An idea squeezed into my head in 2023, after seeing so many of the book community gathering at conventions across the US and UK. And once my FOMO subsided, I got to thinking about who might be gathered together if we had similar conventions closer to home. Pending the master planning required to arrange a massive convention, I thought the next best thing might be to run an Australian & New Zealand author showcase. So, I sent out the call, with the only prerequisite for participating being the author had to have been born in either country or currently live there.
Its now 2024 and the Aussie / New Zealand Author Showcase is gathering steam again. Just when I thought it was over even more talent has emerged, at this rate its threatening to become year long event! I will continue to post their individual showcases at regular intervals. So hopefully you will enjoy these interactions with some very talented people. Please be sure to check out their work, sign up to their newsletters and follow them on their social media of choice. I make no apologies for any damage inflicted to your TBR’s!
Showcase No 22 finds me chatting to Aussie author S.K. Putt, whose Viking Fantasy, The Kinslayer was published in November 2023.
- Do you feel that being an Aussie / Kiwi (or residing there) influences your writing?
Definitely, it made me tell an honest/emotional story. I believe we wear our hearts on our sleeves and that’s the best way to tell a tale.
- What are some of the challenges being located so far away from the rest of the world, do have any tips for overcoming these?
For someone who writes in a Norse world/fantasy, travelling here is a challenge. But luckily with so much information online to draw inspiration from, makes it an achievable world to write in.
- How do you go about establishing connections in the book community? (any tips / suggestions)
Creating social media accounts is a great way to build connections within the community. Sharing and interacting with people over common books you enjoy is a great start.
- Do you have a favourite character to write? And conversely are there any of your characters that are the more of a struggle?
Øxa, is a personal favourite of mine. I love her spirit and will to defy the odds. A bird/raven called Svartr, is a POV in The Kinslayer and to write in a birds POV was surreal/challenging but so much fun.
- So aliens finally reveal themselves to us and your work is presented to them as example of what humanity has to offer, what do you hope they will take away from this intergalactic exchange?
Humans are brutally and blindly devoted to Gods. Even if their own are to be sacrificed.
- Tell us something about yourself that not many people know?
I’ve only started writing since June 2022.
- What would you say is the best thing about being an author and the worst?
Best; you literally can write what you want and have the freedom to make it what YOU want it to be about. Worst; Editing. Being honest with yourself when you know you can make a chapter better or accepting hard but great feedback.
- Any other Aussie / Kiwi creatives you’d like to give a shout out for? (let’s spread the love)
L.R. Schulz and Emily Wyeth are two Aussie authors who have helped so much with my development as an author. Kris (A Fictional Escapist) is such a great support, not just with me but a lot of indie-authors.
- What’s your favourite quote or passage from one of your books?
I implored the Gods for my father to be alive in battle and save me.
- What can you say about your current project or what you are planning next?
Work is currently underway on a novella set in the same world as Kinslayer.
Bonus Question: Lastly Vegemite* yes or no?
Hard Yes!
* An iconic dark salty spread that (most) Australians slap on toast for breakfast (NB explanation for the rest of the world)
Author Bio:
S.K.Putt is the author of THE KINSLAYER, a Viking Fantasy novel.
After many, many years of reading he decided it was time to create his own world for others to experience. Fantasy and historical fiction authors such as Robin Hobb, John Gwynne, Matthew Harffy and Tim Hodkinson are just a few to name that have inspired S.K.Putt.
He lives in the Mornington Peninsula, VIC, Australia with his wife and two children.
Book Link:
The Kinslayer
Social Media Links
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