Author Interview with Australian Author Penny Macoun

Welcome to Author Services Australia Penny Macoun, 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.

Thank you for interviewing me! I was born on the Northern Beaches in Sydney, grew up on the North Shore and recently returned to the beaches. I have always loved books, thanks to my mum reading to me every night. Deciding to become a writer happened in year eight, when my story was published in the school’s weekly newsletter. Ever since then I have wanted to be an author. However, I trained and worked as a primary school teacher, but when the pandemic hit, I stopped teaching and decided it was time to fulfil my lifelong dream of being an author. Four self published picture books later, I am excited about where my writing careers will take me.

Other than writing, I have had many hobbies over the years, from mosaicking, drawing, long stitch, gardening and cooking. I unfortunately don’t create pieces of art as much as I would like to, but I do love spending time outdoors, walking down to the beach and baking.

What inspired you to start writing?

I’ve always loved books and reading. My favourite subject at school was writing and when my story about a Funnel Web Spider was printed in the weekly school newsletter, I thought perhaps it was something I could do as an adult.

What is your preferred genre to write in?

I currently write picture books, and novels for adults. I am very interested in fantasy, speculative fiction and telling stories from different perspectives.

What is your writing process?

I am still trying to work that out. Sometimes I like to get up and write for a couple of hours before breakfast and other times I try and write a set word count a day. I prefer not to keep things rigid because I get bored easily, mixing up the routine keeps me motivated. When writing, I generally review what I was writing the day before and if I’m feeling focused to continue, I do, otherwise I will work on something else. I have no set writing warm ups, although I write better when I have a cup of tea beside me.

What is one thing you wish you knew now that you didn’t know when you started writing?

One thing I know now that I didn’t know when I started writing is how amazing the author community is. I used to feel like I was competing with other authors, but what I’ve realised is, each author’s journey is different and we should celebrate each other achievements, because ultimately we write because we enjoy it and we want to create books that children and adults will enjoy.

What was the hardest part of self-publishing?

When I started, the hardest part was learning all the little things about setting up a business. I thought I was just writing books, but what I was actually doing was starting a business. The other thing I found hard was sourcing a good illustrator than was in tune with what I was looking for when creating my books.

Which book is your favorite and why?

I love all my books in different ways. My first book Gorkle, will always be my book baby, because it was my first and the one that I learnt the most about the process of self-publishing with. My second is probably my favourite. Rollo’s Wet Surprise is about a dog, written from the dog’s point of view; I love animals. This book is also special because it features my parents in the illustrations, and I lost my dad a few months after it was released.

What are you working on right now?

I have three picture books at various stages of being written and a novel for adults.

What’s next for you as an author?

I am working on building my brand and writing my books. I hope to start author visits in the next couple of years too.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I’m aiming to have hit the 15 or 20 books published mark. That’s my dream, but we all know illustrations take a long time.

If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?

To be able to clap and be in another place. It would save so much time and money. No need for cars or any other mode of transport. Pollution would get better, and you’d also save so much time.

Where is your ultimate holiday destination?

I have so many. I’d love to go to Tuscany and Greece.

What are some of the items on your bucket list?

Travel, travel and more travel. I actually looked at a bucket list I wrote in 2017, and most of it was about travel destinations.

Thanks so much for taking the time to do an author interview Penny Macoun!

Check out where you can buy Penny Macoun books below and how to follow Penny Macoun on social media. If you would like to do an author interview or have questions about our author features, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

******

Author Name: Penny Macoun

Genre/s: Children’s | Family

Author Website: www.pennymacoun.com.au

Social Media Links: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Goodreads

The Best Link to Where People Can Buy Your Book: https://www.pennymacoun.com.au/shop

******

At Author Services Australia, we support Australian, New Zealand, and International self-published authors and writers with a full range of affordable self-publishing services, including ghostwriting, copyediting, developmental editing, proofreading, ebook and paperback formatting, book cover design, children’s book illustrations, graphic design services, manuscript uploading assistance, and social media and marketing.

If you enjoyed the author interview with Penny Macoun or have any questions for Penny, drop a comment below. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback, and we’re sure that Penny Macoun will be happy to answer any of your questions.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog to avoid missing out on future author news, self-publishing updates, and author interviews with fantastic authors worldwide.

If you’re new to self-publishing, check out The Best Self-Publishing Platforms to Self-Publish Your Books!