1. Can you tell us a something
interesting that readers may not know about you?
My family know that I'm not a great fan of television, but dare anyone
disturb me when I'm watching Miss Marple, Hercule Poriot or Midsummer Murders. I
don't read or write murder mysteries so this may appear unusual. Upon
reflection, it's probably due to the strong characters, mysterious settings and
spooky music.
2. Do you get to read many books and if so do you have a favourite
Genre?
I read at least two books simultaneously. Since the introduction
of the Kindle I usually have a queue of e-books waiting to be read, as well as
a pile of real books next to my bed. I like most genres of Fiction but am
particularly interested in stories that serve to entertain while broadening my
knowledge base. If I put a book down knowing a little bit more about myself or
the world, I feel satisfied.
3. Where did you get the idea for your current book?
I listened to a heartbreaking account of an Aboriginal baby stolen, in
the 1950's, from a cot in a South Australian hospital. I realized how little I
knew about the tragedy of the Aboriginal Stolen Generations. I set about
researching this dark chapter of our history and I wanted to share the outcome
of my research. I chose Inspirational Fiction as the format in order to weave romance,
humour, spirituality and faith throughout the story. I hope this makes it an
entertaining as well as an informative read.
4. In your latest book did you learn any interesting tidbits in your
research?
Where do I begin? I learnt about Aboriginal totems, photographic
dark rooms, the story behind the Song of Songs, icy hair caps in cancer
treatment and medical emergencies in the Australian outback. I'm hoping that
readers will benefit from all this research.
5. What does a typical writing day look like?
Out of necessity, I've learnt to be a 'morning person'. On my non-work
days I set the alarm for 5.15am and struggle out of bed. Once I've had my cup
of tea I'm ready to function and I can write prolifically until 9am, when the
rest of the household is in full swing. Our four children are gradually moving
out of home but our family life remains ever busy. I've learnt that early rises
are the only guarantee I have of undisturbed time.
6. If you had one tip for aspiring writers what would it be?
Join a writing group! At the beginning of my writing journey I joined 'Writing
Right', a group that balanced a teaching session with a critique session. The
greatest benefit though was the camaraderie and support of other writers. After
almost ten years the Group ended and I searched the internet for other options.
This is when I came across Omega Writers. Living interstate, my initial contact
with Omega was via social media. I travelled to their writing conferences and,
once again, benefited from the support and fellowship of other writers. If it
wasn’t for Omega I wonder if this debut novel would have been released. I am
also a member of two local groups.
7. What do you hope readers take out of your latest book?
The story has multiple layers and if readers can take a thread of
just one and feel enriched, I have achieved my goal. The characters learn about
the Song of Songs and correlate its principles to their own romance. Dimitri
uncovers potential roots to the Stolen Generation. Leah manages breast cancer
as a young woman. Being a new midwife, Leah's experiences open up the medical
world. The setting provides insight into Outback Australia. Most of all, both
characters grow in their experience of faith. Readers should find many gems in
its pages.
8. A couple of fun questions to end if you were to come to Australia
what would you most like to see?
I would like to experience a high speed ferry ride across Sydney Harbour
during a magnificent sunset. How thrilling to have the wind whip my face and
the waves thrash beneath my feet as we circumvent the Opera House. When the
grey sky turns to black and the Sydney Harbour Bridge blazes into life against
the darkness, I will know those postcards are genuine.
9. Do you have a favourite Ice cream flavour (this interview was
composed on a day where it was over 100f or 40C in Australia)?
My children complain that I buy low fat, low sugar ice cream. They
ask what point there is of buying a tub of ice-cream without flavour. I tell
them it's the only guarantee I have of finding ice-cream in my freezer within
24 hours of doing the shopping.
10. Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that
will
be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.
'Twice stolen' won the CALEB prize for an unpublished manuscript. It is
a love story. It has a sprinkling of medical romance, is imbued with Christian
spirituality and set in the Australian Outback.
It is due for release on Valentine's Day, 2016 in Adelaide, South Australia.
The book is published with Armour Books.
I will have the honour of the publisher, Annie Hamilton, travel to SA to
launch the book.
You can find further information on my website: www.susannetimpani.com.au
February 12th 2016 11am
Naracoorte Christian Books and Gifts
1 Rivoli Lane,
Naracoorte, South Australia.
February 14th, 2016 2pm.
St Pius X Primary School, Hillburn Ave,
Windsor Gardens, South Australia.
