Thanks to fellow author and blogging buddy Rachel Amphlett who invited me to join this blog tour. I have to answer four questions posed by her, and tag three more writers to answer the same questions on their blog or FB page.
What are you working on?
Of Foreign Build which is about sailing around the world on a 33 foot boat for nine years. It is not just about the journey on a boat. It is also about the journey of life and how I changed from a corporate girl into a sea gypsy woman, and how I did battle with the testosterone fuelled nautical world to become both a professional captain and a qualified maritime teacher. Of Foreign Build is a deeply personal account. Currently I am at the editing stage, while working on designs for the front cover.
How does your work feel different to others in its genre?
I write about stuff I am passionate about. It flows that way, it is completely honest and, I think, more natural. Of Foreign Build peels back layers of a women’s character that you rarely see. I had to think carefully about whether I wanted to publish this manuscript which contains so many raw emotions.
Why do you write what you do?
I enjoy writing about life transformations. It is as simple as that. When I am asked to write articles about subjects I am less zealous about, I have to work harder. The subjects that I know about and love just flow out through my fingertips. I have no control, I just HAVE to write.
How does your writing process work?
I’m afraid it’s just as and when. My life has no order in it at all. Currently I am travelling on a boat – that’s the way I like it. However, as far as writing goes I would love to be more organised and have a plan. I plan to have a plan – one day!
When I am at the editing stage, I do become a lot more organised. I have to. My manuscripts go through several editing stages, husband, beta readers and then a professional editor.
Thanks for visiting, now the baton goes to . . . .
Captain Larry
Author of The Frugal Marina & Creaky Dock Lines – a book of funny nautical poems.
If you are interested in boating, The Frugal Mariner has something for you. Whether you are a new boater, an experienced boater, a weekend boater or a full-time cruiser, there is information here you can use. Saltwater Suzi and Captain Larry, the authors of the Frugal Mariner, have lived aboard for 15 years and cruised many thousands of miles.
Sailing around the world was a dream Linda and Bill had for 30 years. They achieved their dream. Sailing in my Sarong written by Linda describes building their yacht Valiam and their epic voyage, with 400 images. $39.95
‘As a writer I do my best. I write for magazines, radio and fun. I have a healthy ego, and a fertile imagination which combines with a robust work ethic to make me a well rounded individual. As the proud possessor of an enlarged funny bone I’m bound to say it has a marked influence on my writing style and my life in general.’ Purchase Hetti’s books here.
Please stop by at their Facebook/blog/website, they’re worth a look . . . and don’t forget to write!
Jackie Parry - author 
September 26, 2014 at 9:22 pm
I know how much hard work goes into a book as I am writing one myself (crime fiction though). There is so much to do once the initial draught is written so Kudos to you Linda. Having said that with being able to sail and write full time I am able to fulfil my life’s ambitions and class myself as one of the luckiest people in the small world.
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September 26, 2014 at 9:33 pm
Hi Mark, Linda wrote Sailing in my Sarong, I wrote Cruisers’ AA and Of Foreign Build. I have three more book ideas before I take the plunge into fiction, but the wheels are turning already. And yes, people don’t realise that the writing bit is easy (well it is for me) – the editing, editing, editing, editing, formatting, preparation, marketing, designing that occurs prior to publishing and then again after, is tremendous and so much more effort (for me) than the writing. Are you self publishing Mark? If you decide to do so, any questions, just holler. I too am lucky to be able to travel and write – it started with cruising magazines when we were cruising on our first sailboat – what great material eh?
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October 5, 2014 at 2:08 pm
Not sure what I am going to do about publishing yet or even if I will. For me I always wanted to write a book and this year actually got down to it. I will finish it first, edit it a 1,000 times and see if someone with more brains than me thinks it is worth publishing. For me I just want to write it to add another tick to my bucket list.
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October 5, 2014 at 3:11 pm
Good luck with it Mark, don’t forget to get fresh eyes to read it, as you will ‘know’ the words and will read over errors! Let me know if I can help in anyway, especially if you go the Indie route.
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