GRL - Coming back for more - Isabelle Rowan

This will be my first ever, public appearance and I’m nervous as hell. Is this your very first public appearance or have you attended other event? If you’ve attended other events, what were they like? Were you nervous the first time?

Last year at GRL was my first public appearance, but I’m answering some of the questions for first timers because I think I was in shock for most of the event. It was really interesting, but I don’t think I made the most of it due to nerves. I was this strange Aussie wandering around not sure what to do or say!

I also attended YoaiCon and that was full on, but I got to hang out with some wonderful Dreamspinner people!

I am very quiet when I meet new people (Oh shut up Joel I hear you snickering from here) Are you outgoing? More reserved?

I’m really shy so meeting new people is scary, but I discovered it can also be really rewarding. It is amazing to start talking and discover that even though we might come from different sides of the planet we share the same passions for writing and reading.

I admit, I’m going to be like a crazy stalker fan of Rick R. Reed. Who are you looking forward most to meeting?

*g* I still get star struck with a lot of authors and will grin and get tongue tied. I’m really looking forward to meeting up with Zahra Owens and Ariel Tachna – we have met up several times around the world and they inspire me so much!

No way in hell could I stand up and do a reading? I’d be spitting, sputtering, and turning 50 shades of RED. Did you sign up to do an author reading?

I did! *hides* You have no idea how terrified I am of doing a reading! It’s odd because I teach English so read to high school students almost every day, but this is different. But every year I try to push myself to be brave and try something – the reading is this year’s challenge! Hopefully people will be distracted by my accent?

I HATE flying, but since I’m going to be coming from Michigan I have to. YIKES! Where will you be traveling from and who will you be bringing with you? Do you like to travel?

Unfortunately flying is a necessary evil when you live in Australia! I love to travel, but I hate long haul flights. This year I’m going the long way! I’m taking my mum to England to visit relatives in Newcastle – I promised I would shout her a trip before her 80^th birthday and I’ll just make it! While she’s visiting I’ll fly to Albuquerque for the week then back to the UK to pick her up. After that, back to Melbourne! Phew!

What was your favorite part of GRL last year?

Once I got over the feeling that I was an imposter and shouldn’t be among all those authors I really enjoyed listening to those more experienced and people watching. New Orleans was amazing for that! I was also shocked that some people had read my books and knew who I was!

If you learned one thing from the event, what would it be?

I really truly am an author! That was a revelation!

What advice can you give those who will be attending GRL for the first time?

Take part in everything! Talk to everyone – especially the weird Aussie woman! Enjoy it all!

Is there anything you didn’t do at GRL last year that you wish you would have? Anything you would have done differently?

I think I should have been a lot braver and participated in more events. This year I’m going to do that! 

What was interacting with the readers and other authors like?

That was both scary and wonderful! I met some really cool people! Events like GRL don’t happen in Australia so you often feel isolated as a writer so it was such an amazing experience. Anyone up for a GRL in Oz? *g*

And because I’m just naughty that way, I’ve always wondered what men wear under their kilts. Did you personally find out what Damon Suede wears under his?

I come from a Scottish background so I know the answer to that one! Although I could feign ignorance if anyone plans to show me!

Blurb: The Road to Byron

Matthew Kellett and Craig Jeffries are lifelong friends and neighbors. They thought they knew everything about each other, but some secrets seem too big share. Craig hides the truth about his father—but Matthew’s secret is his own.

To celebrate their high school graduation, Craig, Matthew, and Craig’s girlfriend take a road trip up the east coast of Australia to Byron Bay. Then one night on the beach, everything changes: Matthew meets Damien, a college student who senses what Matthew is hiding. Though the connection between them is undeniable, Matthew scrambles to keep it secret. It will take a shocking revelation from Craig and a lot of courage to get Matthew back on the road to Byron—and the boy waiting there.

Buy link:

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3270