Cuppa and a Catch Up with Lynne Stringer

When did you start writing?

I started writing books when I was eight years old. I wrote a little story called Goldie the Pony, complete with illustrations, and presented it to my parents. Sadly, I didn’t keep it.

What is your favourite place and time to write?

I don’t really have a favourite place. My favourite time is when the inspiration is in my head, forcing me to sit down and write it! Of course, that can be any time on the clock. 

What writing groups do you belong to?

I belong to a science fiction/fantasy group and a Christian writers’ group, both on Facebook.

Why did you/do you want to become an author?

I wanted to become an author because there were stories in my head I had to get out. Becoming a published author was a different thing. I didn’t think my stories would necessarily entertain anyone else, but I gave a copy of The Heir (my debut novel, and the first book in the Verindon trilogy) to some friends to read. They were ecstatic and encouraged me to try and get it published. I dedicated the book to them as a thank you.

What are you currently reading?

I have just finished Divergent by Veronica Roth and I’m just about to start on Insurgent, its sequel.

Who are your favorite authors?

I love the Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, Baroness Orczy, Stephenie Meyer, and I think I’m about to add Veronica Roth to that list!

What is your current project?

The Crown, which is the sequel to The Heir, will be released in November, so I’ve been doing a lot of proofing on that up until now. The final book in my trilogy, The Reign, will be out in May, so I guess I’ll soon be editing that one.

Do you write with a visual image of the illustrations for your book?

My books don’t have illustrations, but I do picture the action in my head.

If you could bring a fictional character to life, who would it be?

Hm, that’s a very hard question. I would probably say Edward Cullen, as he would be fascinating to talk to, but only if he was self-controlled as he is in the books!

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Other books, my own imagination, things I see on TV and at the movies. It all comes together to make something new.

Do you/Would you do all the marketing of your books or do you/would you have someone supporting you in that role?

I do some of my marketing, while some is done by my publishers. I find marketing difficult. If they could take it over and do it all for me, I would be happy!

What do you want your legacy to be?

I would like to think that I wrote stories that ordinary people enjoyed. I do try to slip a little bit of a message in my writing, but it’s not a huge priority for me. I’d rather take my readers to another world and give them a bit of escapism. If I am remembered for that, I will be satisfied.

You can learn more about Lynne at her website http://www.lynnestringer.com/

Cuppa and a Catch Up with Guest Author - Jaquelyn Muller

Jaquelyn Muller - Author of I Love You 5 Lollipops

When did you start writing? 

I have been daydreaming for years, but documenting them for about 4. 

What is your favourite place and time to write? 

Whenever and wherever I can.  You can imagine the perplexed looks I receive when I am tapping away in my car out the front of my daughter’s dance studio. I am sure people must think I am on a stakeout. How exciting! 

What writing groups do you belong to? 

I currently don’t, I run my own business and like most mums I am constantly under a mountain of cupcake mix and paperwork. I love the idea of doing weekend-long writing retreats. It would be wonderful to be somewhere peaceful and secluded so I can write about how guilty I feel about being somewhere peaceful and secluded. 

Why did you/do you want to become an author? 

Because my family were sick of my singing! 

What are you currently reading? 

‘Profiles in Courage’ by John F. Kennedy. Written before he became President, it is an analysis of 8 Senators from American history that JFK felt displayed particular courage in their actions to do what they thought was right, despite heavy ridicule and alienation from their colleagues, family and friends….. Not too different from how some people celebrate Christmas! 

Who are your favorite authors? 

I don’t tend to have favourites. I love any book that leaves me appreciative of the time I spent with the characters regardless of who writes it. However, if I had to pick an author merely because I have read more of their work than anyone else’s, it would have to be Jane Austen. The language and her ability to communicate such rich characters in a time of such rigidity was sublime. And who doesn’t love a corset? 

What is your current project? 

There is the next book in the series of ‘I Love You 5 Lollipops’ with the central character, Elizabeth Rose. You’ll meet more characters from the circus with the timeless vintage feel created in the first book. The other picture book is for mid-primary readers and will be a little edgier. I am very excited about both projects; it will be a race to see which launches first! 

I am also working with the early literacy program, Let’s Read. They are a community based program designed to educate families and communities on the importance of reading to children from birth using a variety of strategies. Lots of fabulous tools and resources can be found on their site www.letsread.com.au  

Do you write with a visual image of the illustrations for your book?  

Despite being completely talentless in the drawing department I do see images as I write. As the tone of the story, characters and setting develops, a colour palate starts to form. I create mood boards for stories which allows me to share the vision with my creative partners.  

If you could bring a fictional character to life, who would it be? 

The Cat in the Hat…..and he can bring Thing 1 and Thing 2 with him! 

Where do you get your inspiration from? 

My girls inspire me every day and through that I observe and listen as much as I can for clues that will set me off. Mind you, this is unlikely in the morning while I am trying to shepherd everyone out the door with school bags flying and the dog going off. Usually all I am seeing at this point is a double espresso with my name on it! 

Do you/Would you do all the marketing of your books or do you/would you have someone supporting you in that role? 

I do all the marketing myself which I really enjoy, however it does take up a lot of time.  My girls love helping out. They love making launch party decorations, activity sheets and putting together press packs. It really is a family endeavor! 

What do you want your legacy to be? 

That as a singer, I made a better writer.

Jaquelyn's blog address is www.jmullerbooks.com 

and you can find out more aboutwhere to buy the book from

 http://www.jmullerbooks.com/books/

Cuppa and a Catch up with Guest Author - Nicola Connelly

Nicola Connelly - Young Australian Author

When did you start writing? 

I officially started writing a few years ago, however, only seriously starting putting my ideas on the page about a year ago.  

What is your favourite place and time to write? 

I write everywhere and anywhere. I write all my ideas in dropbox on my phone and later follow up these ideas on my computer.  

What writing groups do you belong to? 

I am currently a member of the Queensland Writing Centre and the Australian Society of Authors.  

Why did you/do you want to become an author? 

As a Primary School Teacher I’ve always loved reading stories especially rich children’s literature.  After reading multiple children’s books I started to think of stories that I would like to read to my children and began writing.  

What are you currently reading? 

Lots!! I have been reading lots of children’s books at the moment in class with a focus on cultural significance.  

Who are your favorite authors? 

I have lots of favourites.  Let’s think: Jackie French, Mem Fox, Pamela Allen, Michelle Worthington, Mo Willems, Anthony Browne, J.K Rowling and the list goes on. 

What is your current project? 

I have just recently signed the contract to my first children’s book to be published, called ‘My Dad is a Bear’, which will be released next year August/September just in time for Father’s Day 2014. 

Do you write with a visual image of the illustrations for your book?  

I do write with images in mind. I believe that it is really the illustrations that tell the story and the words are guiding the story along.  I am always thinking of the illustrations and writing to them. 

If you could bring a fictional character to life, who would it be? 

WILLY WONKA! I would do anything to go to his chocolate factory.  

Where do you get your inspiration from? 

As a primary school teacher I get lots of inspiration from the kids that I work with. I also find inspiration from my family, especially my two young and active nephews.  

Do you/Would you do all the marketing of your books or do you/would you have someone supporting you in that role? 

I haven’t quite come across that stage yet in the process, I’d imagine that I would like to do a lot of marketing myself.  

What do you want your legacy to be? 

I want children to smile and laugh when they read my stories. I want to encourage children to enjoy reading and become lifelong readers. The value of reading to me is very important and I aim to instill this in children from a young age, through the experiences of reading them rich children’s literature. 

 

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/NicolaConnellyAuthor Instagram: www.instagram.com/healthyeaterchildrensteacher Twitter: www.twitter.com/NConnellyAuthor Email: nicolar_g@hotmail.com