Paula Welch is a new author on the Australian literary stage. Following her dream of writing books, she graduated Griffith University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and Literature.
Writing for pleasure, she has written three novels. Two of which are still in the editorial stages.
Paula and I worked on the new cover of her book A River Of Fortune which you can buy on Amazon in Kindle or paperback formats or at your local online bookseller.
As a new author, it was interesting to find out about her, how she started writing and what inspired her. In general, how to take the first steps in this career. Here is her reply.
How did you decide to start writing? As a child, did you imagine that one day you would become a writer?
Since I was a small child I loved writing stories, especially when I was in primary school. My writing was big and messy but most teachers seemed to let that slide. However, in later years at school I struggled with English which left me believing I couldn't be a writer.
Thanks to my degree, I learned how to put pen to paper easier than I once thought possible.
I've learned how to write free form, to develop my characters and how to plot out each chapter. In the end, writing my novel was the easy part.
Editing and formatting my novel for publication was the most difficult. But during this process I've learned how to edit and proof-read with more confidence and as for the formatting ... leave it to the professionals.
How did the idea for your first book come about? What inspired you to write this particular story?
My first novel, The Interlopers, written for young adults, was taken from a short story I’d written for a speculative fiction class at university. I needed to start writing, so I took this short story and turned it into a full-length novel. It was my first so I haven’t published it yet. I haven’t decided yet to write it as a trilogy or three small books inside one larger book.
My first published novel, A River of Fortune, had been in my head for many, many years. I spent six years completing my degree before I attempted to write it.
Click on the image to read an excerpt on Amazon
Describe the genre of the book and what is the idea for it?
A River of Fortune, is a modern adult fiction, drama novel surrounding the lives of five ordinary women. It is set in the picturesque surroundings of Devon in England.
* * *
About A River Of Fortune
What would you do if you found £1.2 pounds
in a Devonshire river?
Maggie Malloy was a shy and predictable young woman who found herself at a crossroads. Life had dealt Maggie with some tragic blows. But a fortunate discovery bestowed upon Maggie an appealing opportunity. Albeit, illegal.
With the help of her four endearing friends, Maggie made a radical and life-changing decision. This event started them on a journey of enlightenment, charity, and danger.
Through their journey, Maggie learned the value of friendship and, more importantly, how to live again. Not only did Maggie's fortunes blossom, but so did those of her friends and her beloved town of Friars Meadow.
Yet best laid plans start to unravel when they find themselves up against criminals of every calibre. Not realising the significance of what she found, Maggie and her friends must outmanoeuvre all threats or risk losing everything they hold dear.
During her Crusade Maggie finds love in the most unexpected place. Unbeknown to Maggie, Jonathan Swift is not who he appears to be. After their brief encounter, Maggie wonders if she'll ever see him again.
Jonathan, a senior analyst at GCHQ, was investigating an armoured van heist. But the robbery is the least of his problems when he discovers what the thieves were really after. His investigation would eventually lead him to Maggie's door.
Will he be able to protect Maggie and her friends before it's too late?
* * *
How did you create the characters in your book? Are they entirely the fruit of your imagination, or can we say that they are inspired by people in your environment, in your life?
My characters are solely created from my imagination. They do not resemble anyone I know. I wanted to learn how to create characters from scratch.
And what kind of literature do you like to read yourself?
I love reading action/adventure, and crime-solving novels.
Which authors are among your favourites in writing style?
I love to read, Elizabeth George, Minette Walters, and Jeffrey Archer to name a few.
What do you think is the secret of a successful novel? The one who will stay and establish himself in time?
I think the secret to a successful novel is to entertain the reader. Develop your characters well before starting. Get to know them and give them a live before the novel. When you start writing about your characters, you already know a lot about them.
What did you find out about yourself while writing your first book?
That I can do it. I have stopped telling myself, I can’t do it. Those few little words prevented me from writing for many, many years.
What are your creative plans? What are you working on right now, if it's not a secret?
Right now, I just write for pleasure. I’m going to keep writing in my spare time, and hopefully one day, I can write full-time. I’m going to re-write my first novel, The Interlopers, once I have finished writing, Cloud Piercer, which will be my second published novel. I don’t want to give too much away but it’s about a rescue.
What is your advice to beginning writers who are taking their first steps in this profession?
Don't let anyone tell you, you can't do it.
If you're hesitant, enrol in a writing degree. You will gather a great deal of knowledge and skill in writing, in whatever form you choose to write in. Learn how to write well. My degree, Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Creative Writing and Literature, taught me so much more than I could have imagined. It gave me the confidence to write, and I haven’t stopped since. I also took a small class in editing, which helped me edit and proof-read all my drafts which have improved with each edit.
* * *
I believe we have piqued your curiosity, and you can't wait to read an excerpt from the
A River Of Fortune. Meet the characters and peek into the world of Paula Welch on Amazon or on her website. Enjoy!
