Pine Creek received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Kamille Roach.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Pine Creek, July 2023.
What’s the book’s first line?
‘Sara would remember how cold it was the day Alec went Missing.’
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Pine Creek is a dark rural mystery set in the heart of New South Wales in the eighties. The disappearance of talented boy Alec exposes deep prejudices, fear and the secrets we keep.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
Two years ago I was having coffee with a friend when I got talking about the sheep and cattle farm where I grew up. I was reminded of a story I wrote about wrestling fly struck rams in the rain and mud when I was sixteen. My sister and I had the help of two city boys. That story took me back to memories of a very intense time in Australia’s history.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
It’s completely unique, real, raw and has been called ‘un-put-downable.’
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character?
She’s so flawed and so relatable. Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of? Fragments of lots of people, even myself.
When did you first decide to become an author?
It wasn’t a decision. I was inflicting stories on my five siblings from the age of four.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
No, it’s my second Australian mystery novel. I’ve written short stories, memoir and articles with photos. A fun one was about non-lethal bird deterrents. Birds are hard to photograph!
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
Nursing and Fitness Instructing. I have two gorgeous dogs to play with too. They helped inspire the dog characters in Pine Creek.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
3 Days a week, but I sneak off to the office whenever I can. Seven days a week when I’m in the final editing phases. That’s when I start thinking I’m actually living in a fictional world and things get weird.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
Best: Freedom, control and satisfaction. Worst: Lack of guidance, cost and inconsistent quality of freelance editorial team.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Give yourself loads of time and be savvy about where you spend your precious dollar.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling?
Yes!
If so, why?
For the guidance, money and not having the burden of marketing and publicity. Plus, you get credibility. I’ve grown to be savvy and enthusiastic about self-promotion, but it didn’t come naturally.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I love writing – the imagined world is great for my well-being. I am master of my universe and can decide on my own ending.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
That’s hard, because there are several. But Cormac McCarthy. Of course, Cormac McCarthy.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
Stolen, by Lucy Christopher. For the setting, the concept, the way she left readers aching for a sequel. I love YA books.