Tag Archives: Verindon Trilogy

Confessions of a Science Geek

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Did you know I’m a self-confessed science geek? If you’ve met me, I’m pretty sure you do. In fact, it becomes a little obvious when you read my near-science fiction trilogy (science-based speculative fiction that feels like it could happen now in our modern world) and my current WIP, which is a science fantasy time-slip parallel narrative. What may surprise you is that there have been times I’ve been at reader-writer events and felt like a fish out of water.

What may also surprise you is that science fiction isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. (I know, right?) At some events I not only have to explain what my techno-thriller novels are about, I find myself talking a lot about the genre and where my novels fit. But not this weekend just gone!

Have you heard of Oz Comic-Con? I had, but until science-fiction author friend, Lynne Stringer, and fantasy/science fiction author friend, Jeanette O’Hagan, contacted me, I didn’t realise the event had anything to do with books. How wrong I was—and it’s been a blast.

My enjoyment of this event was for multiple reasons. It was my first Oz Comic-Con and I was there with friends. Writers, if you’re ever going to a new event as an exhibitor, consider sharing your stall (if possible) with an author friend or two in a suitable genre. Not only could we take breaks and cover for each other (we even got to meet & greet with other stall exhibitors), we found if one of us didn’t have the type of story a reader was interested in, the other might, and usually did. The other fantastic factor was the attendees spoke our language!

Now, I’ve been to signings or events where there are heaps of booklovers in attendance, but rarely have I spoken to so many people with an interest in science at a single event, let alone science fiction. In fact, if the attendees who visited our stall weren’t into science fiction, they were into fantasy—or both! Sure, I still had to tell people about my stories, but it was amazing having them so familiar with a genre they’d break in partway to clarify exactly where the novels fit. Some knew just the sort of books they liked and were happy to try a new author like me (or Jeanette or Lynne). (Happy author heart … Love sharing stories with people who are excited about reading them. <3 <3)

The other fantastic factor, and the one that remains the highlight whatever event I’m attending, were the people. SO many new faces and stories (life-stories, that is) and some seriously cool names. And then there were the amazing costumes. Like, wow!

Folks, I think I’ve found my literary tribe. Don’t worry readers, I won’t neglect my other author connections, but honestly, this was serious fun. Next time you’ll have to come along for the ride!

A Right Time to Write?

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Lynne1-editedCan you believe we’re up to week four of the ‘Write Time’ series? Today we have another quality guest blogger, award winning author and professional editor, Lynne Stringer. Lynne has loved to write since she was small, and as a published YA author, magazine and newspaper editor and screenwriter, she’s been able to explore that dream across numerous genres. Today Lynne broaches a topic most writers will relate to – that wrestle to achieving a workable balance between crafting a new writing project and the demands of ‘real life’. Just days before we launch into the New Year, this is timely wisdom. Over to you, Lynne. 🙂

Is there a right time to write? It’s an interesting question and one I’m pondering a lot of late.

One of the problems with being an unknown author is that you have to have a day job or else you starve. You’ve also usually got a family and so you need to spend time with them, not to mention doing things like feeding them, cleaning the house, etc.

Also, once you’ve had some books published, you really need to spend some time promoting yourself and your books.

The dilemma then becomes—when do you find time to write something new?

I recently started a new job, and although we’re closed over Christmas, I’m still trying to catch up on fifty million (okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration!) other things I have to do. This is causing a little ball of pressure to build up in me because I’ve got an idea for a new story. Am I going to find the time to write it or even start it? I hope so. It’s not quite at the point where it’s knocking on the inside of my head, demanding to be released (yes, authors are weird!) but I don’t think it will be long before it is. I’ve just got to work out the resolution (that’s the bit at the end where everything is tied up) but I think I’ve got it, so soon the little voice of my story will become a loud scream, as it decides it’s time to come out!

One of the best things about this story is that I already know what it’s going to be called. That’s rare for me. I usually find it hard to think of titles. And I’m reasonably confident it’s a title that is useable, although I’ve been wrong about that before, so I’ll have to see if that’s the case.

But still, will I find the time to write it? What I need to do, of course, is make time. While that’s easier said than done, especially at this time of the year, I’m hopeful that soon will come that exciting moment when I sit down and write the first line. The only thing better than writing the first line of a story is writing the last.

theheir_cover silver award smallLynne Stringer has been passionate about writing all her life, beginning with short stories in her primary school days. She began writing professionally as a journalist and was the editor of a small newspaper (later magazine) for seven years, before turning her hand to screenplay writing and novels. Lynne currently works as a professional editor and proofreader. Her debut novel, The Heir, the first book in the Verindon trilogy, received the Literary Classics’ sliver award in young adult science fiction in 2014. You can connect with Lynne on Pintrest, Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter @TheHeirNovel.

Just an Author?

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Lynne1-editedToday I welcome our third guest blogger in the ‘Write Life’ series – award winning author, Lynne Stringer. Lynne has a background in journalism and editing and is also the author of the Verindon trilogy (YA Romantic SciFi). A writer with a wonderful imagination and eye for detail, I’m sure you’ll enjoy what Lynne has to share.

 

One of the most interesting things about the writing journey for me has been the realisation of how much is involved.

I’m not just talking about writing. Writing a novel is something I’m good at. I can formulate a story and keep up the pace with consistency and flow. I can generally avoid plot-holes, develop a good story arc and resolve issues appropriately.

Even editing isn’t too much trouble. In fact, it’s one of my favourite parts of the whole process. I enjoy paring down my work and watching it improve as I cut away the fat.

However, there is more involved in being an author than these things, especially if you want to be published.

You also need to be a salesperson. For a start, you need to sell the merits of your writing and yourself as an author to an agent or publisher. This is one of the most difficult parts for me. My natural response when someone asks me about my work is to criticise it rather than praise it so that they don’t think I’m arrogant, but I can’t do that if I want someone to publish my work. I have to tell them how wonderful it is.
The next hardest thing is being willing to compromise on some things to see my book published. Most publishers want to change at least a few things and watching an in-house editor tear your baby to shreds and tell you to start again is never easy.

Even after publication more is required. I need to sell my book to bookstores and members of the public. I need to look for advertising and promotional opportunities. I need to make people believe in me.
All of this is not easy for an introvert, like me. However, doing all these things has stretched me and taught me a great deal, not the least that I need to appreciate myself and my work. My books may never become classics but they clearly appeal to some people and I need to congratulate myself for achieving that much.

I have learnt that I can write and there’s no shame in saying that to others. I have learnt that I can praise my work and not feel like I’m being vain. Believe me, I can still be my own worst critic, but now I can tell people the good and know I am doing the right thing.

 

theheir_cover silver award smallLynne Stringer has been passionate about writing all her life, beginning with short stories in her primary school days. She began writing professionally as a journalist and was the editor of a small newspaper (later magazine) for seven years, before turning her hand to screenplay writing and novels. Lynne currently works as a professional editor and proofreader. She lives in Australia with her husband and young son. Her debut novel, The Heir, recently received the Literary Classics’ Silver award in the YA science fiction category. To discover more about Lynne, make sure you drop on over to her website at www.lynnestringer.com and if you’d like to purchase her books, you can find them at www.verindon.com.

Expecting Twins!

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It’s official – they’re twins … just weeks apart. Okay, before imaginations run wild, we’re not talking human babies here, but books! (Of course …) The gestation periods and experiences of my ‘literary babies’ have been extremely different (fifteen years versus a whirlwind ride), but in the next month they will both be released.

CoverIntegrateIntegrate on the 1st of September.

 

 

 

ADevilsRansomA Devil’s Ransom on the 19th of September. (Which also happens to be ‘International Talk Like a Pirate Day’! Arrrrrrrr!!! 🙂 )

 

 

Today I’m guest blogging for Lynne Stringer on her blog page about my publication journey. This can be a wild adventure that finds you navigating narrow tracks, cutting new ground through unexplored frontiers, and tumbling over unexpected twists and potholes. Well, perhaps that’s slightly melodramatic, but there can certainly be some unexpected turns along the road to seeing your work in print.

This has been an interesting trip to reflect on, especially now with official release dates pending. Make sure you pop on over to Lynne’s website and have a read.

Lynne is an editor, journalist and science fiction romance author of the YA ‘Verindon trilogy‘. Make sure you check out this emerging author and her imaginative work.Lynne1-edited And while you’re there, browse some of the other publication journeys in her current guest blog series. You’ll be inspired – I know I have been.