Kendall Carlsson interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

A little introduction:

Kendall Carlsson, Australian speculative fiction author and creator of Seven by Seven. I have also worked in medical research, health promotion, hospitality and farming.

When did your love of books begin?

It probably started during rainy days in Melbourne - some of my earliest memories are of myself at three years old, hunched over books and maps, absorbing as much knowledge as possible. I was very fortunate that Mum taught me to read at a very early age.

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

Many of us who create sci-fi and dystopian books or films feel compelled by the need to share a cautionary tale. During my university years I considered what might devastate the planet and how most of us tend to care for little beyond our everyday lives. Back then, the present mass species extinction event was already underway but largely unacknowledged. So I began to write.

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

Having had no conventional training in writing, it took time to develop the crafts of writing and editing, then decide how to best go about getting the thing published. It is a joy to be able to work with talented artists and editors on a creative endeavour.

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

Drink coffee. Drink wine. Better yet, both.* Set aside time. Plan. Persevere. Have fun. If not, take a break and write later. Immerse yourself in the scene. Scribble down plot ideas that come to you during your day job. Write your way. Who says every character must follow the same conventional "hero's journey" cycle?

* NB the health promotion worker in me suggests keeping well hydrated with water regardless of how you spend your day.

Tell us about your book/books:

My debut novel, Seven by Seven, is the first of a series set in rural Australia in the wake of a pandemic that wiped out most of humanity. I started writing in 2010 and had wanted it released before the real pandemic, though I have Covid to thank for enough free time to finish and publish book one and to draft book two.

Seven by Seven features a large international cast and focuses on four young people from diverse backgrounds, whose individual stories intersect while they struggle to remain safe in a dangerous new world.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

The peer support is fantastic. There are plenty of great online groups where we can share ideas on everything from how to have a great book cover to whether or not it suits an author to self-publish.

I recently learned of things like "bookstagramming" and it is interesting to learn  what the reading community is enjoying. More than 99% of bookstagrammers seem to be female. Do most men not read at all anymore or are they just not sharing what they are reading?

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

Take time to contemplate the socio-political and environmental issues raised in my series. We live in an imperfect world, but it could be much worse. Think things over. Have an opinion. Debate issues. Stand against corruption. Consider local and global ecology. If someone or something you care about is under threat, do not remain silent if you are in a position to stand up for what is good and right.

Where can people connect with you?

Instagram: kendallcarlsson

Email: kendallcarlsson7x7@gmail.com

Seven by Seven on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58988486-seven-by-seven