Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

Hi, Fiona!

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

My name is Livian Grey (which is of course my pen name) and I’m 37 next month.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m originally from a little coastal town in Western Australia called Australind.

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

I grew up in Australind and moved to Perth to study and complete my BA in Writing. My parents are actually from the UK but both came to Australia to teach and met at the same school here, so they decided to stay and have a family. I live with my partner in Perth now and work for an insurance company.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I’ve recently released a new edition of my self-published book Progeny, with a short story included as a bonus. Aside from that, there’s been a lot of interest in my self published ebooks via Smashwords and my reviews are starting to pick up too.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started around age 11 because we only had two television stations where I lived and it was a great way to pass the time.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

That’s a good question. I think once I received my first publishing contract with Kellan I felt like I could really call myself that. I think other people called me a writer before I did.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My first novel I published with Kellan was based on a shorter story I wrote a long while back I wanted to revisit from a new perspective, as I liked the premise but wasn’t happy with the original version.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I don’t remember really agonizing with the title “Into the Other”. Once I’d established the world and its name, the title just made sense.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I basically stick to third person narration, and dabble in present tense. I’ve stuck to prose and I have to say I find fantasy the most challenging genre in terms of being original.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

A lot of Into the Other is inspired by my playing roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons and boardgames with a fantasy slant. Some of my geeky friends will probably recognise the games I’m alluding to in the story. Usually my characters have little pieces of me and my experiences, or an aspect of a person I know. I’ve never written a character based entirely on a single person I’ve met.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

I’m not a big traveller at all, and my home town was boring so it was easy for me to make stuff up. I do go for walks to help with writer’s block though.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

The cover design was made by Natalia Mediavilla Rodríguez, who was responsible for the cover art for another Kellan author. She was fantastic to work with and I immediately loved what she designed for me.

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I’m hoping Into the Other gives people a moment to think about what it means to be opposed to another person and perhaps look for ways to try and put themselves in the other person’s shoes.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?  Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

 I’m a bit behind trends with newer authors. My favourite author is AM Homes as she has an honest style I admire and wish that I could adopt. She doesn’t pull punches.

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

My partner Mark has always been supportive of my want to be published.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

At the moment I’m loving doing my own thing, I’m not sure if it will be something I can consider a career. Perhaps in the future.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I’d probably do some more world building for the Other.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

 I was doing a bit of research on butterflies for the story and ended up looking up different translations of the word “butterfly” to create a character name.

 Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

I’d really love Elsie Fisher (Eighth Grade) to play the character of Ralla, she really fits her appearance and would do Ralla justice in terms of boldness.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Keep doing what you’re doing, and always listen to constructive criticism when it’s delivered in good faith. Negative comments you can ignore.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I know you’re all so busy and it’s hard to find time to read but I’d love to know what you think!

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m finishing off John Birmingham’s book The Tasmanian Babes Fiasco.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I think it was called Creeps about a girl who people think is an alien. Can’t remember the author’s name.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Game Grumps on YouTube make me laugh. A good movie will make me cry.

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

I’d like to meet my favourite youtuber, Lindsay Ellis, just to say thanks for her unique perspective on films.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I’m really into movies and reading.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I’m a big fan of Twin Peaks and other quirky shows. My favourite films tend to be indie dramas and comedies.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Right now I love vanilla bean yogurt. I love purple most of all. I’m into all kinds of music by indie bands mostly but I love Kesha’s album Rainbow too.

 Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

I’d love to learn to draw better. Or I’d get into making movies.

 Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

I’d watch all my favourite movies for the last time.

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?

“Kept going when no one else thought she would.”

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

https://liviangrey.wixsite.com/liviangreybooks

Amazon: USA  https://www.amazon.com/Livian-Grey/e/B010FNPY98/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Livian-Grey/e/B010FNPY98?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&qid=1554236528&sr=1-6-spell