Congratulations on your new book Winell Road, which was published this year by Jet Black Publishing in Australia. As our chief proofreader at Ink Pantry towers, we are all very proud of you. Can you please give us a synopsis and tell us where your inspiration came from?
Thank you so much! Winell Road: Beneath the Surface is the story of typically twelve Jack Mills. Average at most things, bored, embarrassed of his parents, starting to notice girls. The book opens with Jack’s encounter with a flying saucer and a visit from three little green men. But that’s where the clichés end. Jack goes on to discover that what NASA think they know is far from what’s actually going on. Secrets he wished he’d never uncovered. It’s fast, fun and different. I’m super proud of the fantastic reviews I’ve received so far.
The story grew from an idea I had based on a scene from the film True Lies. I then paired this up with other ideas I’d jotted down in my notebook but had never done anything with and the first draft exploded from there. It’s a sci-fi adventure story for mid-grade kids, so really nine years and over. It’s not a deep, heavy and meaningful read at all, more a place for kids to escape.
Winell Road is a series of books. Any clues for book two, or is it in the early stages?
Book two is written and I’m deep in edits. Hopefully a release date will be early to mid-2016. This instalment is also set on Winell Road, Jack’s home, and, also dives straight into action. I’m an evil author, I don’t give poor Jack any time to accept his new life, instead I force terrible dangers upon him, his family and friends, then sit back and watch him suffer! But he’s a fighter with more strength than he realises. Plus, there might just be a romance brewing…
You are a freelance editor and proofreader. Is it tempting to edit as you write?
Not really. I absolutely hate first drafts. Passionately. They are a battle for me from start to finish. There is some enjoyment in that hatred, otherwise I wouldn’t do it, but I become so obsessive and involved in translating these vivid scenes in my head to words that I just focus on winning that battle first. When I get to the revision stage I’m a much happier writer!
What are Pitch Wars and how have you been involved?
Pitch Wars is an annual writing contest hosted by writer and all round incredible person, Brenda Drake. The idea of the contest actually came about several years ago after Brenda watched Cupcake Wars, I think!
Basically, a bunch of mentors – writers, editors, interns, etc – of which I was one this year, donate their time to help one writer who is seeking literary representation, hone their manuscript over the course of a couple of months and then showcase their work for the eyes of agents. Entrants choose four or five mentors in their category based on their likes, dislikes, strengths, etc., and send in a sample, then the mentors spend a couple of weeks reading, considering and eventually picking one writer to help.
It’s an amazing opportunity, with a high success rate of agent/author match ups. But better than this, it connects new writers to a wide and supportive community and offers tips and guidance on writing and submitting. I recommend anyone with a polished manuscript to consider entering next year. There is all to gain.
Living on the Gold Coast must be inspiring for your writing. Tell us about your creative space and routine as a writer.
Oh, it is! I am originally from the South East of England, a beautiful part of the country, and have only lived here a couple of years. The Gold Coast really does have it all: stunning beaches, tropical rainforests, picturesque countryside, and perfect weather. Everywhere you look there’s a beautiful view. But, in fairness, I could write anywhere. And I do! A typical day will include me initially setting up camp in my bedroom, then moving to sit by the pool, then maybe to the lounge, the kitchen and back outside. I often take my work to a new writing hub on the coast called Writers Activation as well; however, I don’t tend to be very productive on those days as there are usually too many fascinating people to chat with! As for routine, although I will work when my kids are at school, I can’t always force or fight when inspiration strikes, so I might be awake early, up late, or writing whilst cooking dinner!
Do you listen to music when writing, or do you need complete silence?
Not usually. I prefer the sounds of the world around me when I write. Birds, traffic, my neighbours, the kids fighting, the washing machine! I love music, but what I listen to usually has me up dancing, which is obviously then counterproductive.
Who inspires you? Give us a couple of your favourite novels.
I’m inspired by so much. My family, strangers, movies, other writers. It’s impossible to predict when that moment of inspiration might come. I could be watching a couple argue in the supermarket, driving home listening to the radio, watching one of my son’s TV shows. Who knows? But I always have my eyes and ears open – and the good thing about living in the sunshine is you get to wear sunglasses all the time so you can watch people without them knowing!
I love reading, obviously, and have a vast list of favourites. But, to name a few, my absolute undying reading crush is Liz Jensen (whom I interviewed for Ink Pantry!). I’ve read and digested, numerous times, all of her books, my favourite being The Uninvited. I also adore The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon, and then throw in some Enid Blyton, The Wishing Chair or The Faraway Tree, and you’re looking at a pretty mixed up bookshelf! Another favourite is by a yet-to-be-published writer I had the pleasure of working with this year, J.C. Davis. Her YA novel Cheesus Was Here is beautiful, spine-tingling and raw. I cannot wait for it to hit the shelves one day. I literally am its number one fan.
Do you like poetry?
Honestly, on the whole, not really. But that isn’t to say I don’t read and listen to recommended works. I love the silly, humorous poems my children write – they have warped imaginations! So much of the poetry I read at school, and since, is too serious for me. I like dark and disturbing, touching on life’s pains, I truly do, but when in poetry it doesn’t have the same effect on me as novels. Maybe I’m approaching it all wrong; maybe I’m simply not looking in the right places. I am always open to recommendations though.
Apart from your Winell Road series, have you any other thoughts about your future as a writer? Would you branch out into film, for example?
I have a bunch of other manuscripts at various stages of polished, mostly middle grade, but also an adult novel I’m really excited about called Breastfeeding Club, which follows five new mums in their first year. I’m always attending courses, and already have a comedy writing workshop coming up in the new year. I’d love to learn a little more about screenwriting too. One day. My editing work comes first, however. It’s where my passion lies – working with new writers. Ask me to choose between writing and editing, it would be hard but I’d pick the latter every time.
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