A writer of crime stories. Where do you get your ideas from?
CS: I have a very fertile imagination. My ideas come best when I am bored and staring out of the window with nothing particular on my mind. That's the most likely time for the muse to kick in. I'm a great fan of British crime TV series. In particular those that feature Cornwall as a location. I lived in Cornwall for 20 years with my husband, raising our family of three children, before coming to Australia in 1981. Writing crime has a certain discipline that I enjoy. For instance, to make your scenes realistic, you must observe the correct police procedure. For that reason my years of watching crime on TV, whether it be The Bill, or Wire In The Blood, or others of similar caliber has paid off. I also did an eight week course at the local University called Crime Scene Investigation for Writers, which I found most enlightening.What inspires you to write?
CS: I've always been a writer of sorts, whether it was writing diaries, short stories, or articles to sell to magazines, I have enjoyed the process. It's also a way of emptying the mind - controlling my sometimes riotous imagination. Odd things will trigger an idea - for instance in my second book, And the Devil Laughed - the trigger was a name. I heard the name Hannah mentioned somewhere, and my immediate reaction was to think, 'Hannah, that's who I'm going to write about.' Then, once started, the questions filled my mind, who was Hannah, where did she come from, what did she do, what happened to her and so on and I was up and running with Hannah guiding me all the way. I love it when that happens.
CS: I've always been a writer of sorts, whether it was writing diaries, short stories, or articles to sell to magazines, I have enjoyed the process. It's also a way of emptying the mind - controlling my sometimes riotous imagination. Odd things will trigger an idea - for instance in my second book, And the Devil Laughed - the trigger was a name. I heard the name Hannah mentioned somewhere, and my immediate reaction was to think, 'Hannah, that's who I'm going to write about.' Then, once started, the questions filled my mind, who was Hannah, where did she come from, what did she do, what happened to her and so on and I was up and running with Hannah guiding me all the way. I love it when that happens.
It's not easy for one to get their books published and as Independent authors, one must be their own agent and do their own marketing etc.. What are your thoughts on this?
CS: I've had my share of rejections from traditional publishers and was becoming quite disheartened at my lack of progress. Then in 2008 YouWriteOn declared they would publish their members books for free. I had been working with them for a couple of years or so. Both my novels had at some point been their 'Number One.' on their Top Five List. I gained sufficient kudos on both books to receive professional critiques on them. After numerous editing I thought my first one, Ferryman, was ready to be given the chance. One more edit using that very helpful critique and I offered it to YWO for publishing. I was in my seventies at the time and decided I didn't want to wait around many more years for traditional publishing.But, I agree with you, doing your own marketing is a nightmare. Book shops here in Australia tend not to like the Independents. The attitude I've experienced with some bookshop owners is that if it is POD it must be inferior, or heaven forbid - vanity press. Yet another bookshop owner welcomed my set of three books just recently and billed them proudly as 'Local writer.' What makes an author? Can anybody become a writer?
CS: Anyone can become a writer, but whether or not they make a good author is a different question. What makes an author? I think it's something in-built. A good author has to have a story, or a subject worth telling, and must have the ability to put the right words on paper in an interesting manner, well enough to hold a reader's attention. When people say of my books, 'I couldn't put it down,' I am very happy, they have paid this writer a great compliment. I am definitely not a sales-person, but find when I do sell one of my books to a friend or acquaintance, they invariably come back for another one.
What guidance can you give to people wanting to start a career in writing?
CS: Are we talking about newspaper reporters' career or something more at home like poetry, yal, romance, short stories or novels maybe? If the latter, then get to know your genre. Get to know the rules of that genre, as each one appears to have its own set requirements or limitations. Go to a face-to-face writing workshop, get to know the rules of writing in general. Join Internet writing workshops and be an active member. You can learn a great deal by critiquing other people's work, and their comments on your baby can be invaluable. Develop a tough hide - you'll need it. Here is a wonderful site that helped me get where I am today, that and the YWO program, excellent help for all grades of writer.Here are a couple of websites to assist writers of all levels.
I have read the Ferryman and have to say It was a joy to read. It is a shame that Independent authors can not get the recognition they deserve. There is wonderful talent out there. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Carl for interviewing me. You have a fantastic site here, full of colour and drama.Terrific pics.
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Nice interview, Carole. Solid advice for all, particularly the emphasis on persistence and patience.
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