Monday, April 27, 2015

Querying Author Interview: Misa Buckley

Happy Monday, everyone! Today's querying author is:

Misa Buckley

Website: misabuckley.com
Twitter: @MisaBuckley



How long have you been writing?
I started writing 1999, with fanfic. I was challenged to write original for the National Novel Writing Month in November 2010 and though I "lost", I decided to write to towards publication. My first novella was released in July 2011.

What inspired the project you’re currently querying?
I was raised on a steady diet of Star Trek and Doctor Who, which turned into a love for all things science fiction. I'm a fan of many shows, such Stargate SG-1, Farscape, and Andromeda, and this love of starships and relationships came together to form GENESIS DUSK.

What’s your elevator pitch for the project you’re currently querying?
On a generational starship with a strict caste system one technician will rise above her status to change the fate of a galaxy.

What are you working on in the meantime to keep yourself from checking your email every three seconds?
Most the day job, but I also have steampunk stories on the go. Not sure how long they'll be yet.

What are three books that have shaped you as a writer?
Douglas Adams' The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy was the first sci fi novel I read, and I loved the quirky humour of it. I also loved how Arthur was a real everyman, with no real skills or specialised knowledge.
THE COLOUR OF MAGIC by the late, great Terry Pratchett was another quirky novel. I loved how clever it was. I think my favourite character was the Luggage. 
Gay Gavriel Kay's TIGANA is a beautiful, lyric fantasy with deep worldbuilding. It also made me realise that there isn't such a thing as good and evil, and that even the "bad guy" is the hero of his own story.

Are you a plotter or a pantser or an all-of-the-above-er? What is your writing process?
Mostly a pantser, though I do a little planning. I tend to write a back page blurb and go from there. I also keep notes as I go.

What advice would you give to a writer about to take the plunge into querying?
Don't query every agent going – search those who represent the genres you write in and then read their submission guidelines carefully. It helps to have a folder of documents – basic query, synopsis, first three chapters, first five pages, full manuscript – so you have everything to hand before you start. And fill in the email address last just in case you hit 'send' by accident!

How do you take your caffeine?

I don't. I prefer flavoured water. Or cider!

Thanks so much for participating in the interview series, Misa! Best of luck querying GENESIS DUSK!

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