KIC Author Interview
Author Name:_Sarah_Huxlow
Name of Story and genre:
Personal Information:
Where do you live: _Queensland, Australia
What kind of work (outside of KIC) do you do: Lecture in Business Communications & Write
Married or single: Married & with a son
Favorite movie: At the moment…. “Master & Commander” with Russell
Crow
Favorite book: “Wild Swan” by Jung Chang
Favorite author: At the moment…John Grisham
Favorite music: ______________
Hobbies: Sailing, Running & Outdoors activities.
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Tell us a little about your story:
The year is 1789. Handsome,
arrogant and a stranger, JOHN MACARTHUR one day rushes to assist shy and dreamy
ELIZABETH VEALE. The young officer’s aloof manner and ambition wins him a wary
reception in the village of Bridgerule, England, from all except Elizabeth.
Such attributes of love and
loyalty lead to many a heartache and loss as well as success when she
accompanies him to the new penal colony of New South Wales.
Sunflowers in the Desert is a
true story of the first educated couple who chose to go to the convict colony.
This is the exciting story of the Macarthur family; their love and their
pioneering adventure which have earned them fame and a founding historic name.
Give a brief description of the main characters:
John is an ambitious, hotheaded, capable man who is politically aware. Elizabeth grows from a shy young girl into a strong, loyal woman who become the first business woman in Australia.
How did you come up with the idea for your story?
Whilst visiting their family home several years ago and reading about this period – the house still stands today.
Who is your favorite character (in your story) and why?
Elizabeth, she is a very
resilient person and an inspiration for women
Are any of your characters modeled after someone you know personally?
No, not really, but my husband reminds me of John at times!
When did you first know you wanted to write?
At high school. I studied Journalism at University.
What other writing accomplishments do you have?
Various articles both educational and general interest, published in Newspapers (Guardian UK, Herald Australia) and ezines.
How hard is it for you to write in a serialized format instead of in a novel format?
Are you planning on turning your story into a novel?
Yes, I believe it would be a great novel and probably a great movie too.
What do you do when a deadline is approaching and you’ve got writer’s block?
Go for a run to change the air and then read what I’ve written aloud. Often my husband will comment and stir some inspiration.
Do we get a sneak preview or hint as to what’s coming up in your story?
A whole lot of adventure and emotions…..near ship wreck, heated duels, illness and desperation amid births, romance and success, all set in the Australian world at its origins. The full and dramatic lives of two amazing people.