Through the magic of the internet, connecting us instantly across the world, I had the opportunity to interview HMC, author of the upcoming book, White Walls, coming June 20, 2013.
HMC is a freelance writer, teacher and artist who resides on the Gold Coast, Australia. She has a degree in psychology, writes a column for an online magazine and blogs about global issues.
HMC is inspired by many genres, but has always been particularly fascinated by magic, thrillers or books with a twist.
What do you like the most about the act of writing? What do you dislike?
I’m a storyteller.
Writing came second, for me. I’m still perfecting the art of getting the story in my head to translate onto pages. Writing is a way to express these stories, much like an artist wants to express an image in their mind’s eye. It doesn’t always work out as you plan it. You can’t give up, though, because often it turns out better!
What I dislike? Hmmm … I dislike waiting for your book to come out. It feels like an eternity.
How does your art influence what and how you write?
My artwork has actually inspired my next novel, entirely. Three drawings I’d done, a few years back, revealed to me three characters for a childrens’ book. It’s called Robert Mumpkin Myer and the Wish Makers and I’m looking to finish it this year.
Not only does my own artwork influence me, but others’, too. I use art and photography all the time, to help me describe scenes and characters.
What is it about reading and writing thrillers that reaches you and moves you?
The suspense and the twists.
If you can fool me into thinking one thing, and have the reality (in the story) be another, you’ve got my attention. It’s been that way since I was little. I adore surprises.
Does your writing tie in to your work in a school environment? How so?
Not this book, that’s for sure! This one is very adult.
My next novel is for the kids, and my daughter, Charlotte. It’s written purely with the age-group in mind. I know what gets them excited, and what bores them – you can see it on their faces when you’re reading a story. The ingredients for a good childrens’ book are: humour, quirkiness, characters we love to detest, and a hero that they can relate to.
What do you think makes Australian writers are unique? What challenges do you face in a global publishing environment?
We have all have different experiences because we’re all individuals. No matter what country you’re from, you have a unique perspective. I know that we have talent over here and I would like to see us excel in the arts, just as we excel in sports!
In global market, we face many difficulties. I’ve written an entire blog on this one. You can see it HERE
H.M.C
EXCERPT from White Walls:
Sunlight peeked through the gaps in the canopy. The Australian bushland spread over either side of the road, and above them, like a welcoming arch. The quiet shade and cool air made Jade feel secure. Lawyer vines and creepers twirled around the old Gums and Paperbarks. The ground was covered in native grasses and layer upon layer of leaf litter.
It was breathtaking and it reminded Jade of her childhood. She remembered the smell of rain as she ventured through the undergrowth with nowhere in particular to be. There was no set time to be home, as long as it was before the sun went down. She would watch, delighted, as Angus would throw rocks into the creek, catch tadpoles and jump from rock to rock. A much simpler time – just like her mother and grandmother would profess about their very own childhoods. Were we all doomed to become more and more complex?
This was why she returned to Fairholmes. To try to regain some of that happiness that had been here … just where she had left it. Angus spoke, and he had to repeat himself before getting her attention.
‘I think they’ve given up,’ he said.
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The advance reviews are out: Goodreads
Kate Policani 