboard, Monday to Friday. I give myself a weekend off to do other things related to releasing a book and that helps me.

Do you have a particular place that you like to write?

I wouldn’t say I like to write here, but it is my only choice at the moment. I don’t have a laptop, I have a desktop and it is in my middle man child’s room. I write while he is at school. I have been promising him for 5 books now that I will make it out of his room. He is very patient, most of the time.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

10.00am to 3.00pm mostly. Sometimes I may start earlier and finish earlier. It gives me time to get the housework done before I start.

How do you like to reach your readers?

Book signings are fabulous and they have really worked for me. Social media I chat on and answer PMs at all hours of the day/night.

Can you tell us about your latest book? (is it part of a series, genre)  

Warped is part of the Hell’s Bastard series and book # 2. It will be a five book series, at this stage. Wrenched, book # 1, put me on the reader map and I am ever grateful I took a chance on the dark romance genre. I really enjoy delving into this side of my writing. It really is a wonderful challenge walking that fine line between going too dark and giving the reader a ride they want another ticket for. I get the most excited PMs about my characters in this series. I like to bring some light among the dark and I do that with Miss Catherine. She is Cajun and she has her own way of talking. I find it such fun to write and gave her a much bigger role in Warped.

Warped is as the title says, very warped. The hunt is on for Whisper and Edge isn’t letting anything or anybody stand in his way. He has his own hurdles to get over and he does. He teams up with Miss Catherine and together they make the most unlikely duo, but it works. It gave me a chance to show another side to Edge and to really cement in the readers mind how awesome Miss Catherine is. Whisper has her own problems and she is such a strong female lead. I adore writing her. I put her through a lot and she just rolls with the punches. She’s a survivor. Contorted is the book I am most excited to write in this series as I know what is gonna happen and it is going to be very contorted and action filled with a healthy side order of alpha men. HB series is very intense and I love the reviews coming in where the reader writes down all their emotions whilst reading the books. I want readers to feel and take a ride with me.

I also write in adult contemporary romance with the, Men Of Ocean Beach series. Both series are very different to each other. Men Of Ocean Beach has the ‘feels’ and the laughs. My reader audience has thankfully taken to both series. The ladies in my closed group who hadn’t yet delved into dark romance, gave Wrenched a shot and found they really do like this side to my writing and since branched out into the dark romance genre.

How long did it take you to write the book?

Warped had a bit of a delay as my eldest son passed away unexpectedly, he was nearly nineteen. I stopped writing for three months. It should have taken around 4 months to write and be released.

Do you have a favourite character/topic in your work?

I adore all the men of Ocean Beach. I simply can’t choose a fave. Miss Catherine from the HB series is so much fun to write. Edge is complicated and alpha and Whisper is smart and strong. Simply too hard to choose a fave character. I will tell you, Keanu from Men Of Ocean Beach series ( MOOB ) has a great deal of me in him.

What was your process? Did you plot out the entire book, or just let the storyline flow? Do you write in chronological order?

I am a PLOTTER. Man, do I plot. I plot six months in advance for a book I have scheduled to release in the near future. I can be plotting in notebooks three or more books at a time. I choose music early and have spotify playlists. HB series has a deep plot over the course of the series. I have to plan it out or I could potentially box myself in. I need to know what is roughly going to happen in all the books. I choose titles in advance for all books in a series. I am a little OCD with my writing process. Only with my writing. Put me down for a heavy plotter. I am flexible as I am writing if I think the story is starting to talk to me in a different way and I will go with that, but the outline is definitely in place for a whole series, if not more. I do write in chronological order.

Do you have plans for further instalments?

I have so many plans. I have spin offs, of course already outlined. I have stand alones for certain characters. Some novellas planned.

Do you have a plan for your next book?

Contorted, Hell’s Bastard # 3 had to be planned so I knew to drop what seeds in Warped. Suspense romance I simply can’t wing it. It has to be planned out so I get everything right for the finale.

Ebooks vs Physical books? Do you have a preference when reading?

I have a house full of paperbacks and I have a Kindle full to the brim of Ebooks. I mix it up on a weekly basis. I prefer a paperback as the battery doesn’t run out, but my shelf space in my house is no longer available. I am waiting for my dream of my own office space and three walls of floor to ceiling shelves where everything can be neat and orderly. I love paperbacks for their smell. Yes, I am a new book sniffer and I am proud of it. My daughter taught me to appreciate a cover. I run my hand over it, feeling the work that has gone into it. Can’t do that with an Ebook. They both have good things going for them especially for a self published author who can’t get a book in a bookstore but we can get it onto an ereader in the tap of a finger.

Self-publishing vs traditional publishing? What are your thoughts? Do you feel that the industry is changing?

The industry has been changing for a long time. Many self published authors are really shaking up the system by selling beyond their wildest dreams and making it onto the bestseller lists. I think there is a happy medium in there somewhere. More and more self published authors are getting traditional publishing deals and also still writing and releasing self published books under the rules of their contract. We all want to be able to say we are traditionally published as it takes a lot of the work away, but it can take a certain amount of control to. I would love to be traditionally published and also have the freedom to self publish. I like to be in control of my work and release dates. Some authors get to have the best of both worlds. Self published is all hard work and learning how to market and promote yourself. Everything about self published is all on you the author and making all your hard work float in the ocean of new releases and hopefully sell. You might get a traditional publishing contract, doesn’t mean your book will have great sales. You hope it will but it doesn’t guarantee anything.

And finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Be your own worst critic. Use beta readers. Don’t take short cuts with plot. Give your characters a real voice. Make your work something you are proud of. This author gig is hard work. Plain and simple. You want to be able to make back all your professional costs and the rest is icing. You may not be able to support yourself for a couple years as a self published author, you might be an overnight success and you might unfortunately have trouble finding your feet, either way we are all working towards that goal, that dream of having our work read. We work for months maybe years for nothing, until we release that book. Don’t give up, but learn to listen to constructive criticism. Learn to be a better writer. Soak up any advice authors are putting up on their web sites. I read J.A. Huss’s author postings all the time and I listen to what she has to say. Be professional on social media. Stay away from drama. Don’t be a drama-lama. The way you present yourself is the way people will perceive you. You sometimes have to earn the right to get onto readers author lists because there is only so much time in their reading day. So much money each month allotted to purchasing books for their enjoyment. Make yours count and be one they want to throw onto their monthly purchases. You may want to follow the ever changing reading trends. Be observant and stay current with what is going on around you. Be brave and be different. There is so much advice authors can give aspiring authors but it all comes down to hard work and determination to succeed. You have to have passion. Don’t be writing to make a buck, write because you are passionate about your story and then work hard to be heard.

The Hunt Is On.

WHISPER

I was never meant to be free.
Evil has taken from me again.
I’ve lost the two people I’ve grown to love because another of Hell’s bastards has staked his claim on me and stolen me away.
What gives another human being the right to take another’s innocence and try to destroy their soul?

EDGE

We were never meant to meet.
Our lives collided and spun out in different directions.
Now it’s a race against time.
Time she doesn’t have.
This is on my head.
I f*cked up.

What happens when a Soulless Bastards MC enforcer is on the hunt for the f*ckers involved in taking the sweet and wild girl?

No Mercy happens.

You can connect with Emma here:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/emmajamesauthor?ref=hl

TWITTER: @emmajamesbooks

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8415027.Emma_James

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/Emma-James/e/B00NH7AVGG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION (FREE) : http://facebook.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=bdbd5d58f4f50eecc6a604947&id=e88c9e2a77

CLOSED GROUP – EMMA JAMES’ SISTERHOOD : https://www.facebook.com/groups/763744350386831/

and you can find her books here:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/29HNTkq

Amazon UK : http://amzn.to/29T82rc

Amazon AUS : http://amzn.to/29GvSUx

Amazon CAD : http://amzn.to/29ZS66K

iBooks : http://apple.co/29Orpih

B & N : http://bit.ly/29J8kOS

KOBO : http://bit.ly/29TIE4k

Ok, time to take a breath! A great interview again this week and I thank you all for strapping in and coming for the ride 

If you'd like to be interviewed for this blog, or have a great story to tell, please drop me a line. 

Until next week guys!

Cheers

Amanda

Author Interview Lucy Fenton, author of The Ragged People

Hey guys, 

Thanks for joining me again for another interview with another fabulous author.

Lucy Fenton lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband and two children. In addition to her cake- making business, she works as a freelance copywriter and pens occasional articles for various online magazines.

Not being one of those people who had a burning desire to be anything in particular, Lucy. worked her way alphabetically backwards through the available degrees at Sydney University. Surprisingly, given the amount of fun she had at school, Lucy finally managed to graduate with a completely unemployable degree in Philosophy. A Law degree soon followed, however, simply to make it possible for some organization to hire her.

After ten soul-destroying years wandering aimlessly in the corporate wilderness, she threw it all in and reassessed. Deciding to bring the “one day I will write a book” idea to the present, she started and hasn’t stopped. As a huge fan of the romance genre, she writes the kinds of books that she enjoys to read.

In her spare time, Lucy…actually she has no spare time. She sleeps or reads copious amounts of romance novels instead of sleeping.

Thanks for dropping by today Lucy, can you tell us a bit about you as an author? 

In a nutshell, my writing is a bit dark and twisty. I’ve tried to write straight forward novels but they always end up more than slightly odd. People who know me are often surprised by my writing, thinking I would write “nice” novels in the style of Alexander McCall Smith.

What do you find to be the hardest part of being an author?

Elderly relatives wanting to discuss sex scenes you’ve written (shudder…)

What do you enjoy most about being an author?

Making things up. I spent my corporate days meticulously researching and citing references so I really love the freedom of writing whatever I want and no one can tell me that it’s wrong. Except my editor, who frequently does.

What authors/books have had an influence on your writing?

I read almost anything but I have a passion for the conflicting genres of traditional gothic novels and modern surrealist literature. I also love a good space opera or steamy romance. I think reading widely, no matter what, helps expand the mind whether or not it’s directly relevant to my own writing. So in no particular order: Anne Radcliffe, Jane Austen, Douglas Adams, Stephen King, Will Self (Great Apes is one of my all-time favourite books, though my book club hated it with a passion and banned me from picking any more books), Robert Jordan, Anne Rice, J K Rowling and Colleen McCulloch.


Do you ever get Writer’s Block? If so, how do you deal with it? Do you believe there is such a thing?

I believe it exists but I don’t generally suffer from it. What I do suffer from is being easily distracted either by people or ideas for new books. When wrapping up a book, I’ll get the uncontrollable urge to just start working on something else because in my head it’s finished, even if not in reality.

Do you have a particular place that you like to write?

I like to write in cafes where they bring me things to eat and drink though I’m most productive at my desk. Also less likely to gain weight as I have a weakness for blueberry muffins.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

In the morning straight after school drop off as I tend to lag in the afternoons.

How do you like to reach your readers? (Social media? Book signings? Blogs etc)

I’m doing a couple of book signings next year but mostly social media. To be honest, I’m still surprised when people contact me, though it does make my day!

Can you tell us about your latest book? (is it part of a series, genre)

“The Ragged People” follows on from “Superstition”, starting at the beginning of Arden’s last year at school. Everything is going fine until she is terrified by something lurking in the shadows. Everyone tells her it’s nothing, but not convinced, she looks into it some more and finds that something horrifying is going on.

How long did it take you to write the book?

Every book I’ve done takes me a year, give or take a month depending on how much editing I need to do.

Do you have a favourite character/topic in your work?

Good versus evil and how it is mostly a matter of perspective. Can “bad” people do good things and vice versa? Does intention matter and how much? Who decides what is good and what is bad and how well can that be done without the benefit of hindsight, knowing the outcome?

What was your process? Did you plot out the entire book, or just let the storyline flow? Do you write in chronological order?

I have an idea and run with it, then cut and paste madly. Rewrite it a lot then hire a really good editor! I’ve tried to be logical and methodical about it, but it doesn’t read as well. I lose something by being too planned, possibly because I get bored and it shows.

Do you have plans for further instalments?

Yes – possibly up to five.

Do you have a plan for your next book?

I have an idea… Golems…

Some general writing questions

Ebooks vs Physical books? Do you have a preference when reading?

Definitely ebooks – I love being able to flick between my favourites or get a new book in seconds. I also read a book a day and don’t think I could afford that many paperbacks!

Self-publishing vs traditional publishing? What are your thoughts? Do you feel that the industry is changing?

I’ve done both and each have advantages and disadvantages. For me, I like the flexibility and control of self-publishing, but traditional publishing still opens many doors that are closed to self-published authors in terms of marketing and distribution. The thing I find hardest is marketing, and regardless of which way you go, you still have to do most of it yourself, though publishers do give you some guidance as well as a boost your credibility. Is it worth giving up control of your book and the bulk of the profits for it though? I still run each book via my agent, but the big ones are taking so few risks that they’re not interested unless it’s absolutely brilliant, rather than merely entertaining. I think the industry is changing, but it’s hard at the moment because the traditional publishers are shrinking but at the same time, there is so much out there of variable quality in the self-published market that it’s hard to get attention. Sometimes it feels like I’m jumping up and down in a dark and empty room. It’s frustrating, but knowing that I’d write even if no one was reading means I’m not disheartened by it.

And finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Ignore the doubts and keep on going. Also have a few friends who aren’t authors who will tell you that you are brilliant, even when you’re not because no one starts out amazing and you have to keep going if you’re going to get there. Author friends will try to manage your expectations, which is the last thing you need when you’re starting out. Live the dream and enjoy it! There is more than enough reality waiting for you later.

Thank you so much for sharing your story, your book and your advice with us this week. It was a great journey and as a fellow writer who doesn't know what sleep is, it is good to know there are others out there like us. 

If you'd like to know more about Lucy, you can reach her here:

Website: www.lcfenton.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lcfentonauthor/

Twitter: @lfen

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/L-C-Fenton/e/B009JVUI2G/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1469183204&sr=1-2-ent

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14086871.Lucy_Fenton

Author Interview: Filmaker and Author Brian Kavanagh

Welcome back readers,

This week I am interviewing filmmaker and author, Brian Kavanagh. I have to admit I am having a bit of a fangirl moment here!  How is this for a resume?

Brian is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Australian Film Editors Guild and an Australian Film Institute award for Best Editing for the children's film, Frog Dreaming. He has also produced and directed, AFI award winning A City's Child. His films have been screened at the London Film Festival as well as Edinburgh, Montreal, Chicago and Adelaide, where A City's Child won the Gold Southern Cross Advertiser Award for Best Australian Film. Brian is also a member of the Australian Society of Authors.

Can you tell us a bit about you as an author?

For all my life I was a filmmaker, working on feature films, documentaries and TV dramas, so effectively I was always a story teller. My main area of production was as an editor which entailed shaping the final product. An editor should have knowledge or appreciation of the arts, as they all come together in the cutting room, and knowing how to utilise them to the best effect in creating and telling a story. This also included writing film scripts, so it was a natural progression to branch out into writing novels. So far I have limited my writing to mysteries, light entertainment, but with (hopefully) characters that come alive for the reader. I enjoy writing my mysteries, as the central characters, Belinda Lawrence and Hazel Whitby, have become close friends and we collaborate as each new adventure presents itself, and I discover more and more about their personalities and emotions. Each mystery is character driven and centred on some historical event or object which is at the core of each contemporary story. I have another novel I’m working on which is not a mystery, but an exploration of sibling differences and the possibility of reincarnation.

What are the hardest part of being an author?

I wouldn’t say there is any part of writing that is hard. There can be frustration if a character refuses to be open with you and allow you to know them. Searching for the right word which remains elusive. Ensuring the pace is right for each scene and how it fits on the overall rhythm of the story. Irritations rather than ‘hard’.

What do you enjoy most about being an author?

Satisfaction if I think the story works, meeting new characters as they appear, plotting the action, creating a mood or atmosphere, finding humour in a situation and building on it, editing and improving. All of that, plus positive reviews from readers who are on the same wave-length the stories are pitched at.

What authors/books have had an influence on your writing?

How to answer that? I imagine every book I’ve read has had some influence on me, some lasting, and some ephemeral. But authors who I admire and return to are Evelyn Waugh, Iris Murdoch, and E.F.Benson. When younger I read the classics when I could as well as contemporary authors of the time, John Steinbeck, Gore Vidal, Hal Porter, Truman Capote et al. Agatha Christie of course and I recalled only recently that at an even younger age I read Sexton Blake mysteries, so I guess I’ve always been attracted to mystery novels as a genre and now with the i/net I’m discovering more and more early mystery writers and their works. I have a fascination with the works of Fergus Hume, whose novel Mystery of a Hansom Cab was a huge international success at the beginning of the 20th century, and I have collected many of his works over the years. So I have to say all of these great talents have influenced me in one way or another.

Do you ever get Writer’s Block? If so, how do you deal with it? Do you believe there is such a thing?

Writer’s Block. It can happen, if you believe it stops an author from writing at all. Otherwise, there can be a point when inspiration fails or a plot twist creates a problem for which there is no swift resolution. When and if that happens, I walk away; wait for the answer to emerge, which it will. The point is not to dwell on it and eventually things will clarify and you can see the resolution. One of the characters in the story may tell you. I know I go on about listening to the characters, but they have to be real for me because if they not, they will not be to the reader.

Do you have a particular place that you like to write?

I write in what I call ‘the study’; but it is just a spare room full of bit and bobs and me at the computer. But writing is not confined to the computer or the room. The mind is always writing and hopeful those words will be incorporated in the story.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

Morning, night, either.

How do you like to reach your readers? 

Most of my contact with readers comes via FaceBook. I use Twitter but that seems unsatisfactory to me. I like the response and contact I have with readers via FaceBook, not only about the books but information we exchange about our lives and friends. It brings a closeness that I appreciate and an understanding of my readers with their likes and dislikes.

Can you tell us about your latest book?    

My most recent book is MURDER ON THE ISLAND, which is the sixth book in my Belinda Lawrence amateur sleuth series.

How long did it take you to write the book?

Difficult to tell as I don’t work to a deadline, unless I set one for myself. On average it takes about six months from inception to final draft and publication.

Do you have a favourite character/topic in your work?

I would have to say Belinda’s cohort, girl Friday, ADC, Hazel Whitby. As much as I like Belinda, Hazel is worldlier (maybe even world-weary) inclined to be outrageous yet attuned to contemporary fashions and ‘having a good time’. It is interesting that Hazel appears in the first book, CAPABLE OF MURDER more or less as a supernumerary but when writing the second book, THE EMBROIDERED CORPSE she was at my elbow nudging me, flirting, seductive, and eventually won me over. Hazel is a good foil for Belinda and the two women bounce off each other with opposite personalities and tastes. Belinda developing and unsure: Hazel who has seen it all, but still has her radar well-tuned for the right man to come into her life. Plus, she’s a lot of fun.

What was your process? Did you plot out the entire book, or just let the storyline flow? Do you write in chronological order?

Once I settle on the core of the story, I like to have a beginning and where I think it will end. But generally I let it flow, as various characters get involved and I discover more about them and their place in the scheme of things. Also, Belinda and Hazel are developing so I like to be fluid when writing to enable them to tell me more about themselves. As each story has an historical item or event as its core, I do a lot of research, and often ideas that are new to me, come out of that research.

Do you have plans for further instalments?

Further books are planned as Belinda’s life unfolds.

Do you have a plan for your next book?

I have started on Book Seven, ILLUSION OF DEATH which is set on Belinda’s hometown of Melbourne, Australia as was Book Five, A WICKED DESIGN. This time, Belinda is recovering from a broken romance and she and Hazel holiday in the city. The plot concerns evidence of an early film made in Melbourne last century and the two women get caught up in the intrigue and machinations created by opposing parties who have a vested interest in the old film and its restoration.

Ebooks vs Physical books? Do you have a preference when reading?

I prefer Physical but admit eBooks are convenient and that suits my needs at the moment, certainly for light entertainment and biographies. For more serious works, I find it uncomfortable to read electronically.

Self-publishing vs traditional publishing? What are your thoughts? Do you feel that the industry is changing?

The industry has changed, and I believe traditional publishers have lost the plot. They don’t seem to know how to deal with eBooks and the number of authors who are self-publishing. There are distinct advantages for an author to self-publish, in essence, cutting out the middle man. Agents and publishers don’t seem to have their fingers on the pulse of what readers want, and so let potential money-makers for them slip through those fingers.

And finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Do it. Just that, do it. Self-publish if you wish. If your writing strikes a chord with readers, then it will be worth it. Nothing is easy but there is no point in giving up. They say ‘write what you know about’. I say, write what you want to write about. They also say ‘you’ve either got it, or you ain’t’. There’s only one way for a writer to find out. Publish and be damned! And have fun!

Thank you so much Brian, there is so much valuable information in your interview. I have really enjoyed listening to you. 

Those who'd like to know more, please check out Brian here:

Website: http://beekayvic.tripod.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.kavanagh.71

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bkauthor

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Brian-Kavanagh/e/B002BMB79S/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard

CV: filmmaker2.webs.com

Thanks again readers for dropping in. If you'd like to be interviewed for this blog or have an interesting story to tell please drop me a line. 

Until next week!

Cheers

Amanda

The Author's Journey: Part 3: The Creative Process - The Trials and Tribulations

Welcome again to the third edition of The Author's Journey.

I am writing this as part of my Master of Arts (Writing) under the subject PWR70002 - Online Writing and I want to share with emerging writers as well as those who are keen to further their own writing.

I have already put out the request to my fellow authors for help once again creating some helpful advice, honest insights and tips and tricks for those who are on their own journey of writing. The comments and emails are coming through and I am finding that some of my peers have some incredible ideas that help them in their creative endeavours.

This week's topic was actually a suggestion by my lecturer who prompted me by saying, I needed to further examine the "complexity of creativity as part of the human condition." (Clover, 2016) And so that is where today's post goes. We have already looked at what inspires the writer, but now we must further investigate the trials and tribulations of the creative process. How we create, how we design and how we research the idea that inspired us.

We all have our own complex processes. Those things that help us work through a problem, or perhaps it is a point of reference that will always be a guiding light for our creative processes.  We can decide to travel to different countries or even different worlds, we can create new places, new processes, new ideas and even some authors have gone on to be the inspiration for inventors. Our creative process allows us to fly, to be free of constraint, we push boundaries and we make our characters suffer, in the name of our creative process.

Amy Wright, owner and author over at Murder Library and Serial Killer GPS app and the associated Facebook page which is incredibly informative explains her creative process...

Once I have an idea and start to put it on paper, I like to look at photos of the subject. I usually print them out or save them to a document, and start writing down words or phrases that come to mind when I'm looking at them. I often put the photos into a timeline, and write underneath. Eventually I can mix it all together to form my piece.

Musician and author Peter Altieri has a different approach to his creative process

For me, silence is golden. I get creative most times when I'm ready to write and the house is quiet. The next best thing is putting on headphones and listen to thunderstorm noise. With kids and grandkids, I've had to get creative over the years in many ways.

Charlotte Frisby  shares a similar approach to Peter, in preferring silence to create, both in mind and body.

Creativity comes often after the initial idea has formed in my mind, when I listen to a particular piece of music that 'fits' the story - always classical. Then sections of the story will flow in my mind. The house has to be empty and tidy - not sure why but if I have other things to do, that intrudes on the process and instead of figuring out how the character could be killed, the character drifts off to do housework or something equally odd. 

Authors are well known procrastinators. I cannot tell you how many times I have paired all the socks in the odd-sock basket, purely to avoid having to face the dreaded realisation that I have a void of ideas and I know that I should be writing.  I find the cleaning bug often strikes too when I have spare time and the opportunity to get in some extra writing time. We can find some extremely creative ways to avoid the fear of writing.  Of course these days we also have social media, for most of us it's a new way to avoid writing, and it can be extremely detrimental to the writing process, but sometimes the creative process can be so extremely enjoyable that nothing can get in our way when we are writing. It is those moments that makes it all truly worth it. Even looking through older status on my facebook I find some amazing comments that make me love the creative process of pulling ideas together.

 Tegan Barber another of my "serial killer" friends (in that she writes about serial killers, not that she is one)

My creativity comes to me from the real world and real people. I commonly find myself sitting in a public place like a cafe and writing down random bits of conversations I overhear or things I see that I like such as hair colour, tattoo ideas or building design.

Author David Russell goes a little deeper in his thought process on how he works through is early creative process,

Creativity is imagination, and the imagination is the creativity. The two go hand in hand.
For me, creativity isn't the process of putting the words down, it is what happens in the mind. After that comes the transition from mind to paper, the hard work. I visualise the things I want others to see, and describe those things as best I can. I'd like to think that more often not it works out okay.

Award winning author Rosanne Dingli explains

Inspiration means as little to me as "idea". Until either has been solidified into a good concept, with a solid premise, some tangible leads forward, and a proper understanding of what their whole might become, I trust neither ideas nor inspiration.

My life has shown me that idea-driven projects fail unless that ethereal inspired fragment has been taken and made real. Inspiration must be acted upon, and not only by putting the thought in writing. One must tackle the topic, see what others have done before, work on what emerges using analytical principles, and THEN one might have something worth developing.

A dear friend, author Karen Carlise has gone all out when responding to the question I posed. I think
it really highlights the pure joy of the creative process of an author and why we come back book after book, spending hour after lonely hour pulling together incredible ideas and amazing storylines.

Ah, research. Now you’re talking! This is the fun bit.

Once I have the seed of an idea, I need to let it grow. I try to immerse myself in the atmosphere, the mindset and the mechanics of the story. For me that is often nineteenth century, with a twist. But to know where to twist reality, and still keep the reader’s suspension of belief, requires a lot of background information.

First I gather up as many visuals as I can find (I’m a visual person: possibly the artist in me?): photos, maps and books written on my chosen theme/subject for a story. Fortunately, there are many virtual tours of historical buildings and ‘Victorian lifestyle’ documentaries available either online or on DVD. I sometimes make drawings of specific contraptions or characters...

For Doctor Jack, I read books and articles, and watched a slew of Jack the Ripper documentaries (including one with you, Amanda - you can watch it here). Currently I am reading Magic: stage illusions and scientific diversions, including trick photography (published in 1897) for the third book in my current series.

For the ‘smells and bells’, I do as many road trips as I can afford. I’ve done photoshoots in historic areas of Adelaide and, earlier this year, our local library did a bus tour of early historic buildings in the area; we were permitted to walk through some privately-owned buildings and discuss their history with the owners and local historian. I’ve even had a guided tour of ‘behind the walls’ at one of the Medici palaces in Florence. That will likely feature in another story that’s been bubbling away...

When I can’t physically experience something, I return to my default: do research... I’ve been fortunate to have experienced many things in my lifetime. I have friends who have done research or lecture in the most amazing (or obscure) subjects and are willing to share their experiences. This helps to germinate the seeds of my ideas. Then I just need to feed them with research and hope they grow.

So pushing further into this process, I want to share my own, explaining that first concept when inspiration has already struck and now the creative process begins, using my most recent true crime book, Rope: A History of the Hanged.  The concept and inspiration was the easy part, write a book on hangings, but then I needed to get creative, writing about a dozen or so people being hanged would be very very dull. So where did I take that?

WRITING NON-FICTION
Though I will go into research in a lot more depth later in the Author's journey, I will touch on it slightly here also. Having written many true crime books, I have some incredible resources to fall back on, working through piles of historical reading material I let the stories become part of my creative process. Finding themes, such as people that had been hanged wrongly, and wrongly hanged. Stories of escape. There was no writing just yet, just getting the ideas flowing, using some records as a basis of the book, and then searching through my own assumed knowledge that floats around my brain I was able to start bringing together some great ideas. I began with some very rough chapter headings, murders by hanging, suicides, escapes, the creative juices quickly began to flow as I recalled cases that would fit perfectly into the various chapter headings I had penciled in.

WRITING FICTION

Now I hear you now... "But Amanda, I am not writing a book on hangings, I am not even writing a non-fiction, so how does this help me?"  Recently someone asked how different is it writing in both fiction and non-fiction, and my response was that they are both challenging in their own ways. Non-fiction requires that massive amount of research and references and various amounts of checking and cross checking, with fiction you are free to write whatever you want and then get stuck when your muse is not talking to you. So whilst in non-fiction the 'story' is already there, it is restrictive, and in fiction it is non-restrictive, but you need to ramp up the imagination and creativity. This can be tricky. I often collate a pile of ideas and notes (see previous posts about inspiration and where to be begin) and then it's time to get creative.

Even when I am working in fiction, I put together a chapter list, a list of ideas, a brief explanation of what I want to happen and when, including the ending if I have it. Now it may begin as a list of 15-20 linked ideas, for instance various victims (I write thrillers so there is always a body count), a couple of red herrings, some personal events for the main characters, a few diverging issues that keep the story interesting. Often these little tantalizing ideas will get the creative process bubbling along. I work out how the killer become entwined with the story line, how they are caught. Of course it sounds a lot easier than it is in process. Often I will find massive gaps and need to work on that process. I talk to family, friends and readers about ideas, seeing how far I can push the boundaries. Still no story line detail is written, just working out that first creative journey.  If I am stuck or frustrated, I will often go for a run, often with my phone to my ear, talking through ideas with those who understand my process, bouncing ideas, asking advice. I need to find the skeleton (pardon the pun) of the story line before I can start.

Though I have mentioned earlier that writing in fiction is much freer than non-fiction, there is still plenty of research that can go into a story. I've freaked out my neighbours by conducting blood splatter experiments in my back yard. I've spent countless hours talking to serial killers, getting into their minds, learning the way they speak, it is those kinds of creative details that can make the stories more believable and in my case, (hopefully) far more chilling.

This is the joy of a writer when the process is working and working well. It can be just as exciting as the actual writing. I have marvelled at artifacts from history as I have travelled to different countries in search of research material, I have stood where many a criminal was hanged and felt the chills wash over me. A moment in time can inspire a hundred story lines if you get creative with your processes.

I know many of you are extremely keen to talk through what happens when the muse is mute and writer's block strikes. That will be another topic coming soon, so be sure to keep visiting for more.

WRITING TASK
Until next time, I leave you with a little writing task, something to get those creative juices flowing.  This was something I did earlier in my Master's degree and found the responses quite amazing. Write about a first in your life. First kiss, first tragedy, first fear, first bike, first friend, first book, first loss... Make it something that is outside of your comfort zone and also write outside your genre... if you write humour, write something tragic, if you write romance, write something horror. Go to the opposite end of your scale and see what you can create!

HAPPY WRITING





Cheers,

Amanda Howard

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