Darklight On...Gemma Kettley

Today's Darklight On... is with Gemma Kettley. Welcome, Gemma!

How did you come to write speculative fiction? What attracted you to the genre?
I first wrote Murder Mystery type stories. Then a friend of mine and I couldn't get into the books that we were reading so she suggested that we swap. That was the first time I read Fantasy and the book was written by David Eddings. From there I could not read enough I went from fantasy to paranormal then I started getting idea of stories I could write in genre.

Are you a plotter? Pantser? Or somewhere in-between?
I have tried plotting and to this day that story is still sitting in a folder in my filing cabinet. So I would say a panster. It may sound crazy but I like not known where the story is going until I type the words.

Do have a favourite of your characters?
That would have to be my Kombi Delivery Van that is possessed by a demon. It's black with flames painted on the sides. He has a very twisted sense of humour.

What are you currently working on?
I have one Steampunk crime and two urban fantasy on the go at the moment.

What is your favourite part of the process of writing?
Creating the characters and finding out what makes them tick. Also creating new or alternative worlds and histories. As the saying goes the only limit is your imagination.

What can we expect from Gemma Kettley in the future?
Wow now that is a hard question. Hopefully my name in print.

Who are your favourite authors?
That could be a very long list. Patricia Briggs, Rachel Caine, David Eddings, Robert Jordan, Kelley Armstrong, Cassandra Clare, Richelle Mead and to many more to mention.

What are you currently reading?
Currently The Map of Time by Felix J Palma which is a Steampunk Novel set in 1896 with everything from Jack the Ripper to H.G.Wells to the fallout of altering history. My to be read pile now takes up more then one shelf on my book case but next will be Meljean Brook The Iron Duke.

Do you have a favourite spec fiction movie or tv series?
There are so many TV shows to choose from now. My favourites would be Doctor Who, Warehouse 13, Sanctuary, Supernatural, Charmed, Primeval, Haven and Eureka. For movies I love the 2nd Alien movie, X-men, The Lost boys, Lord of the Rings, Van Helsing ( I thought David Wenham as Carl was fantastic) and Star Wars.

Do you have advice for emerging writers?
Never be with out a pen and note book as you never know when and idea may hit. I was in a hospital waiting room once and an idea just hit me 11 hand written pages later I had the start of an Urban Fantasy novel. Go to writers talks (local Libraries and bookshops can be great sources for that).There are also published writers that hold workshops. Join a writers group and a critique group. Also look at joining groups like the Romance Writers of Australia who have a yearly conference. I went to my first this year and was amazed at how much I learnt. Don't be afraid to ask questions ! I meet so many published writers at the conference and they were happy to answer questions. Subscribe to writer's blogs and websites they are a great sources of information. 

READ READ AND READ lots of different authors in the genres that you enjoy. And above all don't give up!

~~~

Thanks, Gemma!

Gemma went beyond the call of duty and got this to me despite technical problems.