UP-CLOSE with short story queen Suzie Hindmarsh-Knights!

You’ve had a lot of success with your short stories on the Alfie Dog Fiction site. Why do you think they’re so popular?

I think the Outback content and horse scenes grab attention. Rosemary Kind (Managing Director – Alfie Dog) tells me I write them well, so I can only go by her feedback. Short stories help me on the journey to becoming published.

You once worked on a racehorse property below Victoria’s Great Dividing Range and lived in Hong Kong in the ‘90s. How did these experiences come about, and have you ever drawn on them in your writing? And… what made you move from the UK to Australia?

I left the UK when I was seventeen to work on a racehorse property north of Whittlesea. I was looking for adventure and when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance. I was a typical young girl in love with horses, in fact, I love all animals, but I had this crazy dream, about working with racehorses.


It was the hardest job I’ve ever done - 5am starts and 8pm finishes and physically demanding. I was pretty fit in those days. I definitely use my experience of the racing industry and our Outback travels in my books. Desert Wind and Desert Storm are based around the racing industry.

Hong Kong was an amazing five-year adventure. I attended my first creative writing class while living there. I became involved with the Belgian Society and wrote their newsletter. When we joined the South China Scuba Diving Club, I was voted as the “member's member”.


One of my roles was to write the newsletter. I had great fun with this as I was allowed a certain amount of creative freedom.

For your first manuscript, El Alto, you spent many hours researching the Peruvian revolutionary organisation, the Shining Path, and South America. What made you want to write about this particular area?

The Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso)... well, there’s quite a story behind my interest in this organisation. My husband’s family went to live and work in the Peruvian oil fields after the war and had many fantastic adventures while travelling through the Andes.


They were geologists, looking for oil for a UK company. Their two boys were born there and went to a Spanish school in Lima. They’ve told me so many interesting stories that it aroused my interest.


The Sendero were extremely violent especially towards women, so there are many dark moments in this story. I loved researching their history and have woven their beginning in the first book to an incident where the Sendero take over the prisons in the second book. It’s an adventure love story that spans more than ten years.


When I wrote the first book it must have been well over two hundred thousand words. I’ve got it down to one hundred and ten thousand now; the sequel was the same. I hope one day they will get picked up. I feel it’s a story that needs to be told. I’m told by those who have read it, it would make a fantastic movie… I live in hope with that one!

What do you get up to in a typical day? Do you still ride or own horses?

I have a day job which curtails my writing at the moment. I make time in the evenings and on the weekends to write. I no longer ride. Although I often get the urge, my body isn’t up to it any more.


I’ve been one of those people who have pushed their body beyond what is probably reasonable: horse riding, wind-surfing, snow skiing, scuba diving, running, gym work, aerobics, kick-boxing… the list is endless, but I have no regrets. I feel I’ve done more than a lot of people and am grateful for that.

How long have you been involved with the South Australian Romance Authors group and why do you enjoy it?

I joined SARA over four years ago now. I was introduced to Trish Morey who invited me along to a meeting. I was struggling alone with my writing, and still am to a certain extent. Learning the craft has been the hardest thing for me; telling a story is the easy part.


I can see the development of my writing style since I first started but it’s sometimes a real slog getting past the over-writing, especially when you’re a wordy person.


I’ve found the group to be a fabulous support network and really there shouldn’t be any reason why we should struggle alone.

A birdie told me you were recovering from a knee replacement op. Not horse-riding-related, was it? And does it mean you’re getting lots of writing done while you’re ‘laid up’? 

Now, I wonder who that was? ;) Yes, unfortunately I seem to be prone to bone problems. Horse-riding probably hasn’t helped. I’ve had many falls over the years, but then I’ve thrashed my body in many ways and I guess it’s payback time.


I had a major neck operation a couple of years ago and seem to have been in the wars ever since. The knee is improving, slowly.


I must admit the first few weeks after the operation I couldn’t think, what with all the drugs. But the last couple of weeks I’ve been working on changes to Desert Wind and I must say it’s lovely having the daytime to write rather than slogging away during the evening when I’m tired.

Finally, tell us a little about the famous Paddington!


OMG… how long do you want this? Paddington, where to start with him? Well, first off he’s a Bearded Collie with attitude. Actually I’ve never met a Beardie that didn’t have attitude. He comes from a champion line of herders, although he has no idea how to herd, unless it’s humans along the beach.


Cows, nope, he doesn’t like cows! Sheep - well, he was bred to herd them, but as I said he only seems to like herding people. Paddington thinks he’s a bit better than his herding parents. If you can herd a bunch of humans, that’s pretty good in his eyes.

As you are probably aware he has his own blog on my website (www.suziehindmarshknights.com); he writes a diary of his adventures. He has quite a following around the world and I forever have to ask him for the next chapter. He’s the only Bearded Collie to travel the Outback as a puppy.


He wanted to cross the Simpson Desert with us, but, alas, we weren’t allowed to take him. He’s seen ghosts in the Outback. Scary stuff, he tells me.

Paddington is one hell of a character. He’s driven by food and wakes me every morning, nose in my face demanding breakfast. He doesn’t really care what he eats as long as it’s something I would eat. Dog biscuits are fine but not as tasty as an Anzac cookie.


He runs the house with precision. He thinks he’s in charge but he only manages to boss Pete around. I think he realises I’m the alpha bitch – so to speak! Or perhaps he lets me think that!

Paddington is a book waiting to happen. But until then, he demands I post his pictures on Facebook, keep his blog going and give him the love he deserves.

UP-CLOSE with long-time SARA member Harriet Jarvis!

 
Tell us about your writing journey.

I have always enjoyed reading and plotting stories in my head and can’t remember when I didn’t. I progressed from children’s adventure and horror to romance and murder mystery. Occasionally I’d write poetry or short stories but didn’t have the discipline to pursue it.

After retiring I spend a lot of time reading romance and decided to buy a computer and have fun trying to make sense of the random scenarios in my head.

I’ve written a few category novels - most of which need drastic editing and have a few more in progress. I have entered Little Gems 10 times over four years and love the feedback. I find most criticism justified when I check it against my writing. Favourite comment: ‘This was my favourite entry. I would love to read more from this author.’ In 2013 I finalled with 'Stealing the Detective’s Heart'. Holding a copy of your published story ranks right up there with jumping from a plane.
 

How long have you been involved in the South Australian Romance Authors group and Romance Writers of Australia, and how many conferences have you attended?

I joined SARA, RWA and the SAWC in late 2009 and went to my first conference in 2010. Haven’t missed any since and enjoy the workshops and meeting other writers. Leith always comes. He’s a consummate traveller - quite happy to explore any city on his own and attend special night functions.

What do you get up to in a typical day? And what did you do before you were a writer?

I was a bookkeeper for 50 years apart from time out when the boys were young. Now I write, read, travel and am trying to clear 40 years of accumulated stuff from my study and the back shed. This means bin it, save it or take it to the Salvation Army!

Is it true your husband critiques all your manuscripts?

Leith has read and critiqued all of my Little Gems entries and a reasonable amount of the novels. He’s listened to hours of plots and scenes, given constructive advice (i.e. Aussie men don’t say that), helps out with technical stuff and willingly does research for me. He’ll also act out a scene with me to check whether it’s practical.

Who are your favourite authors?
I don’t have favourite authors. I tend to skim-read and if the story grabs me I’ll reread it. I have some I keep and reread passages or the whole book just for the enjoyment of the story. ‘All a Man Can Ask’ by Virginia Kantra (2003), ‘Perfect Morning’ By Marcia Evanick (1989) and ‘Uneasy Alliance’ by Jayne Ann Krentz (1984) can always grab me. I also love intrigue if the story and the love interest are believable and strong.

Finally, what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
We love travelling now we have time and can afford it and have visited and helicoptered over the three great waterfalls of the world. Relaxing and writing on a cruise boat is special.

Whenever the opportunity arises I love to try something risky. I’ve white water rafted, hot air ballooned, abseiled, skydived and in Zimbabwe crawled to the edge of the African rift to see a waterfall hundreds of metres below in the valley.

I’d like to be able to swim but after a few strokes I sink. In an emergency I’ll just have to hit bottom and run like heck – which with my arthritic hip and knee doesn’t promise much hope!

UP-CLOSE with romance and crime writer Christina Carlisle!

Tell us about your writing journey. How many manuscripts and years before publication? And what book number are you up to now?

I began writing romance in 1992. Three of us made a New Year’s resolution to write a romance and get published (we’d had too many glasses of bubbles at the time - jeez!) It was really an excuse to meet up once a month, drink bubbly and gossip, which we did. 

I had too many rejections to count and also didn’t realise I should “target” my manuscripts to particular publishers. I spent a fortune sending everywhere – how dumb is that? I had a lapse from writing for some years while colleague (and close friend) Diane Beer and I set up and ran the Romance Writers of America – Australian Chapter. That kept us very busy and we ended up with over 200 hundred members across Australia.

I was first published in 2005 when I had four books accepted by New Concepts Publishing - a boutique publisher in the US, in e-book format to begin with and then they were all taken into print.

At present I’m up to Number 25, but this includes four books which have been re-edited and re-published and four non-fiction books mainly about working with the media and corporate fundraising.

Chris, you’ve held down a whopping 27 jobs. Can you give us a brief history?

I won’t go through them all but rather will group them otherwise we’ll never finish. When I left school I trained as an engineering draftsperson – did this for nine years and also branched out over the years into architectural, civil, electrical and cartography.

I changed careers in my mid-twenties and became a horse-riding instructor; flight attendant; ballroom dancing teacher; ran hotels/motels/restaurants for 12 years and in 1984 joined the Women’s and Children’s Hospital as Director of Public Relations. I resigned in 2006 to write full-time, concentrating on the crime genre.

You’re an international ambassador for Variety – the children's charity, and a board member of Kidsafe SA. What’s drawn you to supporting children in need?

Kids are very special at anytime but particularly if they are sick or injured or disabled so yes, if I have made the slightest difference to make a better life for a child and his/her family, then I’m happy.

I was a founding member of Variety in SA in 1983 and held most of the positions on our committee over the years. I resigned from the board a few years ago (they were going very well without me!). I have been an international ambassador since 2001 and have attended most of Variety’s international conventions which are held in various cities across the world. I’m a life member of Variety SA.

I have been a member of Kidsafe SA for four years. This is a national body dedicated to the prevention of unintentional death and injuries to Australian children. We provide an information, education and resource service for parents and carers on all aspects of child safety and injury prevention. I don’t think you can get anything better than that!

I was extremely honoured in 2005 to receive the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for my services to children’s charities.

You've released a trilogy, dubbed Falling-In-Love. Why do you think trilogies are so popular right now?


I enjoyed writing this trilogy very much. Although they were connected by the individual stories of three friends who grew up together through boarding school and university, they can be read as ‘stand-alone’ books and that is what I think is the important thing about trilogies.

I have planned another one with a medical theme but at the moment it’s on the back-burner.

Your crime book, A Taste of Evil, was a finalist in the 2012 Novel of The Year contest and you’re also involved with the South Australian Crime Writers' Group. If you had to choose between romance and crime as a favourite genre, could you pick?

I LOVE crime - whether reading crime books or watching thriller movies, it sucks me in for some reason. A Taste of Evil was my first venture into a full crime novel and has been very successful. At the moment I am writing the sequel, Evil Attraction, which is keeping me riveted.

This doesn’t mean I don’t like romance. I think it is a wonderful genre, in fact, combining crime and romance works for me too and Falling for Nick surprised me by turning itself into a romantic suspense. Isn’t it fantastic when your writing gets away from you – the characters do things you are not expecting – and the plot veers from what you had planned? That is what is so fascinating and will keep me writing.

Crime Writers SA is a writing group based at the SA Writer’s Centre. It was established five years ago by our president, Stephen Lord, and we meet the first Sunday of each month at 10.30am. I’m happy to say I was there at the start and hold the positions of vice-president and secretary. We have 33 members with around an average of 15 who regularly attend meetings and others involved online.

We critique each others' work and have regular guest speakers such as criminal lawyers, major crime detectives and so on. Among our regular members are a pathologist, lawyer, senior policeman and criminologist, so we are well provided for with regard to research. Many of our members are now published and achieving success.

Several of your books have been published by digital publisher Champagne Books. What do you like about them and being published digitally?

The Champagne Book Group (CBG) is a super publisher based in Canada. I’m delighted to be one of their authors and was thrilled when its editors voted me as one of their five finalists in their Author of the Year Awards last month. I didn’t win but considering they have 143 authors on their books (excuse the pun), I was extremely happy to achieve this recognition.

All the staff at CBG are very professional and I have learnt heaps from my editor. They produce mainly digital novels but also take some of their books into print, which is what they have done with A Taste of Evil. As well as their own website they distribute on all major sites such as Amazon, Kobo and so on...

Finally, thanks for asking me to take part in this Q & A session. I very much appreciated it.

Many congratulations to the members of SARA. It has been so exciting watching the wonderful achievements of the various members.

So long for now…

For more on Christina, check out her site here.

UP-CLOSE with Destiny Romance 'new adult' author Leesa Bow!

Tell us about your writing journey. How many manuscripts and years before publication? And what book number are you up to now?

My writing journey started late in 2009 when my daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Writing proved therapeutic in coping with stress and my first book, an NA fantasy, helped me to escape reality.

In early 2013, and with my daughter in remission, I started writing my second novel, and first-to-be published eBook, Winning the Player. I have since completed a NA rural romance and I am currently writing my fourth NA book, another football romance.

Can you tell us a little about your past – growing up in Broken Hill and the different occupations you’ve had!

Growing up in a country town was free, fun and safe and like being part of a huge extended family. You leave but your heart remains because the people are warm and friendly.

After leaving school I worked as a nurse at the local hospital and nursing homes until my early twenties when I moved to Adelaide.

Your debut novel with Destiny Romance, Winning the Player, is based around football, you married a football player, and footy season has just started! So… which team do you barrack for? And how much truth is there in your fiction work surrounding the footy world?

My husband was 17 when we started dating and he was a diehard Hawthorn supporter. Back then I didn’t follow football so I also supported Hawthorn. When the Crows joined the AFL, I supported SA’s only team.

Like many fiction novels, there is an element of truth for inspiration, however, it is twisted and exaggerated to create a story. The characters and storyline of my book are complete fiction.

What’s it like being a mum to four daughters? What can a typical day be like for you?
My girls are athletic, confident, strong-minded young ladies and I’m extremely proud of them. Dinner can be challenging and one might be mistaken for being at a verbal tennis match!

My weeknights and weekends were busy transporting them to sport trainings/games [when they were younger]. Thankfully my parents helped as it was impossible to get all four to their different trainings in one night. Dinner could be a Subway in the car travelling from one venue to another.

Describe how you came to meet Hollywood star Natalie Portman, and what she was like?

Natalie is the most beautiful and kindest lady I’ve ever met. My daughter was granted a ‘Make A Wish’ and we met her in 2012 in LA. From the very first minute we were taken in with her charm. She is just as beautiful off the screen without makeup on.

Finally, why did you choose New Adult as a genre, what is it, and what authors would you suggest people read if they want to learn more about the genre?

I think New Adult encompasses stories about people who are leaving high school through their mid-twenties and the unique set of problems, issues, and relationships that they encounter during that time period. It is becoming a category on its own with subgenres of contemporary romance, fantasy, and paranormal just to name a few.

My favourite NA authors are J. Lynn, Cora Carmack, Tammara Webber, Allison Parr, and Chanel Cleeton.

For more on the lovely Leesa, click here. And for Winning the Player, head on over here.

UP-CLOSE with Mills & Boon writer Anne Oliver!

Tell us about your writing journey. How many manuscripts and years before publication? And what book number are you up to now?


My writing journey began in 1997 when I wrote my first manuscript, an epic 100,000 words with a reincarnation theme. It was a particularly ambitious project because it involved the two main characters living in two different time periods who were essentially the same in ‘spirit’. Imagine trying to write the synopsis… :( 

It’s still the book of my heart and now, seventeen years later, I'm looking at doing something with it. It needs a LOT of work, particularly the historical scenes which are not my strength.


In all, I wrote four full-length manuscripts which remain unpublished; all fantasy/paranormal/time-travel novels. They don’t fit into any single genre but did well in contests here and overseas under the ‘paranormal’ category.


My first book, Behind Closed Doors, was published by Mills and Boon in 2006. I’ve just completed my sixteenth book for them and am waiting on revisions. Any day now...


You used to be a teacher. What made you change route and target Mills & Boon? And are any past students fans of your work?

Yes, I taught for more years than I care to remember and more than I care to tell you! After not finding a home for my paranormal work in the published world, I wanted a change and turned to writing contemporary romance.

Mills and Boon seemed like a good place to start and I was lucky enough to be offered publication with my first two contemporaries. A few years after I was published, I resigned from teaching to write full-time.


As for past students being fans — they were 5-7 year olds, so no! I kept my teaching and writing careers separate.


Your books often have glamorous premises and locations. What’s the most glamorous thing you’ve ever done?

Glamorous locations and premises are part of the requirements for the Modern Tempted/KISS line. But me, glamorous? No. But I live vicariously through my characters and it doesn’t cost a cent.


If I could choose one glamorous evening, I’d be Chloe Montgomery in my book, Marriage in Name Only? Silky emerald and amethyst designer gown. The romantic package at the Burj al Arab in Dubai sounds incredibly glamorous — the table at the water’s edge, protected from the sand beneath by a Persian carpet and surrounded by Moroccan lanterns, tropical blooms, aromatic food and a glorious sunset. And an amazing guy’s attention as well, of course….



US actress/singer Vanessa Hudgens recently enjoyed your latest KISS release on a flight from LA to NY and shared this fact online (check out her Tumblr post here). A pinch-yourself moment, indeed! What else has been a career highlight?

Yes, it was exciting to see my latest KISS release tweeted about by Vanessa. It also helped boost sales for the KISS line in general, which was great since it’s a new line and trying to attract readers.


But my career highlight is winning the Romance Writers of Australia’s Romantic Book of the Year (the Ruby) twice with my first two published books in 2007 and 2008.


You have belonged to the Astronomical Society of South Australia and own a telescope. Ever imagine writing about an astronomer hero?


Not a hero, Carla, a heroine! I intend writing about an astronomer in future when I come up with a suitable plot premise because I love the stars and am conversant with astronomy and space travel.


In one of my unpublished works, the heroine was an archaeo-astronomer. Archaeo-astronomy is the branch of archaeology that studies the astronomical techniques used by prehistoric civilisations. For example, the construction of megaliths for cyclical events, such as Stonehenge with its accurate calculations of the summer and winter solstice.


My heroine found herself transported to another world in another time and was super fun to write! And not being published at the time, it was very liberating to write the way I wanted to write.

Dorchester read the first three chapters and requested the full and the sequel, which I’d written, but disappointingly nothing ever came of the request despite repeated attempts to contact them. (Not even a rejection…I think the manuscripts fell into a black hole.)


On your website it says a turning point in your life came when you researched your family history and unearthed a few skeletons . I’m intrigued! Can you say anymore, or has the research at least inspired some novel fodder?


Family history research is addictive. Sorting through old family photos from the late 1800s, learning about their daily lives, reading letters, newspapers and diaries of the time, locating their grave-sites. I was lucky — my Australian pioneer ancestors kept a lot of these personal records, and for me, this research became a spiritual journey as these people stepped out of the archives and into my world. Well, not exactly, but you get the idea.


A visit to a clairvoyant with some nineteenth century photos inspired my first story. “What if a nineteenth century widower with a young daughter emigrates to begin a new life in Australia? What if two hundred years later, an Aussie woman, troubled by a lifetime of unsettling dreams recognises her dream-man in a girlfriend’s old family photograph?  I love what ifs, don’t you?


For more on the lovely Anne Oliver, check out her site here.

UP-CLOSE with South Aussie YA and New Adult author Danielle Belwater!

Tell us about your writing journey. How many manuscripts and years before publication?

If there was a prize for starting things - books, hobbies, crafts, sports - then I would win, hands down. Hand me the trophy! It’s finishing them that’s the problem. I have the first few chapters of a few different projects…


I have half a book on my experience learning to ride a horse, a synopsis of a fantasy trilogy, the first chapter of a kids' book, a sketchy draft of a manuscript about my travels in Europe, the list goes on. But have I done anything with any of it? I’m afraid not.


It’s amazing what impending motherhood and the desire to not want to go back to work can do. I wrote the first draft of Of Fire & Roses in three months. Within six months it was contracted to Evernight Teen Publishing.


Can you tell us more about your life in rural SA and what you get up to when you're not writing?


There is nothing better than space. Lots and lots of space - oh, and animals! When I’m not writing, I’m probably thinking about writing, or pretending I’m not thinking about writing. I also watch my horses. Sometimes I even ride them. I live for my two girls, who I love dearly, but do on occasion wish I could donate them to charity.

You write under a pseudonym. Why so, and why did you pick the name you have?


Now there is a funny story! At least it’s funny now. I wasn’t laughing a week ago. My original pseudonym was named for a fictional place in my favourite series of books. But as I learnt only 10 days from release, some authors aren’t always happy about that! Also being stuck in an out-of-the-way place where there is no internet has made for a very interesting few days. That was how Belwater was born.


The 'Danielle' comes from a character from my favourite movie, Ever After. It’s one of those movies that always leaves me with the warm fuzzies.


Why does YA and 'new adult' appeal to you?


I struggle with the concept of growing up. I often look behind me and wonder where did the time go? What did I do with it? Did I make a difference? They are tough years to get through and I survived through my love of books and movies.


I see myself in those who would be reading my novel, and if I help even just one person get through another day, then it has all been worth it.


Finally, please tell us about your latest release!


Music speaks to me. For Of Fire & Roses, I was listening to Never Let Me Go by Florence + The Machine. The haunting music and dark lyrics are a lament to heartbreak so cruel that only death can bring release. I thought to myself, what if love can defy death?


Of Fire & Roses tells the story of Nate West who is dealing with his mother’s tragic death and moves to a small out-of-the-way town with his father. Shortly after relocating, he meets Cora, whose family is cursed with pain and loss.


But loving Cora is going to take more courage and determination than Nate ever thought possible when he becomes the curse’s next target.


Find out more about the gorgeous Danielle here!

UP-CLOSE with the lurvely Emmeline Lock (and Little Gems second-place-getter!)

Take it away, Emmeline...!

Thanks for having me here today in the SARA lounge. Very plush. Love these big recliners with the drink holders in the arms--functional and comfortable!  And such an interesting colour! What is that, fuchsia? Magenta? Regardless, I heart it. Classy!

Tell us about your work background.

While I would dearly love to tell you that I'm an astrophysicist, a lion-tamer and Hugh Jackman's personal masseuse, I'm guessing you're talking about outside my head, huh?  

I've done admin work in a real estate company, and have worked twice in different fruit shops, while I studied. I also have had a long, relentless stint as mother and wife in the fruit shop called my house. As far as real jobs go, I've been a teacher for over ten years. Ten years!? Ye gods!

How long have you been a member of the South Australian Romance Authors, and what made you join?

That is a mighty fine question, Carla, and one I had to look up the answer to, because my mind is a steel trap, but only for the things that have happened in the last four to six hours. I first went to SARA for their June meeting in 2010.

I guess I went because writing is a very solitary pursuit, and I wanted to touch base with other like-minded people. Not only to clarify that I wasn't the only crazy, there're-people-living-in-my-head, person out there, but because Eleni Konstantine had a very cool blog, and I wanted to hang with her. I also had a lot of drive and enthusiasm for writing, and wasn't sure if I was pushing my apple-cart up the right tree, so to speak. I'm totally allowed to make up stuff like that. It's called artistic license. SARA taught me that*.

What is EverTrue, which came second in Romance Writers of Australia’s Little Gems contest nationally, about and where can people get the anthology?

EverTrue is a short story about a cupid who falls in love with the man she's got in her bow-sight to make fall in love with someone else. It's messy. Well, as messy as something can get in 3,000 words.  

I was completely gobsmacked to final in that one, let alone come second. Talk about freak me out! I did a lot of embarrassing happy weeping when I got that message. Got really drippy. That'll teach me to open emails on my phone whilst at the checkout...

You can get get your awesome copy of the Little Gems 2013 Anthology - Sapphire from the RWA website. These little stories are perfect for a bus ride, or to fill a few minutes if your doctor is actually running on time, or while you're waiting for your bubbles to chill and can't bring yourself to walk away from the freezer in case you forget about it and it explodes.

Hey, we've all been there. 

You write funny paranormal and futuristic romance. Very specific hehe! What attracts you to this kind of scribbling?

I do! I think I like it because I've always been delighted to read speculative fiction, because of the pure escape it provides (my early love being fantasy), but I'm also looking for a bit of a laugh, because, let's face it, I'm a clown.

Even if I'm trying my hand at coastal romance, or contemporary romance, some kind of joke-cracking ghost, or sexy angel with a very big ... halo seems to pop up.

Ha! Pops up.

Sorry. ;)

Your fave form of procrastination to avoid doing writing?

Totally, reading! Though, in my head it doesn't count, because they go hand-in-hand. Like a kitten and that fan of newspaper on a string, like coke and icecream, like Sunday mornings and hangovers. Same goes for movies, especially rom-coms and action films.

Same goes for trolling online for images to use for story boards. Not a time-suck at all! Nuh-huh.

I am also an enormous fan of sleeping. So, if I've got the don't-want-to's I usually feel like I'm going to die if I can't get intimate with my pillow asap, and just hit the hay.

And, just between us, I have been known to play a game or two on my tablet. That scrabble game with friends and that hideous fabrication from the pits of hell, Candy Crush Saga. 

What are you working on now, and how many manuscripts have you notched up?

I'm currently working on cleaning out my wine cellar, because I found some great specials online and... Oh. You mean writing-wise, don't you?

When the cellar doesn't need my attention, I'm working on a novella set in the EverTrue world, plus having a go at a coastal, small-town ghost story. I'm also scribbling illegible notes for a few more short stories, and playing with Scrivener and calling it work.

You are often a “lady in red”, if I’m not mistaken! How many red things do you reckon you own and why do you like the hue?

Ha! Sing it to me, Carla! Mr DeBurgh, stand aside! ;)

Being a blue-eyed blonde, my mum always dressed me in blues, and now that my hair has gone from Scandinavian ash to arse-o-housemouse brown, I've, quite unconsciously, been reaching for the red. It's kinda odd.

Possibly, the birth of my children caused my life to spiral out of control, and I was looking to reestablish my self-identity, so was drawn to the power colour. Or possibly, there was some long-forgotten childhood trauma involving toffee apples or fire trucks.  

I vote for my vast love of Christmas leaking out into other months.

My wardrobe would probably hold ten or fifteen items that are red. Then there are the phone and tablet covers, and my kitchen kitsch.

I also really like red wine, but that may just be a coincidence, because I also like turquoise, and don't drink (much) blue curacao.

You’re also a real technology/social media guru. When did this obsession start and what are your fave communication devices and sites?

You know, since the birth of the interwebs (I remember meeting a web browser for the first time at uni. Does that date me?), I've loved getting online and meeting people. One of the first things I did when we got dial-up at home was join the eHarlequin Community. Blow my mind!  

While I don't hang there any more, I met my awesome CPs [critique partners] there, and we still CP to this day. You can't tell me that isn't Fifty Shades of Awesome.

I do have a (possibly unnatural) great love for my iPad. A love which was only five inches smaller on two edges when I just had the iPhone. What marvellous technology! There are eight iDevices in this house now, and I don't think we're at saturation point yet.

That said, we also have a few hours a day when we turn off the devices and do crazy shizz like talk to each other, and catch a few rays that aren't generated by an completely fabulous back-lit Kindle app.

The great thing about technology is that everyone can be a guru. You just have to give it a crack.

I think sites like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are ground-breaking. I also love how you can get any information you need on the internet (so long as you're not overly concerned about it's authenticity and factuality). So much fun!

When you’re not writing, what occupies your time?

Is this the part where I get to mention Hugh again?  

No, sadly, or quite joyously, my family is it for me. I coach a bit of netball (badly, but with great enthusiasm), teach singing to kids (see previous), and work at the school where the offspring go. I also do a lot of dancing around the house in my socks rockin' out with a hairbrush, and love to catch up with friends and family for a quiet (or often quite noisy) drink and a card game.

I like shopping, cooking and buying wine online... If you're seeing a pattern regarding wine here, please ignore it.

Thanks ever so much for having me here today, Carla. You're the perfect hostess. Sorry about the popcorn crumbs on the recliners. Luckily, that red wine ring on the arm there blends with the hot-pink leather. Or is that cerise? ;)

* SARA taught me no such thing. I made that up!

UP-CLOSE with medical romance writer Susanne Hampton!

How long were you writing romance before you received ‘the call’?

My interest in writing romance began around 1994. Until then it had been a passion of reading romance novels - in particular, Danielle Steel. I joined the Romance Writers of SA and looked forward to the monthly meetings to learn more about the industry and be encouraged by this amazing group of women from all walks of life. They helped me immensely and their support was invaluable. I met Mills & Boon authors Trish Morey and Lucy Clark when they were beginning their careers.

My first manuscript was mailed almost 19 years ago to Mills & Boon. This was long before emailed submissions were accepted and it took many months to receive my first rejection. When the letter arrived I was devastated but picked myself up and went to work on the next story. This partial was also rejected and it became a pattern, but with each rejection came a longer letter from the editors explaining why it wasn’t suitable and suggestions on how I could improve the storyline or writing.

Career and family took precedence and in 2000 I took a break from writing. In 2004, I moved to Los Angeles where I lived for two years with my daughters. I joined a local writers' group in California where I met Mills & Boon medical author Lynne Marshall. This inspired me to return to writing but it wasn’t until 2011 that I actually submitted another manuscript. Another rejection followed but again it had a lengthy explanation of the reasons why it wasn’t suitable and the suggestion that I should submit another partial for consideration. I did and on 8 July 2013, I received ‘the call’ from London.

Why medical romance?

One of my favourite authors when I began writing was Marion Lennox. I really enjoyed her writing style with touches of humour and medical settings. My background is in the dental specialist field so I thought it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to research the world of medicine. I also love drama, emotional tension and the pace of Grey’s Anatomy and ER.

Where and when do you write?

Only a few months before I received ‘the call’ my husband bought me the most beautiful mahogany writing bureau and it is my little piece of serenity. I don’t use it for anything but writing my books. Nothing else happens…. no paying bills, nothing boring or practical. Just writing manuscripts. When I look up I can see the books of the writers I admire most behind the narrow glass doors and this inspires me to keep writing.

It is my creative zone and I find I can completely shut out the world and forget where I am. I write most days. During the week, this is after work and on the weekends I devote Saturdays to writing. I absolutely love writing and never find it a chore. The day the second book was accepted, my editor told me to take a well-earned rest and the first thing I did was begin a synopsis for the next book. It’s addictive!

Will you let your daughter - Aussie musician, singer-songwriter and guitarist Orianthi - read your books?

Just as Ori allows me to hear the songs as she writes them, I am happy to let her read my work. She is an avid reader of all genres, but has a leaning towards biographies and spiritual subjects so my books will be something very different!

How do you keep busy when you're not writing?

My role as senior program officer within Aboriginal Programs keeps me busy from 9-to-5. In my spare time, away from writing, I enjoy dressmaking. I studied design and construction at TAFE SA for three years before I was married and I design and make jackets for Ori to wear onstage. I’m also a volunteer at the Capri Cinema at Goodwood.

Susanne's hotly anticipated books to look out for...

* Unlocking The Doctor’s Heart – medical romance due out in March 2014 in North America, UK and Australia.

* Back In Her Husband’s Arms – medical romance due out in June 2014 in North America, UK and Australia.

And find her on Twitter here!

UP CLOSE (and personal) with new Random Romance writer Virginia Taylor!

Tell us about your career (and life!) prior to writing. 

Prior to my career as a writer I was an art student, then a stylist/interior designer, a computer programmer, a stylist/designer again, a registered nurse, a registered midwife, a writer, a set designer and painter, and finally a writer/enthusiastic gardener. I like to have my careers follow an unnatural progression.

How long and how many manuscripts has it taken before getting published?

I first wrote an historical romance, which I submitted to Mills and Boon, not knowing of any other romance publishers. This was swiftly rejected, but in my query letter I mentioned I was an ex-nurse. M and B asked if I would try writing medical romance. At that stage, I hadn't read genre romance but fortunately they sent me a box of medical romances to read.

Subsequently, I wrote three, all rejected in weeks. About then I realised I was never going to write a story I didn't want to read. I found another romance writer who was willing to write medicals, and I went back to writing historicals. I think I had written two more, neither submitted when I was lucky enough to score a US agent. This lovely man did his best to sell my second historical in the US since I'd failed so abysmally to sell the first in the UK. My first rejection, or his on my behalf, scored me a box of historicals to read for the line he submitted to.

Australian women back then didn't read romance, apparently, and so I had no option to be Australian published, which was my first choice since I had rigidly set all my stories, even my historicals, in Australia. This connects directly to not selling a story in the US, where the readers won't buy stories set in exotic locations like Australia, or so the publishers thought.

During this time, I wrote Dr No Commitment, my fourth medical, called something that I haven't retained either on paper or in my brain, but the title would have been really florid. In the story I used everything Mills and Boon would not accept, a point of view for the hero and the heroine, a secondary story, realistic medical scenes, and graphic sex. So there! I never sent this story anywhere because I knew I couldn't sell the aforementioned with the added burden of being set in Australia.

By the time I had completed those four medicals, six historicals, a medical romantic suspense (sort of) and two women's' fictions, and only submitted for publication the three medicals and the two historicals, I let the agent go because I had had enough. I joined up with a SA School of Art graduate, who had spent his years painting and designing sets for the Australian Ballet. At first I was his colour mixer, and I graduated to be his painter, his design partner, and then a set designer on my own. This took ten years out of my writing life, which I didn't intend to take up again. Then my husband died and my world changed.

I slowly, slowly began to re-write all my stories in other settings, after placing in my first US contest final and joining SARA. I re-set my historicals in England, except for one that I couldn't move. I had deleted all my medicals except Dr No Commitment. Then I heard Random House was taking submission for a new romance line, Random Romance, and so I sent Dr No, mainly to see what would happen. When they asked if the story was still available, I was pretty negative. Too many rejections, too many years, and I didn't really care if I sold or not. Then I realised I had been made the perfect offer for my Australian story and I ought to accept. And so I did. I can't say how glad I am. I am now in awe of this publishing process and since I am an addicted re-writer, I am stimulated by edits.

How would you describe your writing style? And, why romance?

I can't describe my writing style. I'm keen on the 'craft' of writing. As for why romance? I knew when I left nursing and took up writing that I had no chance of a happy ever after. My husband was dying. He'd been told he wouldn't live past forty, a gross misdiagnosis and a very cruel one. If I couldn't have a happy ever after, I could invent one on paper, and that's what I did.

Tell us about your new book, out with Random Romance.

Dr No Commitment is a mischievous romantic comedy about a man who has always run from love and the girl who just might catch him. Ally was warned about Rohan Sinclair when she first moved to town – and she is determined not to let this gorgeous, model-dating doctor distract her from being the best nurse she can. The problem is, this bad boy lives in the room next door. Resisting his persistent charm at home is hard enough, but almost impossible when they're thrown together at work. A little innocent flirting never hurt anyone, right? Wrong. Although he is her perfect guy in every other way, he will never commit. Falling for him is a terrible idea.

This will be Kindle-published in December and print-published in an omnibus with four other Random Romance writers, including Adelaide's own Claire Baxter, in April. Available in all good book stores.

Where and when do you write?

I have a nice study where I write, and I write every day except Wednesday.

When did you first join SARA? Plus, do you think publishing’s changed much since you started?

Eighteen years ago I was a member of the precursor to SARA, which was first Romance Writers of SA and then Popular Fiction Writers. I don't know if publishing has changed, but the stories published have changed. Now my very naughty medical romance is not so naughty, and now everyone writes in the double POV. So, no longer under pressure to be outrageous, I removed at least half the sex from Dr No. I still prefer to use the double POV for romance.

What do you like to do when you’re not typing away?

I work in the garden of Beaumont House, Glynburn Road, on Wednesday. It combines my need for strenuous exercise with my need to help.

Favourite authors/books?

I'm a series reader. I love Georgette Heyer and I began buying her books when I was about 13. I still have them all. I have the Poldark series and The Jewel in the Crown.

I have everything written by Dorothy Dunnet and I'm a member of Dunnettworkers, Game of Kings, and Claes, all affiliated and an online international group of about 500 readers.

I started reading a writer named Arianna Franklin last year, and I bought everything she wrote too, including under her nom de plume of Diana Norman.

I'm not reading at the moment. I can't read and write and I'm writing a new rom-com called Let's Talk About Sets, Maybe. The heroine is a repressed set designer and the tough guy sexy hero is the leader of the construction team. She can't talk to him about sex and so . . .

For more on Virginia, visit her site here.

 

UP CLOSE with SARA member and debut author Victoria Purman

What made you go from the media and world of politics to romance writing?

Because there are no handsome men or happy ever afters in politics! Seriously, since I was a teenager I’ve wanted to be an author. But it always seemed more fantasy than reality, so I put that ambition aside for many years while I went into the world and got a “real” job. A real job that happened to involve writing! As well as the “real” job, my husband and I had three children and life just got in the way. I loved being a journalist, and also loved working in politics, but the dream was always there, niggling away at me whenever I read a book I enjoyed. And finally, at the beginning of 2012, I challenged myself to write a book. “It’s now or never” was my mantra!

In your debut novel, Nobody But Him, the setting is SA’s Fleurieu Peninsula. What inspired you to write about the area?

As a family, we’ve spent many summers down on the south coast, and I simply love it. The stars are brighter, the air feels cleaner, the beaches are spectacular and the waves are awesome! I’ve tried to take all that and create a sea change experience for my readers, so no matter where they are when they’re reading it, they’ll get the feel of being on holidays at an Australian beach. While I love reading books set all over the world, I wanted to create a small-town story set in a place I knew and recognised. I hope my readers will too.

Why a trilogy? Is that just how the story and characters came to you?

I love reading trilogies myself so I really set out to create something I’d want to read – and keep reading. Once I visit a place in a book, and grow to love the setting, I want more. And with a trilogy, you’re guaranteed two more happy endings! It helped that when my publisher read Nobody But Him and asked if I had anything else like it, I could describe my plans for the next two books.

Where and when do you write? How do you juggle writing with being a mum?

With three teenage sons, there is rarely peace and quiet at home and no space for a study (damn it!) but I managed to wangle enough space for a desk in the bedroom – it’s literally one metre along a wall – and I write there.

When I set myself the challenge in February 2012 to write a book, I made a deal with the family. I cooked dinner and then I hid away for two hours each night and wrote. As long as they were fed, they were happy! I spent a couple of hours each day on the weekends too. Working that way, I finished the book in six months – a pretty exhausting six months, I have to say. Since then, I’ve become a part-time worker in the “real” world, so I have more time during the other days of the week.

You write beach-lit and love the beach, but, as you say on your site, have red hair and pale skin - worthy of Nicole Kidman! How do you enjoy the sun still ‘safely’?

Lots of sunscreen! To be truthful, I cover up – fear of skin cancer will do that to redheads from a very early age. But there are loads of ways to enjoy the beach safely. I love walking along and staring at the view and when I’m body boarding, I’m in a wetsuit, so that helps. It’s always nice to take a bottle of champagne there at sunset, too.

Any ‘author crush’ moments you can share? 

Loads! South Australia’s own Mills and Boon author Trish Morey, obviously. I did her romance writing workshop at the SA Writers Centre back in 2012, which inspired me to get serious. (And – pinch me - she came to my book launch!) I met Helene Young at the Romance Writers of Australia conference in 2012 and she signed my book with: “Good luck with your writing.” How’s that!

Similarly, Bronwyn Parry signed a book for me at RWA 13 – I love her romantic suspense so that was a thrill. Let’s see. I’ve danced with Anne Gracie. Hitched a ride in a cab with New York Times best-selling writer Julia Quinn. Shared a diet Coke with the delightful Rachael Johns (best-selling Harlequin author and new friend). Spied Sarah Mayberry at conference (but was too scared to talk to her). Got to touch Tricia Stringer’s Ruby [award]. That’s the joy of being involved with RWA. Newbies and million-selling authors are all in the same room at conference, and I’ve chatted with many of them on social media, too. They are all so lovely and supportive.

Any books you’ve read lately that have got you excited or inspired?

Helene Young’s Half Moon Bay was lyrical in its descriptions of far north Queensland and the sexual tension between her hero and heroine was smoking! Into My Arms by Kylie Ladd, although not a romance, was heartbreakingly beautiful. I also loved Kristan Higgins’ The Best Man. If I can be half as funny as her, I’ll die happy. And I’m devouring Bronwyn Parry’s Darkening Skies. I’m also hanging out to read Rachael Johns latest – Outback Dreams – we released on the same day!

Who in your life are you a tad anxious about reading the more, shall we say, lust-filled pages of your novel?

I was a little worried about what my mother might say, but she loved it, reminding me that she’s not a prude! I’m also wondering if some of my friends (who don’t normally read romance) may look at me a little differently now. My three sons have vowed they will never read it, so I’m safe there!

For more on Victoria, check out her site here.

 

UP CLOSE with out-and-about writer Lilliana Rose!

Tell us about your work background.

I’ve been a research scientist (where I played with DNA), a high school science teacher (where I went to formals as an adult), and a counsellor (where I’ve learnt about Jungian theories and other philosophical and psychological concepts).

Right now I write full-time. I also do work related to writing, like poetry gigs, workshops, and writer in residence programs.


When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

Growing up, Mum would deliver me at the library where I would seek out new books and emerge with a pile to read over the next month. I devoured books. I loved to read. It was a natural progression for me to begin writing my own stories. At school I loved when the teacher wanted us to write a creative story. Mine would go on for pages and pages - about talking kittens, dolls, caves by the beach. And once I wrote about a shipwreck.

It wasn’t until my mid-twenties that the idea of pursuing a writing career began to grow in my mind. I never thought of becoming a writer. I don’t know why. Other things just got in the way perhaps? In my early thirties, I decided to take the risk and pursue a writing career in earnest. I’ve not looked back. Writing is what I’m meant to be doing – if a few days go by and I haven’t written I tend to get a little grumpy. As the saying goes, ‘it’s in my blood’, it’s who I am, and I’m happiest when writing.


You’ve penned stories involving fantasy, sci-fi, steam-punk and horror, and recently tackled a rural romance. Is there anything you can’t do, and why not stick to one genre?

I don’t like to think about what I can’t write. I did that once. The gauntlet was thrown down – to myself – and I ended up writing a novella in the area I didn’t think I could write in (intense horror). It opened a new door for me, and my writing has been expanded because of this, which isn’t a bad thing. What inspires my writing are ideas. This is why I write in different areas. It's the ideas, or the questions I’m asking myself, and the what-ifs that create the characters and the situations they are in that dictates what genre I write in.


Writing for you does not appear to be a solitary activity. You’ve done everything from being a writer in residence at the SA Writers' Centre and Unley Council to a café poet at Rundle Mall's T-Bar. Do you think it’s important to get out and about as a writer and be 'seen'?

For me writing in public is a way to stay connected to the ‘real world’. I also write more productively. The noises, the smells, the interactions with people - while they aren’t going on the page, they are indirectly sparking my own senses and are reminding me of life. People seem to be drawn to me when I’m writing. They are interested, curious, and like to take a peek over my shoulder to see the words on my computer screen!


On your website you state your aim to write a poem a day for a year. How’s that going?

What was I thinking!? I’m hanging in there – just. I’ve written a poem a day since January 1. I knew it was going to be a lot of work, but I wanted to stretch my poetry writing in different ways. This process forces me look at life around me with ‘poetry eyes’ and at things from different perspectives. Writing exercises offer me a platform for writing new stories and poems, and this is exactly what this goal had done. I’ve got a lot of poems - some aren’t very good, some are very short - but I can come back to these poems in years to come.


Can you give us the log-lines of any recent stories you’ve had published?

New Skies published by Less Than Three Press (2012)
All Opal wants is to spend time with her beautiful, fiery lover and continue to build a life together—when she's not building and testing new inventions. But their peace and happiness is shattered by the appearance of a ghost—a ghost Opal does not believe in, despite the evidence.

Creating Wings (poetry collection) published by Infinity Dreaming (2012)
Life can pluck out your feathers and clip your wings, leaving you stranded and alone. Until you remember to begin again and create a new set of wings.

Browsing published by Bewildering Stories (coming out Autumn 2013)
An over-charged shopaholic prowls the cells of the living, breathing organism of the shopping mall.

Following Dreams published by Alfie Dog (Aug 4, 2013)
Ashley is scared of failing and misusing Nan’s money to set up her dream organic café. When she finally rents a shop, Ashley ends up with support from a stranger - and more than a café.


What made you get rid of your trademark blonde dreadlocks? And why the obsession with wings?

You do ask the hard questions! Girls like to change their hairstyle once in a while, and for me, it was just time for a change! At the time, I had more important things to do than style my hair (so many stories to write!) and dreadlocks were the perfect solution. Who knows? Maybe I will get them again in the future. ;)

For me wings usually represent being free, hope, potential and they are a sign change has or is occurring. Wings began fluttering in my writings when I was emerging as a writer, which was symbolic to the start of my writing journey. I believe I have many muses - most of them have wings, from angels to harpies.

Visit Lilliana's site here.