Kendall’s debut novel, Lost
in Kakadu, is being released on August 1st through Escape
Publishing, and I can’t wait! I’m also attending a private book launch party,
which should be fantastic.
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| Kendall Talbot |
For those of you not from Australia, Kakadu National Park is
Australia’s largest park. Situated in the very far north of Australia, in the
Northern Territory, it is a rugged, crocodile infested wilderness area, the
likes of which is rare to be found anywhere else. I was lucky enough to go on a
camping trip through Kakadu many years ago, before it was designated a National
Park, and trust me, it is a stunning place.
So, I’d like to introduce you all to Kendall, and hear about
her adventurous life, and her marvellous book.
Noelle: How long
have you been writing Lost in Kakadu?
Kendall: I started and finished ‘Lost in Kakadu’
during the ‘Year of the Novel’ course at the Queensland Writers Centre in 2008.
But it has taken me five years, dozens of re-writes, and a year with a professional
editor to get it to where it is now.
Noelle: Sounds
like a labour of love, but well worth it.
What or who inspired you to write about Kakadu?
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| Bird's eye view of Kakadu |
Kendall: I love a great survival story – ‘Titanic’, ‘Bear
Grylls’, ‘I shouldn’t Have Survived’, I also love a good romance. But it was
while I was hiking the Milford Trek in New Zealand that the idea formed to have
a survival romance set in Australia’s heritage listed Kakadu National Park.
Noelle: What sort
of research did you do to bring your story to life?
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| A young Aboriginal boy eating witchetty grubs. |
Noelle: Okay,
well remind me not to come over for dinner when you’re researching! Tell us
about the heroine and hero:
Kendall: Abigail was inspired by a previous boss I
had who was a complete bitch. I imagined what would be the worst thing I could do
to her. And crashing her into rugged Australian bush without any luxuries was
the answer. But then I wanted to make her suffer more so I made her survive the
crash with a complete stranger. Someone she’d never associate with…are you
ready…a bisexual man (gasp). During the course of the book, Abigail learns more
about herself than she did in her whole life. It’s beautiful to follow her
transformation.
Mackenzie on the other
hand is a true hero. He’s deliciously handsome, has an Adonis body, eyes the
colour of molten honey and cooks a mean snake kebab. His life has been a rollercoaster of tragedy
and triumph. Mackenzie is unashamed of being bisexual and during the course of
the book, he teaches Abigail what love really means.
Together Abigail and
Mackenzie must learn to survive in an environment that’s as beautiful as it is
brutal - if they don’t kill each other first.
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| A salt water croc in Kakadu |
Kendall: I have a couple of works in progress. Treasured
Love is the next book I hope to have published. It’s a modern day treasure hunt
with a 700 year old mystery, an evil priest, and a dash of romance. It takes
you on a journey from the stunning beaches of Australia, to historical Tuscany
and into the exotic waters of the Greek Islands. It’s a fabulous ride and was loads
of fun to write.
Noelle: What tips
would you have for aspiring authors who feel passionate about the stories they
write:
Kendall: Firstly - if your story isn’t written down
then just write the next 250 words. And then the next. Gradually it will come
together. Everyone has time for 250 words. Each day you’ll find yourself
thinking of the next section, so when you do have time, you will produce it with
ease.
Secondly - Set
yourself milestones and go for them. Whether it’s finishing the novel,
researching it, submitting it to publishers or planning a complete series.
Write your goals down and stay focused on them.
Thirdly – Surround
yourself with writing help. Build a network of writing buddies, join writing
organisations such as the Queensland Writers Centre and Romance Writers
Australia, or hire an expert. My book would never be where it is without all of
these, especially my editor. Oh and never stop learning your craft, join
courses, read what your favourite authors have to say, and subscribe to writing
magazines or websites.
Finally – believe in
yourself…if you LOVE your story then the chances are someone else will too.
Noelle: Kendall,
thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us about your forthcoming book. I
can’t wait to get my hands on it on release day – 1st August. Where
can readers get a hold of it?
Kendall: It will be out on Amazon and all good online booksellers. Best ideas is to visit the Escape Publishing website.
Noelle: And
finally, where can readers connect with you?
Links:
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| So, where will my world-wide wanderings take me next? |
