No one wants to read an unpolished manuscript; there is nothing worse in my opinion. It’s hugely important to make sure that the level and quality of work you send out there is of the top standard.
Ashley Quigley – 07 July 2014
The Back Flap
Ariet has been taken from her family, who are told she has died of an illness; when, in fact, she has been drugged and removed against her will to a secret underground location. Selected for a genetic breeding program by the Creators, the Monarchy of the New World, Ariet and her captor Mason, have to provide an offspring with a predetermined inherited genetic profile, or face termination. They find mutual empathy for one another when their unborn child does not carry the desirable gene. Unable to accept the scheduled termination of her pregnancy by the Creators and to save the life of her offspring, Mason helps her escape to an area outside of the Four Quadrants. Mason’s childhood friend Thor, a Guardian in the Great Tower, flees with Ariet to protect her from the unknown, whilst leaving Mason behind to bring down the rulers of the New World. With the aid of refugees from the Old World, Ariet, together with her child and Thor risk everything to join Mason in his fight to destroy the Monarchy.
About the book
What is the book about?
The book is about a young woman who is taken against her will and forced to take part in a genetic breeding program by rulers of the world as they know it. Her fight and struggle against them, leads to her escape and what she finds when she flees is the start of the next book.
When did you start writing the book?
In January of this year.
How long did it take you to write it?
About a month to get the ideas on paper. Then almost double that for editing and critiquing.
Where did you get the idea from?
Being a scientist by trade, I’ve always been fascinated with the ethics of genetic breeding and designer babies, both of which are real concerns at the moment. I wondered what would happen if the freedom of that choice was taken away from us.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Yes, deciding whether to write in past or present tense. I couldn’t decide how I wanted the main character to present the story.
What came easily?
The storyline and characters’ development.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
They are entirely fictitious, but I’m sure I have subconsciously drawn some influence from people around me. For example, I have been told by close friends that there are many similarities between Ariet and myself.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Yes, I particularly like the style of Heather Graham and Marian Keyes, two of my favorite authors. They are direct and to the point. Some author’s flowery sense of prose can be a bit dull I find.
Do you have a target reader?
Someone who enjoys a good science fiction novel and who wants to be challenged by new ideas or concerns that could one day become a reality for us.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I jot ideas down, as they come to me. I’m the type that gets ideas for new books at random or who will be walking down the street and I’ll come up with the next plot in my book.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I usually jot down ideas in a sketch book as they come to me. More often than not, I will draw a mind map of the plot. This usually changes some as I write the book and the characters develop, but helps me keep the story on track as far as possible.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I will edit about a third of the book at a time. I feel it is important to do so, to make sure you are on the right track and your story still makes sense.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Of course. No one wants to read an unpolished manuscript; there is nothing worse in my opinion. It’s hugely important to make sure that the level and quality of work you send out there is of the top standard.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I like soft, soulful musicians, such as Jack Johnson and John Meyer and Florence and the Machines.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No. Eventually, that is something that I will look at, but I wanted to do this on my own to start off with.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
It was a gradual process. I looked at submissions to a few publishers and went over in great detail the rules and regulations that came with representation and I just couldn’t let go of “my baby”. I decided to self-publish as it is more important to me for people to read my work than to make money off of it (although the latter is always a bonus).
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Yes, I used a graphic designer for my cover. I was very involved and feel it’s hugely important to do so, as your cover is the first thing people see. You need to be certain that whomever you work with know what the book is about, and what direction you want the cover to go in. I even provided examples of styles of covers I liked.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have a marketing plan, which I have molded from various author websites as well as advice off forums and discussions.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbie’s considering becoming Indie authors?
Writing the manuscript is not the hard part. Getting it out there and getting readers and HONEST reviews is the hard part. It takes work and dedication. Don’t give up.
About You
In high-school, I developed a love for writing and English and excelled in both aspects. For college, I headed to Rhodes University where I was to study English and Journalism, but as fate would have it, I registered for a science degree and received my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Biochemistry and Microbiology. I have a Masters Degree in Molecular Biology. After a five-year stint working in commercial laboratories I discovered that my love of English and writing was too great to ignore. So I came a full circle and reverted back to my first love, writing.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. I grew up in Durban in a small beach/holiday town where I still live now.
Where do you live now?
I live in Umhlanga with my husband, son, and three dogs. I am currently working on my next novel.
What would you like readers to know about you?
If I’m not writing, I’m usually on the beach or in the park with my three dogs. I love spending time on the beach and in the sun.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second book of the Trilogy. I have also started a new novel, which is completely unrelated to the Trilogy series, but maintains the science and medical aspect I so love to write about.
End of Interview:
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