Get ready to learn more about the book In the Company of Crocodiles in this discussion with sapphic author Maggie Brown.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Maggie Brown about In the Company of Crocodiles, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Main Character in Uniform category in the 2024 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write In the Company of Crocodiles?
When I was young, I spend many holidays in Innisfail, a sugar town in Nth Queenland. Tropical Queensland is a lovely part of Australia. I’ve always been interested in the wildlife in the rainforests and who isn’t facinated by crocodiles.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Vivian is my favorite character. She’s been through hell and back and now wants a quiet life. But when she is agrees to lead agents through the dense rainforest, she proves to be brave, resilient, smart and loyal. I can’t say the character is similiar to me, but I would like to aspire to be like her.
What inspired the idea for In the Company of Crocodiles?
My love of rainforests and the animals that live within them.
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
Making sure I had all the facts rights.
What part of In the Company of Crocodiles was the most fun to write?
Fighting their way through the jungle.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
Since crocodiles played a big part in the book, it was a logical title.
How much research did you need to do for In the Company of Crocodiles?
I knew the area but even though it was a fictional town, I needed to get my facts right. eg internet coverage, what animal and fish life is in that region etc.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
I’m not planning a sequel, mainly because the characters left the area.
What is your favorite line from your book?
The creature’s head was clearly defined up close: the yellow eyes hooded by double lids, the pocked scaly ridges down the centre to the snout, and the heavy jaw lined with teeth. And the eyes were fixed squarelty on her. Vivian began to pray.
What is your writing process like?
I’m definitely a pantser. The plot evolves as I write.
Where do you usually write, and what do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
I write in my study. When I’m in my writing zone, I don’t need anything to remain focused.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
JRR Tolkien. Loved Lord of the Rings. In this genre, I have a few favorites I revist. Milena Mackay’s Whisper of Solace, L-J Baker’s Broken Wings, Jackie Kennedy’s Denial and Roslyn Sinclair’s The Lily and the Crown.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
Chocolate and coffee.
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
With a glass of wine.
Is there a particular genre you would love to write but only under a pseudonym?
I write Fantasy under Silvia Shaw.
Do you have any odd writing quirks?
I completely lose track of time when I’m writing. I have to set the alarm if I have to go somewhere.
Do you have a pet who helps/hinders your typing?
My cat drapes around the back of the computer, and when she wants my attention, she hits the keys with her paw. She’s a white fluffy cat and overweight. Impossible to put on a diet because she loves food.
What animal or object best represents you as an author or your writing style?
Definitely not a crocodile!
What are three words that describe your personality?
Happy, laid-back but can be impatient with fools.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing, and by whom?
Encouragement is the most valuable thing you can receive. I went to a workshop and the tutor told me I had the promise of being a good writer. She became my mentor for a while and I never looked back.
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
Really bad reviews can be very demoralizing.
When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
Setting your mind to something is difficult sometimes. I walk away until I’m in the mood for that scene.
What do you do to get inside your character’s heads?
I visualize myself as them. When I’m writing, the characters are very real to me. I live and breath them until the book is finished and then I move on.
If you could be mentored by a famous author (living or not), who would it be?
Margaret Attwood
What author in your genre do you most admire, and why?
I admire many in this genre, so am reluctant to single one out. I do like Clare Ashton when she writes her grittier ones like the Goodmans.
Have you ever cried when writing an emotional scene?
No.
Do you feel bad putting your characters through the wringer?
It’s fiction! I wouldn’t be writing it if I was worried about hurting the characters.
Have you ever hated one of your characters?
Of course. You can’t write everyone as sweet. No one is completely good or bad. It’s called realism.
Have you ever fallen in love with one of your characters?
Many times. You tend to write the heroines as someone you admire.
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
I don’t care as long as they are well written. My pet peeve is buying a book that’s up in the ratings and then finding it’s badly written. Some good books are overlooked because they’d not marketed well. I love finding a gem amongst the pile.
I do like an happy ending, though. Writing to me is to escape from the woes of the world.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
Tolkien. A lot of the classics.
What books did you grow up reading?
I’ve been an avid reader all my life. It was great when I discovered this genre.
What books have you read more than once in your life?
I revisit a lot of books.
What book do you wish you had written?
I’ve never considered writing a story as a sapphic retelling. It’s a bit like plagarism to me. I prefer to write original stories.
Describe your favorite reading spot.
In a comfortable chair in the sun lounge.
Do you only read books in one genre or do you genre hop?
I read more than one genre. I’ve read a lot in this genre but occasionally I will get a best seller.
Have you ever thought you’d hate a book, but ended up loving it?
Many times. Sometimes you have to get into a book before you start to like it.
