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Can you give us a brief biography of your work?
I write for both adults and children of all ages. My books are published both here and overseas. My latest how-to-write text for adults is Mentoring your Memoir. My crime novels for adults include the trilogy The Grevillea Murder Mysteries, published as hardcopy and in ebook format. My crime novels for younger readers include: Hedgeburners: An A~ZPI Mystery and Car Crimes the 2nd A~ZPI Mystery.
My historical fiction includes My Australian Story: Surviving Sydney Cove, now in its 10th edition. Mavis Road Medley, Body and soul: Lilbet's Romance. This will shortly become an ebook together with a follow-up: Dessi’s Romance. The Youngest Cameleer about the finding of Uluru in 1873, and Gallipoli Medals for junior readers (Anzac Society) will hopefully appear at the end of the year.
Amongst my other work are three collections of short stories for young readers. I also write scripts and non-fiction.
Coming In 2012 are three books aimed at upper primary readers: Eside, Hatchlings, and Cassie's Big Swim.I understand your first fiction publications were under the pseudonym Gerri Lapin. Was it difficult to choose a name? Why did you next publish under your real identity?
That name was chosen because most of the authors who worked for Dolly Fiction chose pseudonyms. Looking back, I’m sorry that I did this as some of those books are still in libraries. The first book under my real name was ‘Mavis Road Medley’ put out by Margaret Hamilton Books, a highly prestigious publisher who shortly after sold the company to Scholastics.
What does your average day (or week) involve?
Lots of writing. But I try and exercise a lot – mostly walking – housekeeping, and being with various members of my large family.
Are you a planner/plotter or a ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ type writer?
Bit of both. I don’t plot to the nth degree, but my characters must exist as if they are real, and if I am writing historical fiction, I must feel totally immersed in those times.
Many of your books have a historical element. Do you enjoy researching material? Do you have any tips for those who wish to write historic fiction?
I love writing history and science fiction – though the sci fi stories mostly appear in my short story collections. With history I have established clothes, attitudes and surroundings. With sci fi, I can make it up as I go along. What I find difficult are contemporary settings as they change so rapidly and by the time a book comes out, they are already ‘old hat’.
Has any book been more rewarding than the others?
Every book I write is rewarding in some way or other. It’s when I really getting sick of it, that I know it might be starting to work.
What has been your most successful publication?
My Australian Story: Surviving Sydney Cove appears in many, many schools. It’s a great way to introduce kids to our First Fleet.
Is there anything about the writing process that you don’t particularly like?
Because I write in so many different genres I use many publishers. Finding the right publisher for the right book can be a pain.
What websites or blogs do you visit regularly?
I don’t. Terrible admission to make. I’m even lazy with my own blog and rarely fill it in. Deep down I feel that too many creators are working in these areas instead of concentrating on what they really want to do: that is to write books. Does that make me old fashioned?
Do you think it is important for writers and illustrators to maintain a web presence?
I’m told that it is. But I do sometimes wonder who reads them? Only other creators? If one could only have figures and stats, I would have a more generous / sensible answer.
How do you promote your books?
Visiting schools, bookshops, festivals and libraries. A personal presence is worth more than a hundred web promotions. I certainly use the web but wonder how many folk just hit the delete button. I’m aware that what I’m saying is unfashionable, but the whole web thing has grown exponentially and sometimes I think it may be running away from us.
If you could have any job in the world (other than an author) what would it be?
Recently, I have been watching tram drivers. They sit in little cabins where no one bothers them, cars have to give way to trams, and they are, on the whole, left alone to think their own thoughts. What’s wrong with that?
What are you working on next?
Both YA. ‘In Hades’ ( a verse novel) and “Ruth in Love” which is set in Melbourne 1954.
Do you have any tips for unpublished writers?
Yes, don’t give up! Persevere. Stay with it and keeping writing. Don’t expect anyone to ‘find you’. They won’t!
What are you reading at the moment?
I have just bought a kindle and must admit to majorly reading adult lit. Just completed ‘Caleb’s Crossing’ and ‘The Help.’ Both examples of brilliant writing.
What would your perfect day involve?
Wining the Pulitzer, or something equivalent. (Well, you did say ‘perfect’).
Do you have a favourite saying, motto or mantra?
Persevere!!!!!
If you found a hundred dollar note floating around a car park what would you spend it on?
More ebooks for my kindle. I’m totally won over by this technology. I think we are at the edge of losing hardcopy - except perhaps story picture books for young kids, or expensive coffee table almanacs.
Anything else you want to tell us?
Readers might like to get hold of my latest historical fiction about the finding of Uluru ‘The Youngest Cameleer” published by www.fivesenses.com. It is based on William Gosse’s own diary.
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