Finding Elara

Show Notes: Interview: Dianna Ian Andrew for Fiction and Ian Hooper for memoirs and Poems Started the Indie Author Book fair has lots of help First book, a time to every purpose Was lucky to have book reviewed and sold well. Because of the coverage build confidence Ran a training course and then then was asked to help others Has helped over 120 books. Trad publishes under Leschenault press Didn't understand the scope of self publishing until he tried it. Made all the mistakes on his ones and then knew for the others  Describe 5 words: Detailed, Research Driven with Comedy Advice: Take your time and hire professional that do the stuff you cannot Indie Author book fair. If one can't join them, beat them Most Indies don't get invited and this is a space for Indies Book reality: Great Stories from Great Writers Want stories that are engaging and people want to read Commercial Viability is second. Need to be able to take editorial advice.   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest

Show Notes: Interview: Dianna Has full romantasy trilogy 99% Romance with a little variety Inspired by Nan who was also an author Wanted to be an author since she was 10 Went for self publishing because she wanted creative control. Had an idea how hard small business was going to be but learning along the way. Audio Conversion: harder in Australia but  Generally writes at night time with a glass of wine Spice is subjective but her stories are around 3-4 Describe: Original, writes for self, Sex positive  Editing, formatting and Publishing. There is a lot of support in Australia, you just need to find them. Couple of recommendation Interview: Chris Book store - The Indie Realm Surprising how many Indie authors there are Quite popular to still have the papeback People want the special edition   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest Bio: Shannon is the author of Fox Fire, a complete romantasy trilogy. She lives in Perth, WA with her partner and two kids. Shannon is also the ow

Show Notes: Interview: Paul It is about a star (Baby) being Born The star is the person listening Baby board book. Deliberately black and white for focus Has rounded corners, thick cardboard and glossy features Designed for practical use Wrote 21 years ago when eldest son born Rhyming couplet poem Friend suggested the print and the kids helped illustrate Green hill publishing did the board printing Published 18 months ago. Ordered third print run Indie Experience. Greenhill made it easy. They helped put it all together. Describe: Creative, Educational, Fun, Playful and Childlike Writing is very fast. Discovery writer Easy words and quick to read Inverview: Chris High Contract Baby Board book b/w for infant focus Basic Rhyming Lucky to be supported and encouraged by family and friends Has primary school teacher background Wants to share Infant literacy   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest Bio: The author's journey is a testament to her lifelong passion for educatio

Show Notes: Interview: Dianna Been writing since 16 - thriller and romance Sitting with Son Cayden who has kids books Describe: Outside box, big on merch, like big events, explore different genres Writes what she wants to read Plenty of books planned for both in the future Self pub: was more effort than she thought. Advice: Easy to get overwhelmed but take time and research.  EDIT EDIT EDIT When you are happy with your story, be happy with your story. Merch: Book marks. Bags. Hats Pillows. Interview: Chris Blood of the Titan is more of a journey. Has war based theme but still has the tropes people expect Read books are for escape. Choosing what to write: what we want to read. Only writes things that she likes. Dark fantasy is escapism Discovery writer   Where the Excerpt Came From: Home of the Harpies   Guest Bio: Vanessa Joyce is an Australian author based in Western Australia, where she lives with her fiancé and their two children. After writing for 20 years, storytelli

Show Notes: Interview: Paul Narrative Nonfiction Dedication to His Daughter Second book is Fiction Writing journey between two books are different Type of Author: Colourful, Honest, Raw, Insightful Enjoyed English in school Has had quite a journey and have shared Lesson: Some good can come from mistakes You always have to keep moving forward Interview: Chris Life is about looking to chase passions and dreams Studies philosophy because he was yearning  for understanding Male Primary teacher - rare breed When writing - was looking to see more than just what happened Wanted to make something good out of an unfortunate situation   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest Bio: Brett Cole was born in Nambour, Queensland but now lives in the southwest of Western Australia. Formerly a printer, he went on to gain a Bachelor of Arts in English and Comparative Literature and Philosophy, before becoming a teacher. He now works as a disability support worker and strives toward finding purpose a

Show Notes: Interview 1: Dianna Stories learnt from 2 different directions When Mother passed away found 100 year old letters Prefers to write in silence. There is a lot of time spent in research. He loves  the research part. First Book took 5 years and the second was 18 months because it brewed for 30 years  May write a sequel to unlikely barons. Learnt a lot as he went along 5 word: Enthusiastic, passionate, connected  Found Author Services to help print the book. Tip for starters: Everyone has a story. Do it. It's not difficult or expensive any longer. Take your time but do it. Unlikely Barons inspired by time living in Broome in the 90s. Interview 2: Chris How I wanted to walk in his shoes. The story jumped out while transcribing the letters. Was able to reveal redacted information. Could see the change of mindset while the letters progressed.  Had to become accepting of death during the war. Did four different trips to Europe for research. Walked the same pathway

Show Notes: Interview: Paul Started out down south and is widely travelled Started a charmed life after her Mum was born Both books are personal journey and conversations with spirit Published with the help of Ian Describe: Happy  Enjoyed the process. Would encourage new people to give it a go Personal journey has provided a large amount of topics to write about. Interview: Chris Reiki teacher for more than 20 years Has done stage hypnosis Hypnosynergy is her unique form Books cover a very personal journey Trusts that everyone has their own opinion Her journey is surprisingly not what she planned.  Where the Excerpt Came From: Book Blurbs   Guest Bio: Internationally Renowned Reiki Master Hypnotist Gaye McBride has over 20 years of Professional Expertise in Hypnosis, Reiki and Wellbeing Therapies, training many Students and Masters in Reiki, Meditation, Psychic Development, Stress Management … and much more. Stage Hypnotist, Author and Recipient of 2017 HNZ 'EXCELLENCE in HYPNOSI

Show Notes: Interview 1: Dianna Part of BCP Creative Squire's   Always been creative Grew up with Old School Fantasy Pre-evolution of Cursed Cove was the first book. Writes Sapphic Dictates her stories - Started typing. Least favourite part is Editing Chose Indie to Dip toe in. Some stories that she can with publishers share but some are heart stories. Challenges that arise shift and change Tip: Take your time. Don't rush. Find your own people.  Crochet's while dictating Interview 2: Chris Everyone has their own Journeys - how people approach are different. Had a privileged childhood - drawn to things that lurk in the shadows. Fascinated by the unknown Found confidence in finding her people Spent alot of time in the library Writing was Cathartic - a safe way to navigate thoughts and feeling. Had a very supportive family   Where the Excerpt Came From: Her Daffodil Queen   Guest Bio: Heather Salter-Purves is a British-born author who has transplanted her love of dark, l

Show Notes: Interview 1: Paul Started in the 90s Started writing as an exercise Was inspired by Nanowrimo - Then kept on writing. Came from an IT Background Likes editing the best New, Economical, Cinematic Didn't really know what he was in for a the start Assisted by Lescenault Press Found his book on a german book store Interview 2: Chris Always loved reading and going to the movies Writing is harder than you think Planner for his stories Learning the process as he went along Had to rewrite the last third Was lucky to have a friends to help with the editing. Tip: Go for it, it is quite a commitment. Where the Excerpt Came From: Prologue and Chapter 1 of The Wooden Crown   Guest Bio: Paul grew up under the endless skies of country Western Australia, devouring historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy books and movies from an early age. In adulthood, his love of these genres led him to turn his hand to writing his own science fiction/adventure screenplay. Following th

Show Notes: Interview: Dianna Has her own show Not the Plot Has been a book lover and story writer for as long as she can remember Always new she wanted to be a writer Also wanted to be a professional Ballerina Anyone on a Creative path will face a lot of doubt, rejection and upset  Takes resilience Writing is next level. After writing you need to look for people to read, publish etc. Has traditional published and self published So many more possibilities to share you stories now Diverse range of books - all ages Children, YA and Romance and more Writes what she feels like at the time. Writing environment - One project at a time at own speed Tips: Do homework. Look into best way that suite you. Be aware of how much you have to learn Pay professionals if you are not at the right level yourself. Biggest change: Technology! Started with typewriter Email makes everything so accessible. Print on demand is a massive change Always a thrill to see book in book store (even after 5

Show Notes: Interview 1: Paul Tries not to buy chocolate too much Pediatric speech pathologist and literacy tutor Wanted to write a book that was fun for kids Wanted to inspire kids to eat vegies Only 9% of children eat enough vegies Created a learning experience. There is the book and a vegie bag. There is also an activity pack to help engage. Additional kitchen kit. There was a fair bit of research into the story The indie author component was a surprise. Interview 2: Chris Helping reluctant readers to read. Lost job during Covid I'd rather eat chocolate Book has rhyme rhythm and repetitive text People are increasingly exposed to ultra processed foods. There are silly animals in the story There are complex issues regarding supplying food. This story is for support.   Where the Excerpt Came From: Small excerpt provided   Guest Bio: Narelle is a wife and a mum to four boys and a demanding rescue cat. Narelle's career as a paediatric speech pathologist spans more than 30

Show Notes: Interview1: Paul Sausage Dog adventure Series Jack is named after her Son Robin is named after her Daughter Always had a Sausage dog in the family Self Illustrated 5 Words: Creative, Bringing people together Did a lot of research and learnt alot Does publishing for others More books coming next year Wants to inspire kids to be creative themselves. Ideal writing environment: any time she can get 10 minutes. Interview 2: Chris Want to help kids enjoy travel too Illustrations gave the inspiration for the book Books are based on fantasy Aiming for 3 books a year.   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Bio: I write children books about two sausage dogs traveling WA and beyond. At the moment I have 4 books about WA, with my next books venturing interstate as well as out of Australia, arriving mid next year. I also have one Christmas book available. With my books I like to inspire kids with how beautiful the world is we live in and motivate them to go explore the world and see

Show Notes: Interview 1: Dianna Experienced with fairs Started writing when she was 35 Book one and 2 were originally 1 book. Always loved fantasy Went Indi because didn't feel the need to go through queries and submissions. Tip: Follow your heart and do your research Writes at 5am in the complete silence. Cool Merch: Had candles made with fantasy scents.   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest Bio: Natasha is a new author based in Perth, Western Australia. She has had a lifelong love of reading, beginning in her childhood, where she would often immerse herself in the pages of fantastical worlds. Natasha's imagination would often take her on journeys of adventure, where she would dream of being a female knight, rescuing princes, running with wolves, and flying with dragons.  As she grew older, Natasha's passion for reading turned into a love of writing. She would spend hours crafting her own stories, drawing inspiration from the books that she had read as a child. Her writing reflects her fas

Show Notes: Interview 1: Dianna Started thinking of the idea and it pretty much wrote itself. She is a plantser There is a 4.5 star spice rating. She tries to think outside the box. Has had a fascination with flying Self publishing is not as easy as she thought but did it all herself Tip, try not to get overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time. . More books planned in the futures. Like background music writing Interview 2: Chris Characters are from daydreams. Takes around 3 months to write a first draft. Has always like the sort of books she is writing Fantasy is fascinating because real life is boring. Visualises the story like a movie in her head.   Where the Excerpt Came From: A snippet from Contract with the vampires   Guest Bio: Torah is an Australian author who loves all things alien, paranormal, monster and fantasy, with romance of course. Books have always been a part of her life leading to a wish to one day write a book of her own. With the stars aligning, she's now liv

Show Notes: Interview 1: Dianna  Her parent live in Bunbury to was a good chance to visit. Always been creative went from short stories to Poetry Found Writing to help with Mental health balance Started writing a kingdom of curses 2 and a half years ago. Brought unique merch for the event, tarot… Fantasy had been in her heart forever. It is a place she goes to find refuge Wanted to get book out when family health concerns arose.  Several other books in the works in different phases of completion Tips: Reach out to your community. Don't be afraid to reach out. Interview 2: Chris The Middle name is Dianne Fantasy give you an escape from reality Escape gives your mind a reprieve. When writing if there is a bad female then redemption arks work. With dark it depends how far you want to dig into it. There may not be too much if there are trigger warnings.   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest Bio: Danielle D. Drummond is a fantasy author based in Perth, Australia. She has been s

Show Notes: Interview 1: Paul Recently retired neurologist. Was diagnosed in 2018 with Parkinson's himself. Wanted to share his knowledge and help others Shared journey built connections can help offer other hope. Can feel better than you did before if you start implementing changes Changes are happening with mindset This depth of understanding will help people understand Parkinson's better. Has 100 people participating in his program. It is becoming increasingly common. In 2021 there were 12mil It is a growing issue. $5 from books bought from Parkinson's WA website. Interview 2: Chris One of his objectives is to prove you can live well with PD Works hard at living well Stress sleep reduction and business impacts health Having PD provided a powerful perspective. Lifestyle interventions have a strong impact on managing disease Have seen people with end stage PD and it can be confronting. Integrated approach to living better lives. There are underlying exposure concerns t

Show Notes: Interview 1: Paul  Been writing for as far as he can remember. Hails from England. Inspired by David Gemmel. Has novellas onlines and Chosen of the realm is by print. Had no idea how hard Indie author publishing would be. Being in control of process is fascinating. 5 words: I am a work in progress Fantasy is his genre but is it dark, gritty, very real. Can be read as a stand alone but it is part of a bigger story world. Recommends new people to jump in. you need to be prepared to put the effort in. Do the marketing and really invest in it. It is a great journey. To find help it is a challenge but make sure you research. Link in with the local community, it really helps.  Interview 2: Chris Lived in many other places and has a green thumb. Loves watching apocalyptic stories because of how it falls apart and it put back together. Loves the movie Armageddon. His fiction chooses him, it takes on a life of its own. Weird and wonderful Science The great plan (his st

Show Notes: Interview 1: Dianna Always interested in creative writing, D&D and Role play. Was inspired by artwork There is a follow on book.  Likes sci fi and fantasy There are addiction considerations with Tattoos. Made up most lore as it is so many years in the future. Created new religious space. Quite an introverted writer. Has to work full time also Writes in the evenings Advice: Don't worry at the start to get the editing perfect. Feel free to change after and take advice from others. Interview 2: Chris Writes about a possessed Tattoo Multiple entities in 1 head space. Tattoo comes to life once the tattoo is completed. There is a lot of conflict and character development.   Where the Excerpt Came From: First Chapter of Cadence   Guest Bio: Award winning author David Loermans has made a seamless transition from poetry to fiction with his acclaimed novel, Cadence. A love of immersive, creative writing combined with a passion for sci-fi/fantasy to bring this action packe

Show Notes: Interview 1 -  Darwins wake and short story collection Úse the book fair as motivation for short story book Had a raffle on the day including elements from stories in his read my shorts book. Started helping Author Friend with editing which inspired his own writing. Enjoys novel length and short stories. Procrastination is the worst enemy of a writer. Publishing is not easy, marketing is tough and you have to learn new skills along the way 5 words: Eclectic, passionate, social issues, persistent Authors need to be persistent to get books finished and out there. Drew on personal experiences to put in stories People starting out, come along to events and meet other creatives Watch out for sharks Another 2 full length novels and a children's book in the future.    Where the Excerpt Came From: Read my shorts Short story Collection   Guest Bio: Pete Mitchell is a Western Australian writer whose fiction blends emotional depth with sharp observation and a darkly comic edge. Hi

Episode Description 8 Show Notes: Interview 1 - Paul First Book fair. Plans for the series to have 5 books Never read growing up until about 17 Hobby while working FIFO Wrote 2 book in a year while working Great community in the fiction world Went into publishing blind had so much support from authors and family Used Arc Readers, friends and family before publishing. 5 words: Magical, Mysterious, Exciting, Adventurous and Familiar Likes writing on the couch with the dog Interview 2 - Chris Complicated process Inspiration - Lives in a modern world and wanted to write about what supernatural elements don't have Humans are inferior in her world Writing process changed during the telling. Has plot twist in the story that has surprised readers.   Where the Excerpt Came From: Snippet from Chapter 1 of Mystic City Souls and Spirits   Guest Bio: Isabelle Fleay is an Australian author with a passion for all things romantasy, supernatural intrigue, and epic worldbuilding. Obsessed with