Darklight On... Sue-Ellen Pashley

Today's Darklight On is... Sue-Ellen Pashley

Welcome, Sue-Ellen

                             

How did you come to write speculative fiction? What attracted you to the genre?

I’ve always loved speculative fiction – to be able to let my imagination run that little bit wild and fantastical is a real joy. I have tried a few times to write stories that are more ‘real to life’ but always seem to end up putting something in them that blurs the boundaries. It’s what I love to write.


Are you a plotter? Pantser? Or somewhere in-between?

Somewhere in between. I usually have a very sketchy plot plan to guide me but it really is the characters that drive the story. There’s nothing quite like the feel of surprise when the characters react in a way that I wasn’t expecting (or maybe that’s just me – hmm, perhaps I’m saying too much – I am sane, truly!).


Do you have a favourite of your characters?

That’s an interesting question…like asking if I have a favourite child (which, for the record, I don’t)! I immediately went to say Nick, because I love the slight element of dorkiness that he has, coupled with such a strong determination but I love Grace and the way that she grows in the story – how strong she becomes. Lillie, of course, is just awesome and Jake is the best friend that everyone should have... No, sorry I can’t answer that question!


What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on another book that features one of the minor characters from Aquila. She is such an interesting person – very different to what you see on surface level and I’m really enjoying getting into her head. And better yet, she’s heading to Noosa for the story – a place I love.


What is your favourite part of the process of writing?

I love the excitement of getting into a character’s head and thinking about where their story might head. But I love getting to the end of the first draft too and that wonderful feeling that comes from finishing the story…even if it might need to be tweeked slightly in the editing process.


What can we expect from Sue-Ellen Pashley in the future?

I’d love to say ‘a lot more books!’ And hopefully, that will be true. As well as the MS I’m working on at the moment, I have another 2 in progress as well as a novella that I’m planning to release as a set with 3 other fantastic and talented writers. 2015 will hopefully be a good year.


Who are your favourite authors?

Oh, I have a lot of favourite authors. Anne McCaffrey, Tolkien, Charlaine Harris, J. K. Rowling, Suzanne Collins, Debora Geary, Douglas Adams, Teri Terry, Dan Brown, Maryann Keyes…I could just go on and on. Australian authors include Sandy Curtis, Cheryse Durrant, Amanda Bridgeman, Colleen McCullough, Graeme Simsion, John Marsden…I’d better stop before this list gets ridiculous!


What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading Jump: Twinmaker 1 by Sean Williams


Do you have a favourite spec fiction movie or TV series?

Dr Who (of course), Matrix (despite how confusing it got sometimes!), Game of Thrones (loving the dragons – I want one!), Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (old and new) and I am really loving the Penny Dreadful series at the moment. It has me well and truly hooked, which hasn’t happened for a while. Can’t wait for the second season.


Do you have advice for emerging writers?

The old adage of ‘you can’t edit a blank page’ still stands. So get writing! Also, go to workshops, join writers groups, immerse yourself – learn about the craft and make friends and contacts. And above all, write what you enjoy writing about.

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Thanks, Sue-Ellen

Aquila, the blurb:

Eighteen-year-old Nick Larcombe is a self-confessed non-romantic. Until he lays eyes on Grace Carr, who has just moved to Bruny Island with her grandmother, Lillie.

Already bruised and battered by life, Grace isn’t looking for any sort of relationship, but when Nick, the mysterious boy next door, somehow rescues her from sure death at the bottom of a windswept cliff, Grace needs answers.

But how can Nick give her the answers she needs when he’s been sworn to secrecy, ordered to keep his true nature hidden from the girl he’s fallen hard for? And what will his community do when they discover he’s fallen in love with a human?

Intensely romantic, Aquila is a story of sacrifice and passion, and how true love can make you soar.
 
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