Rowena Cory Daniells

answers the Usual Questions

photograph; Rowena Corey Daniells; 135x155

Rowena Corey Daniells came to Festivale's attention years ago when she was publishing science fiction collections while running a second hand bookshop.

(Mumble) years later, she is still publishing and writing. She says of her new series, The Chronicles of King Rolen's Kin., that it is aimed at people who have "worked hard all week and want to put (their) feet up with a good book."

Has your interaction with fans, for example, at conventions, affected your work?

I was a fan, long before I was a professional. I've been going to conventions, sitting in the dealers' room, going to panels and attending room parties since I was 18. I'm still a fan. I'm just more devoted now.

Is there any particular incident (a letter, a meeting, a comment that stands out?

My high school art teacher said she read 'The Last T'En' while sitting beside her mother in hospital and it swept her away. I like to think it was a welcome break from what she was going through.

Do you have a favourite author or book (or writer or film or series) that has influenced you or that you return to?

I like to keep reading and watching. I'm always looking to see how people are tackling the genre. I think the distinct sub genres within speculative fiction are blurring. And I think the fantasy genre is growing more realistic and more challenging, which is a good thing.

Who is the person you would most like to be trapped in a lift with? or a spaceship?

My lap top. I wouldn't want anyone to be trapped with me.

Who is the person you would most DISlike to be trapped in a lift with? Or a spaceship?

Probably a politician.

What would you pack for space? (Is there a food, beverage, book, teddy bear, etc that you couldn't do without?)

Books. I'd have to take books and since they weigh so much I'd have to invest in some sort of E-reader. Oh, and chocolate!

What is the most important thing you would like to get/achieve from your work?

Once I would have said that I'd like to push the boundaries of the genre. Now I think I'll just say that I want to reach people

book cover, The King's Bastard by Rowena Corey Daniells; 90x146

What is the special satisfaction of your work?

There is intrinsic satisfaction in rounding off a story, making all the lose ends tie up. Writing takes up a very special place in my head. I can always go there if I'm stuck waiting for a train, or to pick the kids up. I'm never bored.

submitted by Rowena Cory Daniells

March 8, 2010

For other answers to The Usual Questions Click here

Just the facts:
Born: 1958
Resides: Australia
Bibliography/Awards include: The Chronicles of King Rolen's Kin
The King's Bastard
The Uncrowned King
The Usurper

Blogs:

http://madgeniusclub.blogspot.com /
http://ripping-ozzie-reads.blogspot.com /
Web Pages
www.corydaniells.com
www.ripping-ozzie-reads.com

For posts about Melbourne events, places, news, reviews, giveaways, see our Facebook Page:

www.festivale.info
ISSN 1328-8008