Interview compiled by M.C.V Eagan, author of
'The Bridge of Deaths'
about my book
A Pirate's Wife.
I want too thank her for interviewing me.
She will also host a promo of my book
on her blog on March 6, 2013.
Interview compiled by M.C.V Eagan, author of
'The Bridge of Deaths'
about my book
1) Can
you tell us a little about Your Book(s) without giving away too many spoilers
and what inspired you to write it?
(a)
A Pirate’s Wife is about trust between two people in a relationship. Trusting
each other enough to know that you are safe facing the most difficult
situations. Listening to parents’ advice and using their live as an example of
what love is all about. The reason I added the diary inscriptions as a subtle
reminder.
(b)
I read a book once about this couple who met and together faced grueling tests
over a two year period. I loved the intrigue, the multi- layered complexions of
the book but at the end I felt there were too many unanswered questions and
when our life dramatically changed I had the time to start writing. It was a
continuous flow of words as characters and plot formed and I answered the
questions of the book in my head. Of course I changed many things but I always
had the book as a reference, creating my own plot.
2) Which
character do you like the most? Why?
(a) Roberto
du Val, the Pirate.
(b) He
is all that a man should be. Tough, taking charge in a no nonsense way. Not
afraid of any challenges he faced. Earning the respect of his peers. Doing the
right thing even when the odds are against him. However he is also in harmony with
his own emotions and feelings. Willing to admit his love, showing it to Rosa
Lee.
3) When
did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I
always loved books. Worked as a librarian assistant at school during lunch
hour. Had no trouble getting on my bike in the afternoons to spend time in the
town’s library. The other day on Face book I met one of my old primary school friends;
she reminded me that I used to say that I wanted to write. I didn’t remember
that but I think it was always in the back of my mind. Until a trigger went off
and I sat down and write.
4) What
books have most influenced your life most?
I
love a good mystery and the day I pick up a novel of German author Heinz G. Konsalik
I was hooked. He was one of my favorites in school. His wonderful descriptions
of the Kremlin, the Tundra or life behind the iron curtain were vivid and real
and I felt I was part of the story. Making the story alive and I read many
books two or three times.
Books
like ‘The Doctor of Stalingrad’, ‘Natascha’, ‘The Changed Face’ and many more.
Ena
Murray was another who wrote historical and contemporary romances. Becoming
part of the characters with intriguing plots that entertained me for hours. Her
book ‘Martlemars van die Noodlot’ An Afrikaans Historical Romance was the one
who is the foundation of ‘A Pirate’s Wife’
Wille
Martin’s historical romances. Linda L. Chaikin series ‘East of the Sun’.
5) Are
there any new authors that currently interest you? And which is your favorite
author of all time?
D.A
Serra author of ‘Primal’ captured my attention as Heinz G. Konsalik did. I
loved the book and enjoyed it tremendously.
A.L.
Jackson author of ‘When we Collide’ had me on the edge
Vicky
Savage author of the ‘Transcender Trilogy’ made YA and Sci-Fi books real
entertaining. Stieg
Larson and the Series ‘The Millennium Trilogy’ had me on the edge. And no I did
not like the remake of the American movie. They lost a lot of the intrigue and
sharp edginess of the story.
Dale
Meyer, April Spencer both introduced me to YA and I have great respect for them.
I can name more but will stop here.
6) Do
you have any little ‘things’ you do or traditions you follow when you write?
(a) Early
morning is the best time for me.
(b)
I make notes, my mind always active.
(c)
I need silence around me when I write.
(d)
I first write in a note book before I go to the computer.
7) Do
you have a dedicated space, a particular office or piece of machinery?
I
used to have an office but now I have a corner in our living room. Desk and PC
with lost of note books and dictionaries.
8) Do
you ever write longhand?
Do you ever use a tape-recorder?
(a) Yes
I write long hand before I start on the Computer.
(b) no
9) If
you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your published
works?
I
am still new, still learning as I go along but I have learned to ask questions
and learn from my peers. So the answer at this stage is No I will not change
anything.
10) What
do you love most about writing?
The
creativity and complexity of writing and everything that is involved. The
interaction with co-authors, learning from them.
11) What
kind of research did you do for this book?
I
went through a lot of information about ships, the island of Madagascar,
touring the Internet for days.
12) What's
a typical working day like for you?
(a) As
an early riser I write my first 1000 words before seven.
(b) Ready
myself for the day. You know the typical house wife duties.
(c) Reading
and responding to mails.
(d) If
that is a day that I have to post a review I do that around ten. Visiting the
social networks to paste and advertise it for the author. I love this part,
where I can connect with people on the different sites.
(e) The
rest of my day is spend on reading the next book for review or do some
research.
13) What
is the hardest part of writing for you?
The
long hours of solitude and the marketing. You need to be out there. opening
yourself to everyone. I am a very private person. At times I feel overwhelmed
with it asking myself why I do this to myself.
Family
that do not understand the hard work you put in. They want to see the dollars
rolling in.
14) What’s
the best thing about being an author?
People
talk to you about interesting topics the moment they realize what you do. I
have no patience with worthless conversations.
15) What
are you working on now?
The
follow up on ‘A Pirate’s Wife’. A Captain’s Wife
Life
Changes is with an editor, a contemporary romance and Master Of Her Heart a
Military Contemporary Romance both with an inspirational message.
16) What
advice would you give aspiring writers?
Do
not allow circumstances or people stopping you for fulfilling your dream. No
excuse is worth it. Write.
17) Anything
else you wish to share….
At
first when I started I had a lot of things against me. I had no idea what I was
getting into. No idea where to start. Where to begin. Struggling between
Self-Publishing and Publishers Houses. I had no income to pay for anything. No
nest egg that I could begin with.
But
as time went on and I put my self out there doors open for me. I met people
that were willing to help. I learned new things; the biggest of it all was to
market my self. I have learned it is not so much about selling my book but
being out there and be who I am and people are automatically drawn to what I
do.
For
instance: at first when I started my blog I had no idea what to blog about. No
one knew me. I mean I sit in the south of Africa in an obscure town no one has
ever heard about claiming I am an author.
But
I made an effort to connect with authors and read their books. Posting it and
doing the best I can. Now authors contact me after months of hard work. Being
consistent with the reviews set on the dates I said it would be. Because I know
how important it is to me.
I
have learned about blogging, marketing, creating my own book trailer and many
more things.
It
is more fulfilling than I ever thought. Feeling in control of my own life.
Setting the pace and explore all the possibilities.
It
is a great journey.
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