Welcome to Author Services Australia, Kate R Malley, and welcome to our author interviews! If you could start by introducing yourself to everyone, let them know where you’re from and some of your interests and hobbies.
My name is Kate R Malley. I’m originally from Western Australia, but I can’t stand the hot weather, so now I live in Tasmania. I enjoy sailing, making art from recycled materials, and writing.
What inspired you to start writing?
English Literature classes at high school. Whenever the teacher announced that we would be doing creative writing, everyone else groaned, but I was always excited by the challenge. A very supportive teacher encouraged me to keep at it.
What is your preferred genre to write in?
So far, my stories have been very different. I would say that, right now, I’m pretty keen on horror.
What is your writing process?
A concept for a story will pop into my head. I’ll mull it over for a while and see if there is potential for something. I’ll start to flesh it out mentally, but then it will get too big for me to retain all the details. That’s when the laptop comes out.
What is one thing you wish you knew now that you didn’t know when you started writing?
Just how long a book can take to write. The one I have just published took around 15 years. I’ve been tinkering with another for about 30-odd years.
What was the hardest part of self-publishing?
Overcoming my crippling self-doubt. As much as I wanted to achieve my dream of becoming a published author, my lack of faith in my own abilities was a huge stumbling block.
If you use a pen name, why and how did you come up with it?
Social media can be a brutal place, and I’m sensitive, so a pen name provides me with a bit of protection. I made subtle changes to my actual name. Going by a completely different name just didn’t feel right.
Which book is your favorite and why?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It’s such a beautifully woven story; the dialogue is outstanding, and the characters are so well-written.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Jane Austen, Robert A. Johnson, and HP Lovecraft.
What are you working on right now?
A collection of horror-themed short stories
How do you handle a bad review?
I’ve only just published my first book recently, so there are none to speak of. I’m not looking forward to the experience.
What’s next for you as an author?
Finishing the 30-plus-year draft!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Right where I am now, in beautiful Tasmania.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
The ability to fly. I envy birds! What a view of the world they must have.
Where is your ultimate holiday destination?
The Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica.
What are some of the items on your bucket list?
Go to Antarctica, make a success of my recycled art and jewelry, and see the Aurora Australis.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do an author interview, Kate R Malley! Please take a minute and check Kate R Malley out on the links below! Need any assistance with self-publishing, such as ghostwriting, editing, formatting, cover design, or uploading? Don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us directly. Our friendly and professional team is always happy to help.
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Author Name: Kate R Malley
Genre/s: Historical romance, horror, and general fiction
Author Website: N/A
Social Media Links: Instagram
Best Link to Where People Can Buy Your Book: Amazon.com.au
