Who Is Joni Scott?

1. What inspired you to write a book?

My sister’s family history research inspired me to write my first book, Whispers through Time. I was on holidays reading one of Kate Morton’s historical novels, when it occurred to me that our family had a mystery. So, I set about writing about my grandparents, filling in the gaps and silences with the magic dust of fiction. While this book, Whispers through Time, was being published, I could not stop, so started the sequel and was ¾ through that one when I contracted a rare neurological condition which sent my life into a spin. With no cure on offer in Australia, I booked treatment in Italy and my husband and I set off two days after the 2020 virus outbreak in Northern Italy. We were fortunate to get there without a lockdown but once in Genova we experienced lockdowns, 1, 2, 3 and 4. This adventure is the basis of my latest book, The Last Hotel, but again, fiction takes over to deliver some magic and romance.

2. Who is your favourite author and why?

That is difficult, as our favourites can alter over time. Probably a tie between Kate Morton and Sally Beauman. They both immerse the reader in another time in history and are excellent writers.

3. What is your favourite food?

Another difficult question! None of the food that I cook is my favourite, I know that for sure. I like Asian food, particularly Vietnamese and Cambodian meals as they are so fresh and flavoursome with the spices and herbs I love; coriander, ginger and lemongrass.

4. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I keep goldfish in ponds and aquariums; I tutor maths and science to high school and university students; I enjoy the company of my adult children, walk the beach with my husband, have coffee with friends and my sister…

5. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a chemist, i.e., as in chemistry, not pharmacy. This I did by studying organic chemistry at Sydney University, then embarking on a career using my degree.

6. What do you think makes a good story?

A bit of mystery, romance, fascinating characters and for me an interesting setting. I like books set around the World War1 and WW2 era, especially if they have an intriguing plot and are well written.

         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    

I was surprised that the words just flowed out of me from somewhere, especially when I lay down in bed at night. So, I have lost lots of sleep hopping back up to write down what pours into my mind.  As I have operated as a maths/science person all my life, I didn’t know that I could write fiction. Writing has been purely accidental and totally unexpected. But now I am hooked!

8. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

I never realised I wanted to be a writer until I became a writer! After the first book happened, my sister, who read each chapter after I wrote it (as I sent them to her), decided ‘we’ should publish it. She was the one who sent it off to 8 publishers. I thought they would all say, “No, thanks” and laugh at my efforts, but 4 replied saying they would publish it. This was a huge shock. I was in disbelief for quite a while, thinking they must be vanity publishers, as the internet warns writers about this. I nearly did not proceed at all. I sat on the fence about it all for months but finally replied to the two London publishers who are not vanity publishers at all, as I thought London was a better place to publish a book about the Victorian Times.

9. How long does it take you write a book?

They seem to happen rather quickly, about five months for the two already published. The little pixies in my head whisper them out a chapter at a time. But my current book has taken a bit longer because I became so ill when I was halfway through. I lost the use of my right hand, arm and shoulder when I contracted CRPS, so things ground to a halt. Then I learnt to tip-tap with my left hand on an iPad and I was off again. When my hand gets sore now, I use an apple pencil and scrawl out the story and press the magic button “Convert all” and my scrawl turns to text! It is the best thing; I love this amazing tool.

10. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

It is the sequel to my first book, Whispers through Time. As I didn’t know I was writing a “book’ when I wrote this first one, the story concludes when my grandmother as a young woman arrives in Sydney from London. As there is so much more to tell, I started the sequel, Time, heal my Heart, which encompasses the world war One era and the Spanish flu outbreak. I was researching the Spanish Flu when the Coronavirus happened. It was rather spooky, a hundred years on exactly. I am nearly finished and will be submitting this manuscript to Austen Macauley in June/July. At the same time, I have started another book called Tangles inspired by my hairdresser. It is about the tangled lives of a hairdresser and the women who come to her salon. It contains a strong cultural Indian element as one of the characters is Indian and I love the colours, sights and aromas of India. This is definitely a fun project, so different from the others that required so much background research because of the historical content.

Who Is Fernando Villalon?

1. What inspired you to write a book?

My younger son and I used to tell the family a lot about this trip and he suggested I write it in order to keep the memories

2. Who is your favourite author and why?

Eric  H Heisner

3. What is your favourite food?

Chilean food empanadas , pan Amazado etc 

4. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Playing with my grand kids , spending time with Family 

5. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

What I do now ... A Pilot 

6. What do you think makes a good story?

Real life Adventures 

         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    

That has a funny answer " I can write a book and people liked it "

8. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

Never planned it

9. How long does it take you write a book?

About a year was not hard as I had notes from the trip

10. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

I have been thinking to continue with a promise to dad on this book which I actually completed  for my dad . When you read the book you will find out the promise 

Who Is Dr David Barkhouse?

1. What inspired you to write a book?

My grandparents who had amazing lives but very hard.  They were not documented but should have been.

2. Who is your favourite author and why?

Somerset Maughan.  He was a fine novelist and playwright.  He was also a spy in WW1, and polyglot and a member of the English upper middle class all of which I’d like to have been.  He was a doctor who struggled with his own personal demons and took refuge in France where the French ‘laisse faire’ attitude to being gay was more conducive to his personal happiness.

3. What is your favourite food?

Anything my wife cooks.  She is a wonderful cook, knows my favourite meals and is never afraid to experiment.

4. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Read, walk my little King Charles/Cocker Spaniel ‘Charlie’, garden and play golf badly with my old mate Martin.  We don’t score, just enjoy the fresh air and camaraderie.

5. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A doctor-  I am, so I succeeded there.

6. What do you think makes a good story?

A sense of humour.

         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    

How good my memory was.  The more I wrote the more I remembered, but I do wish I’d kept a diary.

8. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

I used to write little anecdotes for The Australian Doctor.  When I retired I felt an obligation to write a letter for my children and grandkids and it grew from there.

9. How long does it take you write a book?

About three months.

10. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

The behaviour of doctors away from home on conferences.  Why I remember one professor of General Practice………..No it’ll have to wait until after he’s dead.  It’s a theme pursued by David Lodge another fine British novelist (and ex professor).

Who Is Sandee Parlor?

1. What inspired you to write a book?

As I journeyed throughout the Australian outback I met fellow travellers and it was usually custom to sit by the campfire and share stories of your adventures. Many listeners would say ‘you should write a book’ and so its thanks to their encouragement that I put ‘pen to paper’.

2. Who is your favourite author and why?

My favourite author has changed over the years as my interests and my quest for knowledge evolved however I would have to say J.R.Tolkien takes the prize as Lord of the Rings resonates my childhood memories.

3. What is your favourite food?

Lobster mornay is my all time favourite dish however as its seasonal due to fishing regulations the N.A. on the restaurant menus leaves me scanning for another type of seafood to take its place.

4. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I am a lover of the the ‘great outdoors’; bush walking, bird watching, kayaking, boating and of course my all time favourite, fishing, fills my days with delight.

5. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

As a child attracted to the sea and the fascination of what lay below the watery surface I always planned in my mind of being an oceanographer.

6. What do you think makes a good story?

I am open to all topics in book reading but for me what makes a good story is the flow of the story; how the author writes in such a way as to hold you spell bound to the very end.

         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    

The most surprising thing about my book was the emotion it stirred as I dug deep into the tragedy, loss and heartache of my life and saw with my eyes as it unfolded in print. Its one thing to have it occur but quite another to actually ‘see’ it in writing.

8. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

I do not recall ever having a desire to write a book. I felt my story needed to be out there to give hope, encouragement and procure a light at the end of the tunnel for the reader and as Covid 19 approached us I had a real urgency to finish my book and get it out there.

9. How long does it take you write a book?

This is my first book and it started out with me just ambling along jotting down ideas and events enjoying reliving the adventures my of travels hence there was no time limit to complete and before I knew it four years had gone by and then come Covid-19 and as I said I realised I needed to get a hurry along and complete my story.

10. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

I never planned to write another book but people who have purchased my book said they never wanted my book to come to an end and they want to know what happened after the time my autobiography ended and that I just have to write another book to bring it up to date so I guess my next book will be the continuation of my life because that is another story altogether.

Who Is James A Mullier?

1. What inspired you to write a book?

I’m pretty certain that, inspiration to write books initialised during the reading of such titles as, “The First & Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant” – Author: Stephen Donaldson and also reading “The Hobbit” and  “The Lord of the Rings” – J. R. R. Tolkien.  The seed to write was sown here and although these books are high fantasy, I could see so clearly, many similarities between their themes and the writings of the Christian Bible to which I had already been introduced.  Once stirred up in my heart, there was no turning back… my own book at some time, was inevitable.

2. Who is your favourite author and why?

From the past, that would be Stephen Donaldson.  His ability to draw a reader deep into an extravagant world of fantasy was highly effective and the images built up by his imaginative words were complete and believable.

However… today, my favourite author is Paul Ellis, because he writes about the grace of God and what the Bible does say, rather than what people often think it says or should say.

3. What is your favourite food?

I love all kinds of seafood, except little baby octopi looking up at me from my plate.  Also, I enjoy eating boiled or baked fresh vegetables, such as pumpkin, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onions, etc.

4. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Landscape photography is an activity I find relaxing and rewarding.  I like knowing that the click of my camera button captures a unique moment for myself and others to enjoy.  The outdoors along the East Coast and hinterland of Australia keep me young(er) and in-between photoshoots I can keep on writing books.

Sometimes  I write Christian songs from my heart, but I am not a musician and cannot even read music. Not to be discouraged though, I convince myself I know what sounds good and what doesn’t, then press on believing the songs and lyrics are OK.

5. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I have no recollection of such thoughts, probably because I didn't believe I was ever going to be afforded the opportunity to grow up. However, I was always reaching out to people with encouragement and doing things for them. Thinking of this now, rather than a surveying/civil engineering profession, employment in the hospitality industry or as a social worker would have been more suitable.

6. What do you think makes a good story?

Whether fiction or non-fiction, I think any story should, to some degree, provoke or stir up questions or meaningful comment in the mind of a reader.  I do not think entertainment alone is sufficient to warrant a tag of “good story”.  People are happily entertained for a time, me included… that’s fun; sadness; triumph of good over evil and all the stuff of feelings and emotions, but we also need lasting security.  If the content of a book moves us on to a higher search for truth and a belief system based on faith, hope, love, and other commendable qualities, then I personally count that as a “good story”.

         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    

…just how much I did not know and how excellent it was to learn so many new things.  As I researched and read other reference material, much more objectiveness came into play.  Proofs and explanations… understanding of things, not connected with just my own thoughts.  These served to verify Scripture even more, rather than weaken the things that God has said.

8. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

I was a writer from seven onwards.  Many family members and others received my letters, but when did I realised I wanted to be a writer… well that took another 53 yrs of wandering in the desert.  What a waste!  At 60yrs I looked more deeply into my life and knew I had much to give, so I started with the first word and progressed on from there.

9. How long does it take you write a book?

This really depends on the book… how much research and formatting is required and any extraneous circumstances, which may influence the completion of the book.  Normally I do not work to a time frame, preferring the manuscript to be completed when it is ready and of course, initially I need a cause or subject matter which I see is worthy.  One year is typical for previous books I have written, but due to Covid-19 delays and distractions, two years has elapsed from start to finish of my latest book, “In Spirit and in Truth”.

10. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

I have two book writing projects underway.  The first is “Christian Worship Songbook II” for which I have two new songs almost complete and the second is “Nations in Conflict” or something similar…  I tend to change title names several times during the book writing process.  “Nations in Conflict” hopefully will impact the World and change global thinking to align with Faith, Hope & Love.

Who Is Bianca Santucci?

1. What inspired you to write a book?

My work inspired me write. I have always been one who enjoys working and networking with my community. I do enjoy volunteering my time when I can to the local community. And being an animal lover and previous Working with kids, I wanted to write a book for both. Plus also wanted to show the community who I am as an individual. 

2. Who is your favourite author and why?

Dr Chris Brown would be my inspiration. Being a vet and an animal lover. I follow him and his stories. I enjoy watching his tv show and I enjoy him on the living room. 

3. What is your favourite food?

Having an Italian background, I have always loved my culture and food. Anything Italian is my favourite, especially home made pasta.

4. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I enjoy the outdoors and being in nature. I love the beach and spending time relaxing and taking in nature. 

5. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I have always wanted to help and care. Originally I wanted to be a dance teacher, having a passion for dance. Then paths change and I then worked in childcare for over 10yrs before finding my real passion of caring for animals and pets and helping educate people about their pets.

6. What do you think makes a good story?

A great story comes from true passion and Sharing the journey of someone.

         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    

How easy it actually was. Before I knew it, it all came together. 

8. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

I have always wanted to write someone at some stage. It was only with the Passion of my business that the idea came about. And how I had so many clients and people in my community behind me telling me I should do it.

9. How long does it take you write a book?

Only took a couple of weeks as it was only a short story.

10. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

My next book, will be the journey of my own personal dog and his life.

Who Is Michelle Richardson?

1. What inspired you to write a book?

Its was my childhood of super hero's and caring for others. my mother always taught me to love and honour others, to share hope and dreams, this book is dedicated to my beautiful sister who wanted so much to be a superhero, now she is flying the skies as a free sprit 

2. Who is your favourite author and why?

My favourite author I don't really have one, as a child I never read as I couldn't read until very late in life, but my favourite books would be a cat in a hat by Dr Seuss very funny and enchanting books that lets a child be 

3. What is your favourite food?

My favourite food is roast chicken. Why? It means family time of sharing stories and laugher 

4. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I am a healing practitioner, support to shift old habits to new ones, been a teaching a educator of health and well-being 

5. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

As a child I always wanted to be a super hero a police women fighting villians and bringing the badies to justice, wonder women was my hero even though she was a fiction she was me.

6. What do you think makes a good story?

What makes a great story, adventure, a story that makes you wonder what is coming next a mystery that could be anything.

         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    

Let your mind go and drift into your heart and speak from your heart.

8. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

I wish to share my wisdom with children, I was an adult around 40 years old I thought how cool i would be to help change people lives through reading i could possible do that.

9. How long does it take you write a book?

Once I go going everything flow and my experience came to life in my book not long, the thought process a few years but actually writing it a few weeks.

10. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

I have a 10 chapter book ready to go to paper on my third book a series of Ricki the robot, with toys for kids to hold and share!

Who Is James Dempster?

1. What inspired you to write a book?

The story formed in my thoughts and dreams - so I went with it till I knew it had to be fully formed so I could share it with the world. 

2. Who is your favourite author and why?

Many - but I have a particular soft spot for Gerald Durrell who often wove humour and sincere concerns for animals and the planet so effortlessly. Also Spike Milligan - because he is the first author that made me laugh out loud when reading one of his books, and so often thereafter. 

3. What is your favourite food?

I am a vegan.  A couple of favourites include, aloo baingan (indian eggplant curry), the wonderful baked beans on toast (simple and incredibly nutritious) and a good old cuppa of hot black tea.

4. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Walk with dogs out somewhere natural, read, watch movies, think about stories. 

5. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I didn't really know - vaguely something to do with the movies, which is a form of storytelling.  In the end I think writing chose me. 

6. What do you think makes a good story?

It has to have a good interesting engaging narrative no matter what the  genre, have some deeper spiritual meaning that is often not apparent if done correctly, and a good moral lesson or three - all subtly woven together and the story is so good, you don't even notice them . 

         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    

How long it became from my initial rough calculation on length - being all the 'corners' of the segments of the narrative that filled in during the process, and how the characters became more real inside my mind as they acted out their parts - and when I observed how all the characters were actually different segments of my character/personality given form somehow. 

8. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

When I was participating in amateur theater - I discovered the power of the text over all other aspects of any possible final production.  

9. How long does it take you write a book?

Depends on the story - 'Stripes in the Shadows' took about 10 months from first word to last.  Sometimes you have to put a story aside for a while then come back to it, so it depends.  And in the end all stories (or whatever type of creative works of/or art) are subject to a version of what  Paul Valery famously said about poetry 'A poem is never finished, only abandoned.'

10. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

That is a hard one as I have many novels, and shorter children's stories all percolating inside me.  When it dominates I will do it, and when it is done, then I will be the first to know.  

Who Is Millie Jackson?

1. What inspired you to write a book?

I felt the need to tell my story and to let others know that out of tragedy, hope is more often than not, just around the corner.

2. Who is your favourite author and why?

I have many favourite authors. I loved Liane Moriarty’s earlier work. I am inspired by Eckhart Tolle and many of the Buddhist teachings.

3. What is your favourite food?

My favourite food is seafood especially prawns and crabs

4. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Walking by water, coffee with friends and browsing shops especially bookstores. I love attending book launches and writers’ festivals.

5. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I always wanted to be an actress or a singer. I started writing when I was very young and also wanted to keep doing that.

6. What do you think makes a good story?

I enjoy pace, humour and honesty as well as a good plot twist.

         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    

I learned that it doesn’t just flow every day, that creativity comes in bursts. I also learned that slumps can be hard but can be worked through if you have the right people and tools around you.

8. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

From a very young age, but more seriously after attending a writers’ festival in Ubud around four years ago.

9. How long does it take you write a book?

To do it properly it can take years. I believe at least one year with all of the multitude of edits etc.

10. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

My next book is a murder mystery set on the northern beaches.

Who Is Joesy Knibbs?

1. What inspired you to write a book?

I have been fascinated with stories ever since I was a child, I would get lost in books and pretend I was the characters and living their stories. The stories inspired my imagination and allowed me to be creative using mine.

2. Who is your favourite author and why?

This is a hard question to answer as I have had many over the years. I have loved J.R Tolkien, C S Lewis, J K Rowling, May Gibbs, Roald Dahl, and now these days I am not reading as much , but when I do I like Melissa Marr and Stephanie Meyers. I think I like these authors because their stories are outside of the normal life we live today. Anything is possible within the storyline , even things I wouldn’t ever think of, so I am able to step into the characters to feel what they feel and stand in their shoes for awhile.

3. What is your favourite food?

My favourite food is chocolate or ice cream.

4. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

When I am not writing I like to spend time with my family watching my grandsons play football or being creative with my granddaughters.

5. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

As a child I wanted to be a Dancer or a singer.

6. What do you think makes a good story?

I think what makes a good story is the ability to take the reader to another place and inspire their creativity and imagination even for a little while.

         7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned from writing your book?    

The most surprising things for me was to see what my imagination had created and to turn it into reality. It was like I made it come alive.

8. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

As a child I think it was just a gift that I had and taken it for granted. It wasn’t until I came to Author Academy that I became aware of my gift. Meeting Sue Kennedy and the other authors gave me the space and feedback to recognise the gift in my stories, and that is what made me realise that I wanted to be a writer.

9. How long does it take you write a book?

Once I believe in the idea that my stories are something worth reading it takes about a year.

10. Can you share with us what your next book will be about?

At the moment I am playing around with ideas and haven’t decided on the subject of my next book yet.