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Monday, May 18, 2015

Twice Upon A Time Blog Tour: An Interview with Tarran Jones

CONTRARY to the title of this anthology, working with such a talented cast of writers is an opportunity that usually comes once in a lifetime. From best-selling to greenhorn, independent or traditionally-published, the authors in this anthology span all ranges in addition to spanning the globe—from England to Australia and all over the United States. I've had the privilege of getting to know each and every one of them, and they have become a part of my extended family. I've even caught a glimpse of a secret side of them that only another writer...editor...is privy to witness through their words. Through this series of posts, I plan on introducing you to my new family through a mini-interview of each. You may not get a chance to see their secret side, but you'll get a sneak-peek into their minds, their passions and inspirations, and what made them the writers they are today.

..The Mini Interview..

1. At what age did you start writing?
 I started writing at about age five. My first short story was about a white sports car with black velvet seats. 2. Which book introduced you to Speculative Fiction?
 I would have to say there were two books that introduced me to Speculative Fiction: The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and The Neverending Story by Michael Ende. These two books changed my world.
 3. Do you have an all-time favorite book? What about it makes it your favorite?
  I have a wide range of favourite books that I read. If I had to choose one, it would be Tamora Pierce's world of Tortall, especially her Song of the Lioness Quartet. Alanna: The First Adventure is the first book in that series. I love the threads of magic, life, and love that are woven throughout the series; I loved the characters, too, whom we get to see grow and develop.
 4. Which author and/or book inspired you to start writing?
 C.S. Lewis, Michael Ende, and Tamora Pierce. I loved these authors' worlds, and I wanted to create worlds just like them, filled with so much life and soul.
 5. What would you say is the most important lesson all writers should learn?
Never give up! Writing is a hard business with constant rejection. Develop a hard skin, suck it up, and learn from it. Choose your Beta Readers with care, as you will want the truth and not fluff.
 6. Of the entire publishing process, which would you say is the most difficult aspect to endure?
The waiting. That is the hardest part for me. All you can do is try not to stress and keep writing.
 7. If applicable, did you have a favorite character (to write) from your story? If so, what sets them apart from the others?
 I loved writing Sigrun. She rose from being a scared little girl to the formidable woman who eventually gets justice.  
8. On what projects are you currently working?
 I have a full-length fantasy manuscript, Stones of Power, which has been picked up by Satalyte Publishing. I also have a few other short stories submitted to various magazines and collections.


Read Tarran's story, All That Glitters, in your very own copy of Twice Upon A Time today!

..About the Author..

TARRAN JONES works at Collins Booksellers Edwardstown. She lives in Adelaide, Australia with her partner and young daughter. Tarran has been in the book industry selling other people’s books for over 10 years and thought it was about time she started thinking about her own. She has finished her first novel, Stones of Power, and is now writing the second. Tarran has previously written articles, reviews, and blog posts for her bookstore’s blog and has written a great many short stories and one unpublished novella. She has had three short stories published online and was a finalist in the Australian Literature Review short story competition for one of her works. She loves writing all kinds of speculative fiction and thinks that it fires up the imagination. Gardening is one of Tarran’s passions and when she isn’t writing she can be found out in the vegetable garden talking to the plants.

..Connect with the Author..

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Character and World Building Workshop - Jason Fischer and Melanie Casey


Events! National Bookshop Day and Workshop


Thursday, May 7, 2015

Author Interview - Meredith Appleyard - A Country Practice

Today we have Meredith Appleyard being interviewed.

Meredith is a local South Australian author from the Clare Valley. The Country Practice is her first novel and is out now. 

Image result for meredith appleyard
After working in a London hospital emergency room, a month as a GP in rural South Australia can't be that hard – or can it?

Meghan Kimble is taking control of her life. Newly single, she's returned to Australia to follow her dream of working as a GP. And her first stop is a month-long locum in the colourful community of Magpie Creek.

It's been months since the town has had a doctor and Meghan is generating more than her fair share of attention, especially from forthright farmer Sean Ashby. A handsome man with a difficult past, Sean isn't shy about making his intentions known to the redheaded medico.

Against her better judgement, Meghan finds herself charmed by the enigmatic Sean. But time is against her and when love threatens to derail her career plans, she is forced to reassess her priorities in ways she never imagined. Is Meghan ready to fall for all that life in Magpie Creek has to offer?

Set in vibrant small-town Australia, this heart-warming contemporary rural romance heralds an exciting new voice in Australian fiction.
  


The Country Practice

  • What inspired you to start writing and what motivates you?
 I’ve always read a lot and love making up stories. The thought of moving along my characters, and the story, is what keeps me motivated to put the backside on the seat in front of the computer.  
Can you tell me a little bit about the main characters of your latest MS?
Meghan is an experienced emergency room doctor. She always imagined she’d be a country GP and she sets out to realise that dream. She’s a redhead, she’s bright and bubbly, but there’s a temper that goes with the red hair!
Do you have a name for your computer?
No, I don’t. Never thought about it.
What type of books do you like reading?
Crime, especially Australian crime. We have some great Aussie authors who write crime. I don’t mind the occasional historical romance...
What was your favourite chapter (or part) to write and why?
So many good parts to write, but I especially enjoyed writing about Sean.
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
Live a balanced life and keep a sense of humour - about everything! 
If you could have a cuppa with anyone from history, who would it be?
Florence Nightingale - I would love to hear first-hand how it’d been back when she was nursing.
Do you have a writing routine that you need to do before you start to write?
Can’t start without some sort of beverage on the desk - tea, coffee or water! 
How much research goes into your writing?
 Mostly been fact checking to date but the book I’m working on now plays out in a setting I’m not really familiar with so I am doing quite a bit of research.
How did you get involved with the Clare Writer’s Festival and what does that entail?
I happened to be chatting to the owner of the second-hand bookshop in Clare and we agreed the idea of a Festival in Clare was a good one… That was back in 2012. We’re now planning for our third Clare Writers’ Festival 28/29 November 2015. It is quite a lot of work - we’ve raised all the funds required through grants, raffles etc. And we’re blessed to have the support of the Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council. To date all the authors we’ve asked to come have said ‘YES!’. The Clare Valley is a lovely place to visit. www.thewriteweek.com 
What would be your ideal century and why?
The 19th Century I reckon. Life would have been hard but probably more ‘real'. Simpler, a slower pace.
How did you become interested in Australian fiction?
I’ve always supported Australian authors. I’m a born and bred South Aussie and proud of it. We live in a wonderful country with so much to write about
Has the dog ever eaten your manuscript?
No! When she was a pup she chewed up the dripper system in the backyard, the mat at the backdoor, the inside of my husband's welding mask, and the line on my sister’s fold-away clothesline, but I can honestly say she’s never eaten one of my manuscripts.  However, she walked her muddy paws all over it once when I had chapters spread out on the floor!

Clare Writers' Festival - held annually in the last week of November - festival proper on the last Saturday of November in the beautiful Clare Valley of SA
A full week of activities set in the beautiful Clare Valley wine region of South Australia. For aspiring writers, authors and readers. Engaging all ages from primary and high school students, adults and aged residents. Activities will be centrally located within the Clare township.
Plenty of accommodation options from the caravan park to motels, homestays and B&Bs. Only a couple of hours' scenic drive from Adelaide.

http://www.thewriteweek.com/

What's Selling at Collins Booksellers Edwardstown





WHAT’S SELLING  AT COLLINS BOOKSELLERS EDWARDSTOWN
 

fiction:

  1. Only We Know - Victoria Purman
  2. Chocolate Promise - Josephine Moon
  3. The Country Practice - Meredith Appleyard
  4. Yes, Chef - Lisa Joy
  5. Wild Wood - Posie Graeme-Evans
  6. Inside The O'briens - Lisa Genova



fantasy:
  1. Twice Upon a Time anthology - Joshua Allen Mercier, Tarran Jones, etc..
  2. Words of Radiance (part one) - Brandon Sanderson
  3. Demon Cycle #4 Skull Throne - Peter .V. Brett
  4. Hollow City - Random Riggs
  5. Rain Wild Chronicles #4 Blood of Dragons - Robin Hobb
  6. Fools Assassin #1 Fitz and The Fool - Robin Hobb



Biography:
  1. Daughter Of The Territory - Jacqueline Hammar
  2. Booky Wook 2 - Russell Brand
  3. Hotel on Place Vendome LIFE DEATH AND BETRAYAL AT THE HOTEL RITZ IN PARIS  - Tilar Mazzeo
  4. I Hate Myselfie - Shane Dawson
  5. Truth About French Women - Moel Le
  6. One Life, My Mother's Story - Kate Grenville


If you would like to order any of these titles, please give us a call on (08) 8277-8857 or email us on castlebookshop@internode.on.net
 
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