It gives me great pride to share an interview with Naomi Shippen on her debut publication day! Naomi and I met on Twitter over 3 years ago and she’s been such a wonderful critique partner. I’ve always loved reading her work and now you can too!

Hi Naomi, thanks for being on Kelly’s Writerly Q&A. First of all, congratulations on the publication of your debut novel! What is Far From Harm about?

Far from Harm is about aspiring writer, Theresa, who makes a tree change to the Victorian High Country of Australia, where she meets and marries local entrepreneur, Rick. Life on their idyllic Alpine property is bliss until Rick’s ex-wife, Anita, goes to Europe with her new boyfriend, leaving them to care for Rick’s teenage daughter, Chloe. As weeks turn into months with no word from Anita, Theresa must discover the truth about the women in Rick’s past, in time to save herself and her unborn child.

It’s such a great read! What prompted you to write this story?

I have always been fascinated by the story of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, and the way that the character of Rebecca looms large, even though she is never physically present. With relationships being so fluid these days, I wanted to explore the spectre of the former partner in new relationships. In my story, Theresa starts out by feeling quite competitive and dismissive toward her new husband’s former wives, but as the story progresses, she comes to realise that for her own survival, she must listen to their stories.

This angle works really well. I absolutely love how you wrote Rick and the way he handles the women in his life. How long did it take you to write Far From Harm?

Altogether, it took me about three years, while working full time and completing another project. 

That’s quite a good pace for a debut. Since you and I met on Twitter and have been supporting each other ever since we first swapped manuscripts, can you share some tips on how to find a critique partner as awesome as you?

Ha, ha! Thanks, Kelly. I remember that first Tweet I put out looking for another author to swap manuscripts with. Thank you so much for putting up your hand, I haven’t looked back since. I think you just have to put yourself out there. Engage with people on social media, and now that we can do so, attend in-person events and classes. Basically, just show up and you will soon meet your tribe.

Most importantly, if you want a critique partner, then ask for one. Be very clear about your project and the kind of feedback you’re looking for. Tell prospective critique partners what genre you’ve written, the length of the manuscript, the timeframe for which you would like a response, and whether you’re after just general feedback or if you’re ready for a full-on line edit. It’s very important to state how far you have gone yourself in the editing process.

That’s just one reason why you’re so awesome to work with, Kelly, you set up very clear expectations and were always accountable.  

Great advice! Yes, I remember that tweet and how nervous I was to respond, but you have been absolutely amazing and I’m so glad we met. It just goes to show that putting yourself out there does pay off. Where do you write?

At my desk in front of my lounge-room window. 

Lovely!

Let’s talk about querying, how did you get your yes?

I got my yes after a spreadsheet full of nos. Rejection is inevitable, but you have to keep going. You were instrumental in helping me get my yes, Kelly. I read the interview you did with thriller author, Jess Kitching, and went on to read both her novels, which I loved. As I write in a similar vein to Jess, I looked up her publisher, which is Kingsley Publishers. They were open for submissions and did not require agent representation, so I completed their online form and was very happy when they accepted my manuscript.

This is the most wonderful thing! Thank you for reading my blog and sharing how it helped you find your publisher. Can you tell me about your writing process?

I start with character, as that is the most important aspect of the story to me. Unless you care about the characters, you’re not going to care what happens to them. Once I’ve got the characters in my mind, I put them in hot water. I’m very much a plotter so I make up a story grid with the three acts and five plot points then fill in the blanks.

Characters are so important. And I love how you put them in hot water, that’s what makes your story so interesting. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Take your time and enjoy the process. Writing is a long game, and any rewards are hard-earned and come slowly. Make sure you gather support within the writing community because everybody else probably thinks you’re mad. Reach out to people online and in person. It may take time to find your writing tribe but hopefully, you will find a critique partner as fantastic as Kelly.

Ha ha, you are the best too! Love this message - enjoy the journey above all else. What are you currently reading and loving?

I’ve just finished listening to Black Lies by Mercedes Mercer on Audible. It has an intriguing premise and it’s set in a prison, which I find fascinating. It is fast-paced yet still quite reflective, and the relatable characters put under extreme pressure really drew me in. The narration by Caroline Lee was just perfect, especially when reading the part of the protagonist, Dr Laura Flemming.

I’ve seen this book featured by Reading by Candlelight! It sounds amazing! So, what can we expect from you next?

I am currently working on a contemporary domestic suspense set in suburban Melbourne. My protagonist is a reformed bad girl, now a married mother of two teenage sons, whose impulsive behaviour has landed her in some seriously life-ruining trouble.

Awesome! Great to hear that you’re working on your next book, I hope I get to read it soon!

Thanks again for all your support over the years, Naomi, I hope you enjoy your very first publication day, I know it will be one of many!

Follow Naomi on Instagram.

And thanks for reading.

Kelly