An interview with author, Susie Clinkard.

Tell Me A Story




Today I'm interviewing Susie Clinkard.

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Hi Susie, would you like to share with us how you came up with the idea for this book and what is the title?

• Hello, AJ. Well, "Circuits" is called that because life is full of circles... you often end up repeating mistakes/relationship disasters/all sorts of things. It was written as a cathartic way of laying down some bad s**t in my life... and it worked; I feel much better! "S**t Happens" was named as it was said by a friend of mine's partner of 12 years when she asked him why he was sh***ing her best friend..."

And do you plan your stories first with an outline or does it come to you as write it?

• The stories come to me in a rough form, and gain flesh and blood as I write...

So do you know the end of the story at the beginning?

• Yes, but not the details...

And what about the "people factor"? Do you have a process for developing your characters?

• Yes, they are based either entirely, but usually only partially on people I have met or known.

Well the cat's out of the bag now, I guess your friends will be thumbing through the book like mad, wondering ... Susie, it's often said that authors write themselves into their characters. Is there any part of you in your characters and if so, what they would be?

• In both completed books, and in the 3rd, which is halfway through, there are aspects of me in characters...but never a complete, accurate portrayal of my character.

Okay, so what's your favorite part about this book?

• I like the beginning and the end in both books, and the start of my 3rd ("No Unnecessary Risks")...the end is going to be a corker, too!

Susie, would you like to give us a brief summary of "Circuits"

• Well, AJ, "Circuits" is 'chick-lit', "S**t Happens" is more thriller/horror...the genre I am happiest with.

When in the process of writing your book did you begin to look for a publisher?

• At the end of the first book, I sent it to a few and was accepted within a week by two of them. Publication wasn't a big deal for me...I write because I have to.

What struggles have you had on the road to being published?

• None... They wanted to charge me at first, but ended up only taking a small amount for artwork for the cover of "Circuits". Neither are charging for "S**t Happens"; (I had the good fortune to have two publishers after that, again, and this time they really like it and feel it will sell itself).

Good fortune indeed. So what has been the best part about being published?

• Nothing! Sorry, but I write because I love it, not for fame and fortune...I think maybe that is why my books sell?

Well that's probably the best reason of all; no problems with that. What do you want readers to remember and carry with them after reading your novel?

• A warm feeling that they've enjoyed a good read! As one friend said to me after reading "S**t Happens" for me last week..."I shall miss the characters!" That was really, really nice...

It's great when that happens. It means you've hit the mark. And do you have plans to write another book?

• I can't actually stop...the floodgates are open! The 3rd, "No Unnecessary Risks" is about child abduction and paedophiles...another thriller/horror.

So where can readers find a copy of your book?

• "Circuits" is available through Amazon, Play.com. or to order through bookshops (Athena Press). "S**t Happens" is out before Christmas...I haven't quite decided who this will be with... I need a publisher who will be prepared to take a book every 9-12 months or so from me, and I believe I might be accepting an offer from Dorrance.

A nice position to be in. Do you have a website for readers to go to? Most readers like to be in contact with their favourite authors.

• Underway at the moment...I write under Susie Clinkard, so watch this space!

Susie, I wish you all the best. It shouldn't be too long before we see the next book on the shelves.
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Enid Blyton reigns supreme

10 MILLION copies a year and still going strong!

I always knew it, I’ve always said it; now I’ve been vindicated.

Enid Blyton was my favourite author when I was a kid. Everyone else has been telling me, “Who-ever believed what she wrote? It was such total make-believe.”

Actually, I think the point is EVERYONE believed what she wrote. Didn’t you? I was enthralled by her books, I devowered them as fast as mum would buy them. Enid Blyton was a great storyteller.

J.K. Rowling endured an unusual defeat on Tuesday when Enid Blyton was voted top of the poll to find Britain's best-loved author.

Next came Roald Dahl, with Rowling actually sitting in third place.

Enid has sold more than 500 million books and is best known for her "Famous Five" books and her incredible “Secret Seven” series.

Critics have said her books are sexist, racist and simplistic. It shows how wrong they are. Enid Blyton’s stories remain very popular, still selling more than 10 million copies a year, each of them drawing readers into a previous world of untroubled kids and "beastly" grown-ups.

I wish I could create something like she has. Hats off to Enid!

• Next post http://ajbarnett-story.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-andrew-davidson-canada.html

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