This week, I’m excited to interview my first guest from South Africa, author Carlyle Labuschagne.

Greetings, Carlyle. Introduce yourself to the cool peeps.

Hi, Molly. It’s an honor to be here with you. Well, you all know my name. I was born and raised in the beautiful country South Africa. My journey of writing started on a Safari holiday when I was twelve. I have written ever since. I have two young boys, proud to say they look just like mommy! Married my high school bad boy 😀

Please tell us about your novel, The Broken Destiny.

The Broken Destiny is a mix of Science fiction, Dystopian and Urban Fantasy and is the first book in the Broken Series. The Broken Destiny is the start of Ava’s journey to fulfill a huge destiny written in the stars since ancient times. Her Destiny is to rise above the fall that threatens her soul. Her soul is the key to an ancient weapon. To become what she hates to save the ones she loves. But to know her soul she has to hate it and then come back from that. The Series is set on a purple planet called Poseidon. Magic, genetics, and witchcraft meet, clash and come together.

This is the first book in a series, yes? How many books will complete the series?

At this time I have three books in my head, a fourth one is teasing me, but one never knows where these characters and life will take you.

Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the book?

I always wanted to deliver a message, and the message behind the series is that no matter whom or what you are – you deserve love. But most importantly love of one’s self. To believe in yourself. To make your own destiny. Not let fear cripple your abilities – but let love give you wings.

Are you a meticulous plotter or do you let your story surprise you as you write? Have any of your characters ever thrown you for a loop when you thought you had them all figured out?

I tried the preplotting thing – boy did my plot just go in circles. Pretty much the best plotting evolves as the book moves along.

You’re my very first guest from South Africa. Are you a native? What is it like to live and write there?

Yes I am native. We have a beautiful country with beautiful, spiritual people. We currently have 11 official languages – Yes crazy, but awesome.  Our landscapes are breathtaking, our people diverse and the sun is always shining  😀

(My favorite place in the entire South Africa called Mpumalange, where you can view more than 30 waterfalls, swim, and explore their caves.)

Readers can visit My Africa blog where they can experience the rich culture on my Africa Tour.

Do you have any other projects in the works that you’d like to share with us?

Wow, so many. Book two of the Broken Series is underway. I started a new project – The Haltered Duology – a supernatural dream.  October is my launch party, where I will host four other authors, artists, musicians and book stores. We will be raising money for a school and for Starfish Greathearts foundation. I am accepting book donations to auction off to raise money. Contact me: carlylelabuschagne.com@gmail.com

Social media can be a freakin’ crazy, demanding, and time-sucking beast. I know many peeps have a serious love/hate relationship with it. How do you feel about it? What do you think are the best and worst ways to feed “the beast?”

When I first started out I lived on Twitter. The thing is to make it work for you. Build up a network. Assist others and they will do the same for you. Facebook has recently been a favorite of mine. Triberr is a good way to get others to assist in challenge. Crowdbooster. The thing is to make it fun – and me, I am a lover of marketing.

The world of publishing is changing so rapidly. It’s hard to keep up. Any thoughts about the ever-evolving landscape? Predictions?

Gosh. I am going to be brutally honest here, and I myself have fallen in this trap. Self-pubbing is an amazing journey, hard work and the rewards are amazing. I have found, however, through my own mistakes and through others that many are impatient. I feel Indies need to spend many more hours on their work, perfecting it. Hire an editor or two, a proofreader. Don’t be in a hurry to release – it burns you in the end. However as disappointing as it is the reach of traditional publishers is astonishing! I can however see the amazing spirit of the indie community and we have given traditional publishers a run for their money. But please as an indie author – patience, patience, patience.

Promotion is one of the most difficult things for writers. Do you have any thoughts on what writers can do to effectively promote their work?

As mentioned above: Build a network. Use many platforms. Help others as you would have them help you.

What are your favorite books to read?

My favorite genre is Dystopian. Steampunk, and chick Science fiction.

If you could have a dinner party and invite your favorite fictional characters, who might we see seated around the table?

I have  a few things I’d like to tell my characters! From other books. Will Herondale from the infernal devices – Cassandra Clare. Fire from the book Fire by Kristin Cashore. Izzie from the Mortal instruments series ~ Cassandra Clare , Tris from Divergent and finally Peeta from The Hunger games – I’d like to slap that boy!

I’ve been forever called picky, but I maintain that we’re all picky creatures. What are you picky about?

Just about everything!  My work, books I read, clothes, shoes, food…

But not friends, I love people, maybe too much.

Where can people find you in cyberspace?

Twitter

Website

Goodreads

Facebook

Any parting words for the masses? Any shameless plugs?

Go for it ! Dreams only come true because you make it so. Always be a Diva xoxo

Thank you for the fabulous opportunity to share my story.

 

 

 

 

Tags: Broken Series, Carlyle Labuschagne, Dystopian, Living in South Africa, Science Fiction, self-publishing advice, South Africa, The Broken Destiny, Urban Fantasty

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