FAQs
Herein you'll find my answers to frequently asked questions on my writing, publishing, and everything else. Hope you find what you're looking for!
Table Of Contents
About Me
How Did You Start Writing?
Before I grew interested in writing, I spent much time on Scratch, a kid's coding site. There, I encountered a comic about teens with elemental powers, and fell in love. It enraptured my imagination so much, I wrote the backstory for my favorite character, as a short story.
It then occurred to me I could tell stories from my imagination too. Reading and writing fanfiction remains one of my great loves.
How Do You Identify?
I'm queer and neurodivergent.
What Are Your Pronouns?
He/him/his!
Where Are You From?
Regional Victoria in Australia, the lands of the Koori people.
About This Site
What Can I Expect To Find On Your Site?
Many things! Some of my short stories, notes I've taken, newsletter editions, zines, and my art: collages, digital art, drawings, gods' eyes, and photos. Plus, more to come!
The best place to find everything is the sitemap.
What's The Changelog?
The changelog is a record of all changes, additions, and updates made to this site. More for my references, but you might find it interesting!
What's The Colophon?
The colophon is named after the term from the same name in publishing. It's a page with brief statement about the book, the publisher, and the imprint, if applicable.
Mine, in the tradition of many other personal sites, contains:
- Accessibility information
- Checklists (for regular tasks)
- Credits (who I've been inspired by)
- Design Ethe
- Privacy info
- Technical aspects (hosting, programming languages)
What's The Shoebox?
The shoebox, another term from folks who make personal sites, means a 'category' for everything on your site you can't fit anywhere else. Like Miscellanea!
I don't yet have a category page for the shoebox, but here's the list on the sitemap.
Books
Are There Any Easter Eggs In Your Books?
Not at this stage, but as I work on my next series, expect several!
Are You Writing More Books?
Yes, always! You can see what I'm currently writing/editing/publishing on my now page.
Are Your Books Available Internationally?
Yes! Though they're only in English. I'd love to get them translated one day!
Are Your Books On Kindle Unlimited?
No, though you can still purchase my books from Amazon in e-book, hardcover, and paperback.
Can I Get Your Books From The Library?
Yes! Just search your library's catalog to see if it's there. If not, you can request it to be added to the collection! Most libraries have a form on their site, and you can always ask your librarian in-person or by the contact methods they offer.
And if your librarian (or you are from the collections/acquisitions department) and you can't access my books, please, email me! I'll see how I can help.
If you don't have a library card, go and get one! If you can't get one, sign up for an account on the Internet Archive! All my books and zines are available to read there.
Can I Use Your Books For My Book Club?
Of course! All my books are available for your library to order in e-book and print format. If you'd like to purchase them directly, regardless of format, email me. You'll get a bulk discount!
Do You Have Any Book Recommendations?
I have an entire site full! Visit my book blog, Road Less Read, for my favorite reads in fantasy, non-fiction, romance, science fiction, and young adult.
And if you'd like a specific recommendation, you're welcome to email me.
Do You Have Signed Copies Available?
While I don't have the capacity to offer print versions, electronic signed copies are coming soon! Or, you can always email me to ask a custom message.
In What Formats Are Your Books Available?
So far, e-book, hardcover, and paperback. Large print paperback and hardback coming soon!
What Inspires Your Stories?
Great question! Many things, but mostly song lyrics, other books, film, strange concepts, snippets of conversation, and things I notice while walking.
Where Can I Find Content Warnings For Your Books?
On my books page. And if I've missed anything, please, email me!
Where Can I Purchase Your Books?
There are many places! The best is via Ko-Fi or Payhip. You can also visit my books page which displays all my published books and their respective purchase links.
I'll also list the stores you can get them from by format below. My books are also available as part of your Everand and Kobo Plus subscription. (And if you find your favorite store missing from the list, please email me and I'll see what I can do.)
E-Books
- Amazon
- Apple Books
- Barnes & Noble
- Fable
- Kobo
- Smashwords
- Tolino
- Vivlio
- Amazon
- Adlibris
- Agapea
- Barnes & Noble
- Blackwell's
- Booktopia
- Books Express
- Chapters (Indigo)
- Fishpond
- Foyles
- SuperBookDeals
- The Nile
- Walmart.com
- Waterstones
Will There Be A Sequel To The Mara Files?
No. Mara's story is a standalone trilogy.
Will Your Books Be Available In Audio?
I hope to offer that some day!
Contact
How Can I Get In Touch For Media Inquiries?
Please, email me!
Publishing
Are You Traditionally Published Or Indie?
I'm indie published for all my books so far. I'd love to get a deal for a standalone, though!
Will You Blurb My Book?
So kind of you to think of me! Please, email me, and I'll see if it's a good fit.
Will You Read My Manuscript?
Unfortunately, I don't have the capacity to read and offer feedback, unless:
- You write science fiction, fantasy or young adult
- You enjoy stories with queer characters and themes
- You don't mind violence (though no gore) and fictional swearing
- You're willing to read one of my works-in-progress and give feedback too
If that sounds like a good fit, please, email me!
Other Questions
Do You Accept Guest Posts?
No, I don't. I appreciate you asking, though! However, if you'd like to collaborate on something, read the answer to the question below.
Do You Have A Newsletter?
Yes, I do! It's called Wandering Worlds, and I publish it monthly. You can follow along via the RSS feed, receive it as an email, or read it in your Substack app. I also archive each edition here.
Each edition includes what I've been making, thinking about, reading, and planning to do next. It also includes interesting tidbits, links, books, and whatever else I think you might enjoy. As Robin Sloan says about his excellent newsletter, "It ranges widely, across books and media and modern life, and I always try to make it feel like a note from a friend."
Do You Collaborate With Others? How Can I Get Involved?
So glad you asked! If you'd like to write a post with me, have me write the script for your comic or the lyrics for your song, or anything else you might find interesting to do together...
Please, email me! I'd love to see what you want to make.
How very kind of you! If you're the reading sort (or your friends and/or loved ones are) you can purchase my books and zines directly from my stores on Ko-Fi and Payhip. You can also order them from wherever you like to get books, or request your library get them in!
If you've read and enjoyed my books (or have constructive criticism I should know about) please leave a review on your favorite store, your socials and/or your website (if you have them!) I appreciate all feedback, positive or constructive. Bonus points for both!
If you like my writing and want to follow along, you can receive my monthly newsletter by RSS, email, in your Substack app, or just checking this page every so often for new issues.
And, if you'd like to send me funds for... (well, water, as boring as it sounds, I don't drink anything else) you can do so on Ko-Fi.
Where Can I Find You Online?
I'm on Are.na, Amazon, Goodreads, the Indieweb, the Internet Archive, and Ko-Fi.
Webweaving
When You Discover Sites You Like, How Do You Know When There Are New Posts?
I list them in my blogroll. I recommend an RSS Reader like CommaFeed. RSS Readers track new posts on sites for you!
Which Site Host Do You Use/Recommend?
I use WPX. NeoCities is free but uses their domain (example.neocities.org) unless you pay for a custom one. I'd recommend renting your domain. Another free option with custom domains is Netlify, but it's more technical. You need to connect it to a GitHub folder, and it automatically updates your site when you make changes.
Writing
Do You Have Advice For Aspiring Writers?
Yes, of course! Here's what I've found useful, but remember, as Austin Kleon said: "Some advice can be a vice. Take what you can use, and leave the rest."
- Carry a notebook (or a notes app on your phone) and write your ideas down as you think of them. Everything. Always. You never know the connections future you might draw.
- Related to the above, keep a 'spark file' or whatever you'd like to call it. As long as it's a list where you write down ideas for future projects.
- Have a few work-in-progress on the go at once.
- Finish things, and put them out in the world. Bravery is hard to come by, but it can be learned. And constructive criticism is the fastest way to improve.
The beauty of writing is I still consider myself a perpetual student. Everyone is!
How Do You Overcome Creative Challenges?
I'll be honest with you. I didn't write much at all in 2023-2024. Because I allowed 'writers block' and 'lack of inspiration' to get the better of me. I don't wait for the muse to come anymore. I just sit down and do the work. It'll all get done eventually.
What's Your Writing Process Like?
When writing The Mara Files (which took five years) most of that time was spent on... revision. Because I had no idea where the story was going when I started, and would find deep gaping holes with each version I drafted. So I never wanted to do that again.
Now I plan out the book and create a rough codex before I begin, and add to the outline and codex as I go. It saves much time, and allows me to get to and stay with the fun part (the actual prose writing) much quicker. The story does change as I go along, though. It's inevitable!
My Question Isn't Answered Here!
Please, email me! I'd be happy to help.
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