Author Interview: Robyn Andrew

JC – Since you’re from Australia, you have a different perspective—and spelling—than Americans do. What are some differences you see between the way Americans write and Australians write, besides spelling words differently?

RA - Interesting question. Mostly the differences I see are the way particular things are spelt, for example labour, colour etc. We obviously use a ‘u’ in there, where you guys don’t. Also the names of some things are different, even some definitions of words are different, but really that is just surface stuff. Under all that we are all the same. And its great the way it has opened up by overall understanding of people in general.

JC – How did you come up with the idea for the novel you’re trying to publish?

RA - That has taken a few years. The idea came to me back from where I don’t really know. But it has taken that much longer to put it all together. It has a scifi element which is something I have had to learn about, and then I can write about them. And as I grow as a writer I utilise what I have learnt to strengthen by book.

JC – Some writers have a process. Some writers just write. Do you have a routine? Do you start with a title, an idea, an outline, or just write and see where the words lead you?

RA - That is on a story to story basis. Sometimes I get the title and the overall idea in my head, or its just the story idea and the title comes later. But I have to outline with pen and paper at least before I type it up. And I have a routine each day on what I work on and what needs to be done. While I thrive on structure I do need some just letting it flow time too.

JC – What books, stories, and authors inspire you?

RA - That has changed a lot over the last few years. Before I started taking writing seriously i really only read fiction, and some non fiction and only by well known authors. When I started writing more and getting to know other writers I discovered I had really done myself a disservice by not widening my reading scope. Now I read all sorts of things by all sorts of authors, there are so many that inspire me. Like many others Stephen King inspires me in terms of his writing ethic. And he is prolific.

JC – Your story, “Repetition,” has a cynical undertone. Do you think colonizing Mars will bring out the worst in humanity?

RA - Yes, I think if we get to the point we are having to colonise Mars then essentially we have already stuffed up big time. Humanity has a habit of repeating itself. The wrong focus on the wrong things has taken place for too long. But that is a whole other discussion!

JC – Do you have any advice for writers wanting to get published?

RA - Keep writing, put your work out there, listen to critiques and be willing to tear your work apart if you need to make it better. Always keep learning. Read lots, and keep fostering those ideas you get, write them down, let them grow, get them out there. Don’t let self doubt hold you back.

Robyn Andrew is an Australian writer that has many short stories featured and published in upcoming anthology projects. Robyn is an avid lover of horror, but is also enjoying challenging herself with other genres. She has done numerous movie reviews for a leading New York website. Currently, Robyn is working on her debut fiction novel. Links to her published works and upcoming projects can be found on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ robyn.andrew.9 and you can follow Robyn’s blog at: https://rlandrewauthor.wordpress.com/wp-admin/index.php

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