Interview with Author Helen Weiss
Author Helen Weiss was born in Sydney in 1959. The idea for Fairweather came to her on the 9th January 2000 at 1am from a dead sleep. “I still don’t know where the thought of writing a story through the eyes of a cat came from, but I felt compelled to start researching the story for historical accuracy”, she stated in this introduction to this interview.
The next five years entailed late nights, and Helen dedicated every spare minute, from hairdressing to managing her husband’s business and bringing up two kids, to research and bringing Fairweather to life. Now that the hard work is done, and 42 illustrations in 18th century drawing techniques, she can’t wait for her readers to enjoy the story of Fairweather of the Bark Endeavour as much as she enjoyed writing it.
Tell me more about your latest book
From ferocious storms to balmy beaches, all of the moments of Fairweather’s fate have been found and can explain so many missing details. From the start or Fairweather’s boarding the Endeavour in a lad’s duffle bag to the return of the ship 3 years later, the narrative is laden with discoveries and the untold stories of life at sea on the Endeavour as only a cat could see it.
Here lies the enticing true and trusted story as told by Fairweather, the custodian of the missing truth and the facts of the amazing history of the Endeavour’s voyage.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?
Time and rigid cross-referenced research to be historically accurate but wrapped in the life and perspective of Fairweather, the Endeavour’s cat.
What is your normal procedure to get your books published?
I self-published this book as so many agents turned it down due to its length, but one must remember it was a 3-year voyage and no stone was left unturned to make it into a rollicking seagoing yarn.
Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?
It must be, as even the last word and illustration done and fact checked, I still have no idea where it all came from.
How many books have you written so far?
Fairweather is my first.
What’s the best way to market your books?
I don’t think there is a ‘best way’. Just getting it out to potential fans and lovers of a good story intermingled with the truth as a good read.
How hard or easy is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
For the entirety of its conception to the final full stop, don’t let a good story go begging for the sake of word counts and small books. Some stories just have to be told, in full.
What is your advice for aspiring writers?
Try to follow your dream, even if the powers that be tell you it’s not worth proceeding. If it isn’t meant to be, it won’t power through the constraints and negativity when you sometimes hit a wall.
Visit Author Helen Weiss book links:-
Website: www.helenweiss.com
Facebook: Fairweather of the Bark Endeavour
More coming soon
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