I kept reading about advances in technology that have made independent publishing a much more viable option than in previous eras. For readers I think it has turned into something rather like the indie music scene, an alternative to whatever the mainstream is selling. That aroused my curiosity, and I decided to try it for myself.
Alison Baird – 14 March 2018
The Back Flap
A young girl fears that she may be turning into a werewolf.
About the book
What is the book about?
This is a novel about a young girl who travels to Quebec in order to learn more about her late father, and finds herself getting mixed up with his very strange family – who may be a pack of werewolves.
When did you start writing the book?
I received an Ontario Arts Council grant to write this book some years ago.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took me years, off and on, as I was also working on other projects.
Where did you get the idea from?
I wanted to write a book about my birth province of Quebec, Canada. Since I write primarily in the fantasy genre, I looked for an aspect of Quebec folklore which I could incorporate into a story with supernatural elements, and ended up settling on the Loup Garou, or werewolf. There is a particularly rich body of lore associated with werewolves in French Canada, an oral tradition that the settlers brought along with them when they came here.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The French dialogue! My French is a bit rusty.
What came easily?
Expressing my love for this province, its culture and history and folklore.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
My characters are fictitious but they seem incredibly real to me – almost like real people I have met. I hope they will seem real to readers as well.
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?
I count among my influences J R R Tolkien and C S Lewis, as well as Arthurian novelists T H White and Mary Stewart. All of them wrote a rich, descriptive prose that impressed me very much as a young reader.
Do you have a target reader?
I just picture myself as a young reader, think of what I enjoyed most in books at that age, and hope there are similar readers out there today.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
It comes in fits and starts – brief bursts of inspiration followed by long tedious editing sessions. The research that precedes the actual writing is always fascinating to me. I love to learn new things, and hope that my readers will too.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
My usual procedure is to write a rough outline first and then ignore it completely once the writing starts to flow!
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I used to edit as I went, but now I know better. When the writing really flows it’s best to just keep going. You can always fix things later.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I know a terrific freelance editor whom I rely on a great deal. We form a good team.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Movie scores. Music that sounds big and epic and dramatic really helps when you’re writing, especially with works of fantasy. You can visualize scenes and action sequences in your head as you listen.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I have been represented by literary agents in the past, and have sold books through them. I have published ten books with traditional publishing houses such as Penguin and the former Warner Aspect imprint.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I kept reading about advances in technology that have made independent publishing a much more viable option than in previous eras. For readers I think it has turned into something rather like the indie music scene, an alternative to whatever the mainstream is selling. That aroused my curiosity, and I decided to try it for myself. There is a new term in the industry these days, “hybrid author”, which refers to writers who publish traditionally but also produce some independent works on the side. I suppose I now fit that “hybrid” description.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I dabble a bit in art – sketching and watercolour – but I’m nowhere near good enough to make my own covers! I turn to professionals for that.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
At the moment I’m winging it, taking advice from others and learning as I go.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors? =
I would advise going the traditional route first, but to keep indie publishing in mind as an option once you’re established.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Quebec, and spent my early years there.
Where do you live now?
I now live in the province of Ontario.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I like to think that everything about me that’s important is in my writing – that reading my books is a way to get to know me. That’s how I’ve always felt about other authors.
My website is at www.alisonbaird.net and I am also on Twitter (@bairdwriter) and Facebook (Alison Baird Author).
What are you working on now?
A sequel to The House of the Wolf. Hopefully this one won’t take so long to write!
End of Interview:
Get your copy of The House of the Wolf from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
