Ask the Author: SKETA
Answered Questions (9)
SKETA
They say, she was a somebody; still the ravens tore at her flesh, as if she was a nobody.
SKETA
I read a very awesome, romantic novel called 'Emily Hudson', written by the English author - Melissa Jones. I picked it up, years ago - at a sale to be exact and it was a very descriptive read - set in a very isolated, lonely area of the UK. Anyhow, the story winds its way to Rome and back through Surrey and then to the sand dunes of Newport, Rhode Island. Given, it is set around the time of the Civil war, the story is written with the help of enchanting letters being sent back and forth between characters.
I remember the staging of desolate dunes; rolling hills of flowers and the noisy streets of Rome, but never really touching any of it. You see, Emily is quite a sickly character, and the reader is forced to remain in the invalid's chair. You are forced to imagine how Emily feels - envious of other characters exploring the sun and fresh air.
I just loved the book; the treatment and the peaceful, romantic read that was entwined, was so refreshing. It put me right there in the moment.
I remember the staging of desolate dunes; rolling hills of flowers and the noisy streets of Rome, but never really touching any of it. You see, Emily is quite a sickly character, and the reader is forced to remain in the invalid's chair. You are forced to imagine how Emily feels - envious of other characters exploring the sun and fresh air.
I just loved the book; the treatment and the peaceful, romantic read that was entwined, was so refreshing. It put me right there in the moment.
SKETA
I have to admit, I was a little bit of a late starter when it comes to reading Ken Follett (he's an English/Welsh author if you don't know of him). It has always been on my list of things to do, but I just never got around to it.
Anyhow, given my mum also loves a good read, I was on the hunt for something new... and I just happened to pick up 'The Pillars of the Earth'.
It thought, 'now, here is a good opportunity to kill two birds with the one stone'. So, I bought both books - the second one being, 'World Without End'. The first, I ended up giving to mum for Christmas and the second is on my bedside table for nightly reading. And, if mum appreciates the first read, as equally as I am reading the second one, then we could make a swift exchange of books later on down the track, for another awesome read. Too good! I'll let you know how I go.
Anyone reading Ken Follett's books?
Anyhow, given my mum also loves a good read, I was on the hunt for something new... and I just happened to pick up 'The Pillars of the Earth'.
It thought, 'now, here is a good opportunity to kill two birds with the one stone'. So, I bought both books - the second one being, 'World Without End'. The first, I ended up giving to mum for Christmas and the second is on my bedside table for nightly reading. And, if mum appreciates the first read, as equally as I am reading the second one, then we could make a swift exchange of books later on down the track, for another awesome read. Too good! I'll let you know how I go.
Anyone reading Ken Follett's books?
SKETA
For one - I try not to classify it as writer's block. I think, it is just a case of application to work. If writing is a thing you just have to do, it will flow no matter what. Yes, you will have days where you will get stuck not knowing how to get started, but isn't that like any task that one commences?
I think also, you must start your writing with the end in mind. Just hoping you will have a story as soon as you put pen to paper, is probably asking a bit much. Your brain has no reference upon which to base a story, so of course you will sit there empty-headed. There are very few writers who have successfully managed to just start writing.
Some writers might say they don't plan, but trust me they do. Whether that plan is formulated on one's mind and painstakingly mulled over for a week or whether it has been skilfully crafted on paper for future referral - it is still called planning.
It is important to work out where your story will end up - after all, that is the whole reason for writing; to tell a good tale. Approach it, as if you are spinning a good yarn to your friends or family - about the days events. Get it all down in a paragraph and then expand. Work out the finer details of who, what, where... once you have completed your outline.
I think also, you must start your writing with the end in mind. Just hoping you will have a story as soon as you put pen to paper, is probably asking a bit much. Your brain has no reference upon which to base a story, so of course you will sit there empty-headed. There are very few writers who have successfully managed to just start writing.
Some writers might say they don't plan, but trust me they do. Whether that plan is formulated on one's mind and painstakingly mulled over for a week or whether it has been skilfully crafted on paper for future referral - it is still called planning.
It is important to work out where your story will end up - after all, that is the whole reason for writing; to tell a good tale. Approach it, as if you are spinning a good yarn to your friends or family - about the days events. Get it all down in a paragraph and then expand. Work out the finer details of who, what, where... once you have completed your outline.
SKETA
I think the best part about this stage of my life is that I get to combine all my artistic talents with my intellectual passion.
You see, books have two purposes - to teach and to entertain!
As a writer, if I can do both at the same time, while helping a young child with literacy problems - Then, I'm doing my job!
You see, books have two purposes - to teach and to entertain!
As a writer, if I can do both at the same time, while helping a young child with literacy problems - Then, I'm doing my job!
SKETA
I'm a big believer in the fact that 'everything is possible - you just have to want it bad enough!'
I'm sure you have all read Audrey Hepburn's famous quote...
'There is not such thing as Impossible.
The word itself says, I'm Possible!'
I'm sure you have all read Audrey Hepburn's famous quote...
'There is not such thing as Impossible.
The word itself says, I'm Possible!'
SKETA
I have a few things on the go presently - illustration for the second book of 'Possum Tales'; writing the third novel in 'The Parchment' series and illustrations for 'Pepi the Pelican'.
SKETA
I am never short of ideas for a story - especially for short stories. The area of Australia in which I live is teeming with wildlife... Not to mention, I grew up on a miniature farm. So, I have heaps of resources.
SKETA
This short series eventuated out of the escapades of a passel of possums that haunt my rooftop. Unfortunately, we have only four possums left, as the summer heat has been such that two died of heat exhaustion. So sad.
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