by 
Interview Michelle Saftich
 |  |  |
Interview
– When did you start writing novels, what moved you to start writing?
I loved books as a young child and I read a lot, filling up my library card at school until I had to staple a new card to it. My imagination was so wild, I just had to write. It felt like I had no choice. At age 12, I became tired of writing by hand on reams of loose sheets of paper and I asked my parents for a typewriter. Dad brought home a bulky second-hand office typewriter for me. It weighed a tonne. I even made my parents pack it on family holidays, and so have memories of typing my first attempts at novels while looking at the ocean from the window of our holiday rental, preferring to write than anything else.
– In what genres do you write? Do you plan writing in other genres?
I am not bound to any one genre. I started writing historical fiction because I was inspired by an exciting part of my family history. However, I’ve also read very widely in that genre and absolutely love it. My third published novel, The Hatch, is in the science fiction/YA category. Inspired by Sigourney Weaver’s character in the movie Alien, and by the character Katniss in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games books, I wanted to write a novel with an equally strong female protagonist. As for science fiction, having teenaged sons, I was experiencing a lot of this genre through their eyes, and so almost naturally my writing started to reflect that. I’m currently finalising a sequel to The Hatch. I’m not sure what genre I will write in after that, which is exciting in itself.
– Tell us about your novels. Why should everyone buy them?
My novels are plot driven and feature intriguing and inspiring characters. I write visually and can often see my characters talking and reacting to carefully planned twists and turns. My books have elicited tears from readers, which means they have become emotionally involved, which is all an author can hope for. Ultimately, my novels are tales of adaptability, loyalty and the ability for people to endure against all odds.
– What is your all time favorite novel/book? What makes it special?
It is hard to choose just one novel. As a child, I loved Anne of Green Gables and the Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden series. In more recent times, I’ve enjoyed the Hunger Games books, Rosalie Ham’s The Dressmaker, Craig Silvey’s Jasper Jones and Yann Martel’s Life of Pi. And I’m a big fan of Margaret Atwoood’s works.
If I have to pick one all-time favourite, I’ll go with the 1859 historical novel, A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens. I’m fascinated by the period of the French revolution and as a writer, his writings are exquisite.
– Tell us a bit about your writing process.
I like to have a map with a sense of direction before I begin, but then, how I get from point A to point B can change, leaving enough scope for creativity between the pages of my key plot points. This way I stay entertained, as I can still surprise myself as my plot unfolds. Then there is a lot of rewriting… I call this colouring in. First draft lays down the brush strokes and is a lot of fun. From there, it is like going back over it all with a fine pencil to shade in and neaten up the writing.
– What author would you love to have dinner with?
Margaret Atwood. Sooo many questions.
– Tell us about your hobbies and passions other than writing.
I have a cat, dog, two guinea pigs, two sons and a husband who is a musician. It makes for a busy household. Walking the cocker spaniel is a favourite daily activity. I also like to travel and spend time in nature, hiking and exploring rainforests, beaches and mountains. I read the tarot cards, meditate and enjoy conversations about the purpose of life.
– We have many followers who would like to start writing a book or are already writing their first novel, any advice for these brave people?
Do it because you love it, because without writing your life would be poorer for it. Take heart that it is easier to get a start in publishing these days as there are so many more smaller, independent presses willing to take a risk on new writers. Love your book and others will too.
– How often do you write, daily, every other day or?
If I could, I would write every day on my novels. However, I have a day job in Marketing and Communications for a not-for-profit, and so each day I’m writing for websites, newsletters, media releases or brochures. I’m lucky I get to write and be paid for it on a daily basis. I write my novels mostly on weekends, holidays and occasionally of an afternoon when I find some empty time.
– Do you keep a notebook with ideas for your novels? If so do you carry the notebook with you so you won’t forget any ideas?
I save my ideas to a document in my laptop, and occasionally I’ll take out a scrap of paper and write a note to myself and shove it in my handbag for later. Ideas usually come to me on the train on my way to work.
– How important is it to have your facts right and are there any instances when you bend history to fit your story?
I am really careful not to bend history and research constantly to get it right. For me, the fiction needs to be plausible and possible. Most of the incidents in my first two novels were based on true happenings. Any fiction kept closely to historic events.
– What are you reading at the moment?
Empty Brain – happy brain; Thinking is overrated by Niels Birbaumer and Jorg Zittlau.
– How is it to be an author in your country? Do you have a good support from the local public?
Australia is better known for its prowess at sports. However, there are enough local book clubs, libraries and historical societies that have embraced me and my writings.
– Certainly you have had some interesting episodes as an author, fans related or others, share one of them with us.
A highlight for me was being invited by the Museo Italiano in Melbourne to launch my first novel, Port of No Return. I turned up to the museum with my Italian speaking father to see a poster of my face on their front glass door. It was only my second time to that major cultural city, yet over 60 people turned up to hear me speak and buy a copy of my book. I didn’t bring enough books and had to take down orders, which I later fulfilled. On my plane flight, my cheaper ticket only allowed for carry-on luggage up to a certain weight, and so before boarding I had to shove books into my coat pockets and that of my father’s. We carried them all the way from our hotel to the museum, which was a good fifteen-minute walk, but felt much longer when carrying over 30 books. At the launch, my father met other people whose parents had come out on the same ship to Australia in 1950. This was a very special moment as he connected with others who had been through the same historic experiences as his family. Many of these Italian guests went on to follow me on Facebook, so I’ve stayed in touch with them, making my novel and its Italian story, seem a little more real.
– A final message for our circleofbooks.com readers.
Thank you for reading and supporting authors whose books bring a bit of magic and adventure into your lives. Books, movies, music, art… I can’t imagine a life without the wonders of creativity. If you’ve ever wanted to create but don’t know where to start, look to what you love and be led by a desire to express it and share it with others.
Thank you Michelle Saftich. We at circleofbooks.com wish you much success!
Click here to visit the author page here on Circle of Books.
