Author Bio:
I am an Australian author, now living in Nashville Tennessee, working as a full time writer and freelancer (since 1/5/16). The Storming Archives is a fantasy series I’ve written – with the first three books available on Amazon (Kindle and paperback). I’ve started writing Book 4 – but have switched my focus to other writing projects for now.
I have written a novel (erotic) called “The Ninth Window” and it’s about nine women with one thing in common. (A secret until the end!) It will be available on 1/11/16 at Amazon (Kindle).
I am currently three quarters through a novel called “The Willow Lake Group”, which is about a literary group in a mysterious town, where a young man falls in love with a woman’s handwriting.
My articles have been published in Llewellyn’s Almanacs, such as the 2011 Magical Almanac, 2012 Witches’ Spell A Day Almanac and the 2013 Herbal Almanac.
What inspires you to write?
I love the Beat writers – especially Ginsberg, Kerouac and Burroughs. I also adore Angela Carter, Anais Nin, Henry Miller, H.P. Lovecraft, Kafka, Neil Gaiman, Caitlin R. Kiernan – and the setting of my novel wouldn’t have had half it’s magic without Enid Blyton and Lucy M Boston (as well as Catweazel!)
I lost myself in “The Magic Faraway Tree”, “The Enchanted Wood” and “The Folk of the Faraway Tree”, while staying at Maffra – in my Aunt’s house – at her mysterious farm. Kate Bush and Tool completed the scene by providing the soundtrack, and my imagination filled in the rest.
I adore Vali Myers (Australian artist) and Mark Ryden, Alex Grey – and many more.
Tell us about your writing process.
I am both an outliner – using powerpoint, spreadsheets and The Brain (program) – as well as a seat of the pants writer. It depends on what I’m writing and how I feel on any given day. I believe in just getting the story out – and not censoring or reviewing as I go. Then when the first draft is complete, I go back to the beginning and start the second draft, which is phase two of the review process.
I’ve found that you need at least 5 drafts before the work is ready for submission. Also – beta readers are essential to honing your writing. I create character sketches before I write – but I find that they evolve as the story continues – so there’s a lot of redefining going on.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
Both – and often! I constantly imagine how they would respond to any situation in the story – based on their backgrounds etc. I think about my protagonist in the shower, driving to work – everywhere! Psychological profiling is key for me.
Who are your favorite authors?
The Beat Generation authors – especially Kerouac, Ginsberg and Burroughs – all of their work.
Angela Carter – The Magic Toyshop, My Bloody Chamber, Love.
Helen Garner – Monkey Grip
Caitlyn Kiernan – The Drowning Girl
Gianni Menichetti – Vali Myers
Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris – Anything
How did you decide how to publish your books?
These days – self publishing is easy – through platforms like Amazon, Createspace etc. I submitted query letters to several publishers and agents – and found it too frustrating.
I prefer being in control of my work – even though the marketing and promoting is daunting. But the more you do it and research (including linking in with other writers and having profiles such as a Twitter account, Facebook – and a blog/author website) – the better you get at it.
Self publishing is very rewarding. You get to keep your finger on the pulse – rather than relying on someone else, who might not have your best interests at heart.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think that self publishing is the go. Fair enough, big publishing companies have a wider reach (and bigger expense accounts!) but they are only interested in what they can get out of it – as much as they like to say that they are passionate about supporting authors.
What genres do you write?
Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Erotica, Non fiction, Poetry, Articles,
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print
Website(s)
Kelly Proudfoot Home Page Link
Link To Kelly Proudfoot Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
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