Alison Goodman lives in bayside Melbourne, Australia with her husband and their Jack Russell Terrier. She was a D.J. O'Hearn Memorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne, holds a Master of Arts degree and teaches creative writing at postgraduate level. Her debut novel was the award-winning futuristic thriller, Singing the Dogstar Blues, and her second, the acclaimed Killing the Rabbit. She is currently writing the sequel to The Two Pearls of Wisdom.

Mark Thwaite: What first gave you the idea for writing The Two Pearls of Wisdom?

Alison Goodman: I was reading a book about Feng Shui as research for my second novel, a modern crime thriller, when I came across a very short paragraph about an early Emperor who ordered all his Feng Shui masters to build him a palace stronghold of power and good luck. As soon as the masters had finished the palace, the Emperor had them all executed, just in case they used their magic in the service of another King. As soon as I read that, the idea for The Two Pearls of Wisdom just exploded in my mind. I grabbed a pen and paper and, in ten minutes, wrote the storyline. It was one of those rare moments when a story just arrives: a true gift.

MT: What draws you to the Fantasy genre?

AG: I really enjoy the grand scale of the genre, the scope to explore big ideas within an adventure storyline, and building the world.

MT: Eon has to disguise herself as a boy to get on: is your novel secretly a feminist tract!?

AG: I never write with any “message” in mind – for me, that is the fastest way to write a boring book. Instead, I write from character, plot, and theme, and layer these to explore ideas such as the use and abuse of power.

MT: How long did it take you to write your book Alison?

AG: About two and half years, sometimes full-time, sometimes part-time.

MT: Are there more adventures to come from Eon? When might we expect to see them?

AG: I'm currently working on the concluding sequel to The Two Pearls of Wisdom, which is titled The Necklace of the Gods (and having a ball writing it). It is scheduled for 2010. I’ve always only imagined two books in the series – a duology – but I’ve also learned to never say never!

MT: How do you write? Longhand or directly onto a computer, straight off or with lots and lots of editing?

AG: I write directly into the computer. When I sit down to write, I always read a section of the previous day’s work (usually aloud to “hear” the rhythms and tone), edit that section, then start writing new words. So, | only write one draft, but it is a constantly edited draft.

MT: Your book is partly based on the ancient lores of Chinese astrology and Feng Shui -- have they long been passions?

AG: My auntie was Japanese and brought her culture into my very anglo-Australian family. When I was a child, I didn’t think much about it, but now I realise that it had a very big effect on me, sparking a life-long interest in eastern cultures that has taken many forms including studying Feng Shui, practising Tai-Chi and travelling in a number of Asian countries.

MT: What was the most difficult aspect of writing your novel Alison? How did you overcome it?

AG: There is always a moment in a novel, around the 40,000 – 50,000 word mark which can be a bit hairy – not quite half way and usually in the second act. I call it the mid-book blues when my stamina is low and the early rush of excitement is over. The only way to overcome it is to grit my teeth and write through it to the new energy that comes with reaching half-way and heading towards the third act and the climax.

MT: Do you read the critics? Have you been pleased with the responses to your books? What have you learned from them?

AG: I usually do read the critics and have been very pleased with the responses to my books. I recently received a very good review in The Times for The Two Pearls of Wisdom which was a big thrill. What seems to be popping up in a lot of my reviews for The Two Pearls of Wisdom is that readers are a bit miffed that they have to wait for the sequel and want it NOW. So, no pressure then…

MT: What do you do in your free time!?

AG: I spend time with my husband, walk and play with my Jack Russell Terrier, read everyday, watch movies and TV, see family and friends, and search out great cafes and restaurants. I also drink a lot of coffee.

MT: Did you have an idea in your mind of your "ideal" reader? Did you write specifically for them?

AG: I write for a reader that likes a fast-paced plot, but also likes characters that have depth and psychological truth, and a story that explores big ideas – which is pretty much what I like to read.

MT: What are you working on now?

AG: I am working on the concluding sequel to The Two Pearls of Wisdom which is titled The Necklace of the Gods, and a paranormal short story for an anthology collection.

MT: Who is your favourite writer? What is/are your favourite book(s)?

AG: I know it is a bit of a cop-out, but I have so many authors who I love to read that it is too hard to narrow it down do just one favourite. To name a few: Diana Gabaldon, Daniel Pennac, Dean Koontz, Phillipa Gregory.

MT: Do you have any tips for the aspiring writer!?

AG: Read your work aloud and listen to the rhythms of your own writing. Read as much and as widely as possible. Learn some craft – either from writing books or classes. Use original and specific detail. And finally, that classic piece of advice, show don’t tell.

MT: Anything else you would like to say?

AG: Just thanks for inviting me to contribute! And the sequel is on its way…