Ask the Author: Carol Preston
Answered Questions (6)
Carol Preston
Again, from my family history research. Because my most recent book is set in the first part of WW1 it's been a relevent and interesting process. There are so many commemorations and rememberances around the 100 year anniversary of the war, I found it a fascinating, heart wrenching and moving experience to reflect on and contemplate what it was like for my ancestors and their contemporaries to live through this time.
Carol Preston
I just return to my family history research and other sources of Australian history and immerse myself in it for a short time. The stories are all there, waiting to be told.
Carol Preston
Currently I am completing preparations for the release of my 10th novel, 'Beyond the Fight'. This is a story set in the first half of WW1 and focusses on the challenges faced by those who were at home in Australia, dealing with the conflicts, prejudices, pressures and pain brought about by a war on the other side of the world. This story is the sequel to my 9th novel, 'Next of Kin', which was released last year and focusses on the challenges of those who faced discrimination and alienation in the 1880s and 90s. Writing about these issues has been life changing for me and I believe will challenge others to think about how prejudice and discrimination destroys our relationships and our communities to this day.
Carol Preston
My only advice would be - write what you are passionate about, what you believe others will be inspired, uplifted or challenged by.
Carol Preston
The best thing about being a writer for me is the prospect of leaving behind a better understanding of how life has developed and changed over the course of Australia's history. I feel there is so much to be learned by exploring, contemplating, and reflecting on the past. As I research and delve into the choices that people have made in the past, the conflicts they have faced, the trauma they have had to deal with, I believe that their stories can help future generations be better informed and prepared for their lives in the present and future. I find that writing offers the incredible opportunity to make this learning available.
Carol Preston
I've never really identified with this concept. Since I started writing 16 years ago my issue has been 'how do I find enough time to write?' Because my writing is inspired by my family history research, there is always plenty of material to draw on and lots of interesting facts to keep my imagination working on story lines. When I get the opportunity to sit down and write I get completely lost in the world of my ancestors.
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