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Interview with Faye Hall
Faye’s Path to Publication
Today I chat with fellow Australian Author, Faye Hall, who shares with us her path to publication. Her novel ‘Indulgence & Temperance‘ was release by Beachwalk Press in January 2018.
Come on a journey with Faye through 19th century North Queensland, Australia and explore the passions and hardships of unique characters.
There is corruption, deceit and murder, as well as cattle rustlers, slave traders and hell fire clubs. Explore townships of Jarvisfield and Inkerman, as well as Ravenswood and Bowen. One book even incorporates her great grandmothers cattle station ‘Inkerman Downs Station’.
As well as an author, Faye is also the most spoilt wife in the world, and a very contented mother.
Come and discover all the passion and drama of North Queensland history with her @ https://www.faye-hall.com
- How long have you been writing for?
I’ve been writing since I was a child, but decided to try and make a career out of it at about 17.
- How long did it take you from when you started writing, to when you became a published (or soon to be) published author?
My very first complete novel was actually picked up straight away by a company called Venus Press, but unfortunately they had financial issues and my rights were returned to me. After that it was a struggle for quite some years of many rejection letters until I was taken up by another publisher in 2010. From then it’s been a constant push but I’ve managed to get a book out a year through several publishers.
- Where do you write from, home, office, coffee shop, etc? And do you have any pre-writing or actual writing rituals (such as lighting a candle, listening to music, etc)?
I write mostly at home, though my phone also has an assortment of notes and chapters hidden on it. As for rituals, I’m very old school and still start a story the same way I use to at high school – I put on some music and I handwrite a rough story structure.
- Are you a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in-between?
I’m a bit of everything. Most of what I try to plan on papers usually always changes drastically when I type it on the computer.
- What is your favourite part of the writing process?
I really love the first draft, especially of the most dramatic scenes. I find it a very raw part of the process and the most creative.
- What is the most important part of a novel to you: plot, characters, or setting?
I like a good plot with lots of twists and turns.
- Describe your writing routine (how long do you spending plotting the novel, time spent writing, editing, submitting it):
I so want to answer this with a precise routine but I really can’t. My husband is a shift worker and we currently have 5 of our children living at home and at school so my life is usually super busy. I write what I can where I can pretty much. The only real routine I have is usually about a week of self-edits before I send a script away. These usually include a long list of words I’m guilty of over using, as well as shortening any words that need to be – it’s a long list that I go through with each book before I send it on it’s way.
- How many books a year do you usually write (or are you aiming to write):
I’m currently trying to write about 3 per year but I always strive for more.
- How did you get your agent, or your publishing contract (if applicable)?
The publishing company I’m currently with was something I literally stumbled upon in a google search. I was with another company at the time that were very slow and I wasn’t happy with their ethics or process so I was desperate to find something else. I sent them a script in 2014 and they loved it. I’ve been with Beachwalk Press ever since.
- How did you cope with rejection during the querying process?
When I first started submitting scripts rejection was very hard for me because on a whole most publishers claimed to like my writing style, but they didn’t like that my books were set in Australia. I was asked many a time to change my setting to a more popular location such as England or America and they would happily reconsider publishing. This wasn’t what I wanted to write though, so I got used to the rejection and just kept submitting queries, hoping there was a publisher out there who wanted an Australian based book.
- Describe the time when you got ‘the call’ regarding publication:
Even now that I’ve just signed my sixth contract with Beachwalk Press, I still jump up and down with excitement each time I get a script accepted. Then I get really nervous worrying about whether the book will sell or not.
- Looking back, what do you think you did right that helped you break in?
I’d like to think it was because I didn’t give up. I took the advice that was given to me and tweaked my writing, but I didn’t automatically change everything because it wasn’t seen as popular.
- Is there anything you wish you could do differently?
The main thing I would change would be changing publishers sooner than when I did. I will never get the rights back to my earlier books, and I really wish I could so that I could re-write them and make them better.
- Best advice you’ve ever been given, or have heard, about writing?
That a bad first draft is better than a blank page.
- Any advice for aspiring writers on writing and submitting?
Be brave and believe in yourself.
- What advice can you give to other writers on building a platform and gaining a readership base?
You need to interact with people and share your stories with them. Not just your writing, but ‘your’ stories. Show them that you are human and have got angry or cried or whatever. I’ve found so many of my readers are just as interested in my story as they are in those that I write.
- What’s up next for you, and what are you working on now?
Next is Book 3 in the Sins of the Virtuous series titled Avarice & Charity. Contract has just been signed so I will be expecting edits and cover work soon. I’m also doing final edits on Book 4 – Apathy & Vigour – and hopefully it should be ready to send for consideration in a couple of weeks.
- How can people connect with you?
I have several social media accounts but regularly check Facebook and Instagram the most. Also just visit my website and leave me a message on the contact form there. I will get back to you asap.
- Anything else you want to add?
Just a huge thanks for having me. It’s been such a privilege 🙂
It’s been lovely having you and thank you so much for taking part in this ‘Path to Publication’ interview!
And for those of you who want to read Faye’s fantastic book ‘Indulgence & Temperancel’ just click on the pic below for more info.
Would you abandon the woman you love for your own indulgence?
Beth Meridian has returned home, hoping to leave her sordid past behind her and settle into a quiet life. When her childhood friend, Hannah Raeburn, offers her a place to stay, Beth knows it won’t be long until she runs into Hannah’s brother, Daniel. What she doesn’t expect is for him to reignite feelings deep in her heart, reminding her of the kiss they shared before she left town.
Daniel Raeburn’s past is scandalous, his sinful indulgences allowing him more wealth than he could ever need. Still, he wants more, and his gluttonous appetite for wealth and women leads him to buy into a partnership at the local hellfire club.
When Hannah goes missing, Beth and Daniel follow her trail through the Australian outback. Witnessing the womanizer Daniel is, Beth flees on a cattle train headed north. Desperate to explain his actions, Daniel follows her.
Arriving in the small town of Jarvisfield, Daniel is shocked to learn that Beth is now the owner of the largest cattle company in the area. He’s even more shocked to discover that the preacher controlling the town, and stealing from the townspeople, is his once business partner William Maxon. He’s convinced this man is also responsible for his sister’s disappearance. When he learns William has Beth picked out as his next victim, Daniel knows he must do whatever it takes to make her listen to the truth. But she has no interest in hearing anything he has to say.
Faced with losing the two women he loves, Daniel is forced to choose between their freedom and the possessions and wealth he has hoarded over the years. But even if he gives it all up, he still might lose everything.
Faye can be found on the following platforms:
Website address: | https://www.faye-hall.com |
Facebook link: | https://www.facebook.com/fayehallromanceauthor/?ref=bookmarks |
Twitter link: | https://twitter.com/FayeHall79 |
Instagram link: | https://www.instagram.com/fayehallauthor/ |
Pinterest link: | https://www.pinterest.com.au/fayehall79/pins/ |
Goodreads link: | https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6882637.Faye_Hall |