Monthly Archives: January 2013

Next Big Thing

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The Next Big Thing is a blog chain for writers and artists linking together and talking about their current projects. It gives you, the reader, a chance to discover great writers and their work, which you may not have heard of before. The concept is simple: each creator gets a chance to share a bit about their latest project (new release, completed book or works in progress). The opportunity is paid forward to another blogger or group of bloggers who likewise post about their next big thing in exactly one week’s time (30 January 2013).

Thank you, Sandra Peut, for tagging me for the “Next Big Thing” contribution. I’ve not only had the pleasure of reading Sandra’s romantic thriller, Blue Freedom, but I’ve also been recently privileged to read the latest draft of her current project, YA paranormal fiction, The Guardian. Keep your eyes out for more updates on Sandra’s website www.sandrapeut.com

The Questions
1. What is the working title of your next book?
My first novel A Devil’s Ransom is due for release in early 2013.

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
This sounds horribly clichéd, but originally the story came to me as a repetitive dream. Only more recently have I remembered writing a maritime fiction (but MUCH shorter 🙂 ) as a child – which, incidentally, I never completed.

3. What genre does your book fall under?
Historical drama with romantic elements

4. What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Funny this question should be asked… A few months ago my publisher’s social media rep asked me to write a pre-launch blog, which was on this topic. It was quite fun, as I always claim to see/hear what I read and write on high definition wide screen with full surround sound, but it did involve some serious talent scout work! (I don’t get to the movies much and am pretty bad at connecting actor names to roles and identities.) I also discovered that it’s quite a responsibility to put actual flesh and blood on your beloved (and some not so beloved) fictional characters! You’ll have to check out my character choices when my book is nearer release on http://sunpenny.blogspot.co.uk. For now, I’m busy casting for my book trailer which, fingers crossed, will come together soon!

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? (Or what is the book blurb for your book?)
Captain Quinn MacKinnon’s fate rests on an illegal slave trade agreement, but when a bungled abduction brings a wealthy Englishwoman aboard his ship, he faces a decision that could cost him his life.

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
A Devil’s Ransom is being published by UK based Sunpenny Publishing under their Rose&Crown imprint (www.sunpenny.com)

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
The first draft probably took a few months to write (that was a while ago!), but it was just the beginning of a grand (more than a decade long) adventure that saw me lose myself in the historical section of numerous libraries, maritime and other museums, both in Australia and overseas. I delved into the nautical world of the Age of Sail, including boarding and sailing on Tall Ships, and exploring the waterfront of historical shipping ports about the globe. Of course it’s only fair to share one’s obsessions, so in the name of writing I also dragged my longsuffering husband off to various historical locations and remote reaches off the world, the memories of which I’m sure he will cherish ’til his final breath… Hmmm, perhaps I’d best move on before my darling reads this over my shoulder. 😉 Eventually I found myself studying a Master of Letters in 2006, which saw me completely rewrite the entire manuscript. (First draft take 2?)

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
It is probably a similar style to the historical works of Michael Phillips and perhaps Francine Rivers – though it feels decidedly self-elevating to be comparing my writing to that of such time tested, well crafted authors!

9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Besides the dreams, I think a large debt of gratitude rests with my family for their value of history and stories, along with a number of school teachers. In particular, one primary school teacher fostered my love of reading and writing, provided me a sound appreciation of Australian history, including the maritime tie underpinning our colonial history and culture, and frequently reminded me of the importance of self-discipline and persistence. Much needed traits for a writer! I also love the research and discovery process and always feel that there is so much more to learn.

10. What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?
A Devil’s Ransom has a good blend of adventure, mystery and romance, but it’s also a story of spiritual awakening and the restoration of broken dreams, which is an element I find particularly satisfying.

It is with great delight that I now introduce you to next week’s Next Big Thing blog contributor (uploaded 30 Jan 2013), Australian author Skye Wieland. Skye’s success with her recently released novel, Sarah’s Gift, is soon to be followed by the second book in her Dare to Follow Trilogy, Mark’s Strength. Skye’s engaging stories will sweep you to the wilds of Africa and into the hearts of characters who, when inadvertently caught up in a dangerous ivory smuggling operation, must find the courage to face their past and overcome the evil plans that threaten their future together, and even their lives. To find out more you can check out Skye’s blog on http://www.skyewieland-author.blogspot.com.au and tune in next week for the “Next Big Thing”!

Fresh Perspective

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At a recent conference one of the keynote speakers challenged all attendees to try a different angle. As a writer of fiction, the ability to take on a different angle is pretty well a necessity, but I’m not sure how well such ‘new perspectives’ always translate from fiction into reality.

Here we are in a brand new year. I’m sure many of us have made resolutions. Yet, have we tried looking through new eyes when setting our goals?

I don’t know about you, but if I’m entirely honest with myself, I can get a little comfortable with how things are. The way I approach daily tasks is familiar and I probably think it works quite well. Now, I suppose that’s fine if I’m happy with the outcomes, but I know that after time even the more tried and tested processes can become a little stale. How can we challenge this?

Take a different angle.

We look through our eyes and experience. But isn’t my way the best way? Hmmm …

Challenging our thinking and perspective always involves stretching (i.e. discomfort) and it can rasp our pride, if there’s any of that lurking in the shadows. It involves listening for understanding. How does it go – two ears, one mouth? Ouch, certainly not my strength… And perhaps the biggest point is value: of people and their life journeys.

Another way to gain a different perspective is a dramatic change in life circumstances. That sounds uncomfortable once again, but in reality it doesn’t even have to be a particularly large change to offer fresh vision. For example, the week before Christmas I was horribly ill with some virus that invited itself home. Short but sharp, yet for that morning of affliction I felt more miserable than I had in months. Once recovered, I was so SO grateful to be well. Had I of not been sick, thoughts for those enduring sickness may not have even crossed my mind during our Christmas celebrations.

What about the plight of the poor? (Perhaps read my poem ‘Civilised’ on this website, if you haven’t already.) Or an opinion you haven’t heard – hey, you can always agree to disagree, but if you don’t have the discussion you’ll never understand the struggle…

But how is this possible without time?

Maybe that’s one key to a different perspective. Time. Allow more time to listen; allow time for new experiences; value the times life stings as well as its joys, and then share this newness with others. It doesn’t sound so easy, but I’m thinking it’s a worthwhile goal for 2013.