A Conversation with Mary Maclaren,
Author of "The Four Elizabeths"
 |
| Featured Author, Mary Maclaren "The Four Elizabeths" |
Why did you feel you had to tell this story?
A great deal has been written about the 1787 First Fleet from England, and its convicts. While researching a story about a young baby torn from its mother's arms because there were 'no papers for a baby', it occurred to me that I hadn't read anything about the human stories that must be there to be told. To me, so many people, crammed on sailing ships, couldn't possibly live for eleven months on board without one smile, one joke, and relationships formed. On investigating, I found a lot of stories I could tell. These people were the founders of Australia, and should not be forgotten.
Where do you get your ideas?
Famous author Agatha Christie wrote that every author is continually asked this question. Her instinct secretly, was to answer "Harrods.... or try Marks and Spencers or Tesco". She never did, of course, but my answer is, I live in a cloud of ideas. Everything, everyone, everywhere, is a source for ideas. I listen, observe, and take notes.
Do you ever experience writer’s block and how do you overcome it?
Because of this, I never suffer with Writer's Block. I recognise that many authors do, so my advice is simple. Ask questions. Ask your characters what they want to do next. Look at an object - saucepan, for example - and ask where was it made? why was it made? what colour is it? what ingredients have been cooked in it? Then start writing the answers that come to you, and before long you realise you have't got a writier's block - just a writer's choice of what to put down next.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers on the writing and publishing process?
To me, marketing is worse than writing the story, article, book, whatever. It is a necessary evil, especially for self-published authors, so has to become a concentrated effort. I have my own website, and I use the social sites like FaceBook and Twitter frequently. I arrange book signing tours - organisations like the CWA, Women's Institute, Rotary, Lions who are always looking for a speaker. I visit schools, I attend fairs, I use press releases, and have professional business cards made. My books are available through Amazon Books, Createspace, and I make special efforts at gift-giving times. I have found the face-to-face events the most successful, but try everything. One of my author friends even had leaflets made about his latest book, and walked the length of the train handing them out. Business cards, leaflets, free bookmarks, create interest. Last, but not least, word of mouth is invaluable.
If your book was made into a movie, who do you picture playing each part?
While I was writing the book, I kept a gallery of photos in front of me. Some subject were celebrities, some were members of my family. Susannah York was the young mother who almost lost her baby; Mel Gibson was the father. "The Four Elizabeths" were represented by Maureen O'Hara, Sigourney Weaver, Nicole Kidman and an evil gypsy. It was easy to imagine them in a movie of the story, and easy to use these people as role models for the sequel, "Elizabeth's New Life" which was published 2012.
********************
About the Author:
********************
FOR MORE INFO:
Website: www.marymaclaren.vpweb.co.uk
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aremacca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004208161944
Pinterest: marym224
LinkedIn: marymaclaren@hotmail.co.uk
Google: marym224@hotmail.co.uk
BUY THE BOOK
Amazon: http://amzn.to/10p8Atp