MEET THE AUTHOR
FEATURED AUTHOR: SIAN MACARTHUR
Hi Royal here! Today SBC welcomes the amazingly gifted Academic Reference Texts and Gothic Writing author SIAN MACARTHUR!
Hi Sian, let’s start out by GETTING TO KNOW YOU. What GENRE DO YOU WRITE? What are the TITLES OF YOUR BOOKS?
I’m an independent academic researcher, and I write academic reference texts with my specialty being Gothic writing. I also have interests in crime and detective fiction – and more recently have been exploring the wonderful world of science fiction. I am really very lucky; I get paid to write about the books that I love and the genres that interest me most! To date I have two books published CRIME AND THE GOTHIC: IDENTIFYING THE GOTHIC FOOTPRINT IN MODERN CRIME FICTION (Libri: 2001) and GOTHIC SCIENCE FICTION: 1818 TO THE PRESENT (Palgrave Gothic: 2015).
Outside of writing, what is SOMETHINGS THAT YOU ENJOY DOING?
I love to read, and have read prolifically since I was a child. I studied English and American Literature at University and I guess the move into reference fiction was a logical step following on from this. I love cinema and film – particularly the German expressionist works of the 1920s. I have a passion for vintage fashion, and can often be found rummaging the rails of vintage and flea markets looking for something suitably beautiful.
Sian, let’s talk more ABOUT THE BOOKS. Can you go into MORE DETAIL ABOUT WHERE YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION TO WRITE?
My inspiration to write comes directly from the pleasure I get from reading a good book. I love to pick a story apart, looking for identifying features of a particular genre or genres – the way that different genres such as the Gothic and science fiction or the Gothic and romance can be brought together successfully is really a mark of talent and imagination. I am also very interested in the cultural and political ‘roots’ of a text – and really enjoy identifying those features that can make a text a direct product of the society in which it was conceived.
What is ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT WRITING?
Creativity. I love words and the nuance of language – there is something special and rewarding (frustrating too!) in searching for and being able to find just the right word to convey your ideas perfectly!
What is one of the BEST PIECES OF ADVICE that you received or a QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY?
Never to let the blank page intimidate me. Back when I was doing my Masters Degree I got myself thoroughly overwhelmed by the final thesis – and it was my tutor who managed to make me see the blank page as less of a void and more of a canvass of opportunity. It is a mantra I still use today when beginning a new project.
That is such a beautiful way to look at it! (Royal)
What is one thing that YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO YOUR READERS?
Thank you, first of all! But also that I genuinely hope you have found something within my writing that has helped with your studies. My texts are there to be read, enjoyed, argued and debated with, maybe even agreed with and I would be thrilled if by some measure they have achieved that purpose.
I’m an independent academic researcher, and I write academic reference texts with my specialty being Gothic writing. I also have interests in crime and detective fiction – and more recently have been exploring the wonderful world of science fiction. I am really very lucky; I get paid to write about the books that I love and the genres that interest me most! To date I have two books published CRIME AND THE GOTHIC: IDENTIFYING THE GOTHIC FOOTPRINT IN MODERN CRIME FICTION (Libri: 2001) and GOTHIC SCIENCE FICTION: 1818 TO THE PRESENT (Palgrave Gothic: 2015).
Outside of writing, what is SOMETHINGS THAT YOU ENJOY DOING?
I love to read, and have read prolifically since I was a child. I studied English and American Literature at University and I guess the move into reference fiction was a logical step following on from this. I love cinema and film – particularly the German expressionist works of the 1920s. I have a passion for vintage fashion, and can often be found rummaging the rails of vintage and flea markets looking for something suitably beautiful.
Sian, let’s talk more ABOUT THE BOOKS. Can you go into MORE DETAIL ABOUT WHERE YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION TO WRITE?
My inspiration to write comes directly from the pleasure I get from reading a good book. I love to pick a story apart, looking for identifying features of a particular genre or genres – the way that different genres such as the Gothic and science fiction or the Gothic and romance can be brought together successfully is really a mark of talent and imagination. I am also very interested in the cultural and political ‘roots’ of a text – and really enjoy identifying those features that can make a text a direct product of the society in which it was conceived.
What is ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT WRITING?
Creativity. I love words and the nuance of language – there is something special and rewarding (frustrating too!) in searching for and being able to find just the right word to convey your ideas perfectly!
What is one of the BEST PIECES OF ADVICE that you received or a QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY?
Never to let the blank page intimidate me. Back when I was doing my Masters Degree I got myself thoroughly overwhelmed by the final thesis – and it was my tutor who managed to make me see the blank page as less of a void and more of a canvass of opportunity. It is a mantra I still use today when beginning a new project.
That is such a beautiful way to look at it! (Royal)
What is one thing that YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO YOUR READERS?
Thank you, first of all! But also that I genuinely hope you have found something within my writing that has helped with your studies. My texts are there to be read, enjoyed, argued and debated with, maybe even agreed with and I would be thrilled if by some measure they have achieved that purpose.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
Genuinely I am super busy at the moment – which of course is a great thing. I have just launched my website, which has been so much fun and I am also busy getting involved with a crime encyclopedia and a Gothic handbook. Each of these projects will comprise of a series of essays by multiple contributors that form a vast database that can be accessed by anyone studying either of the genres or who come to it simply out of more general interest.
Towards the end of next year I am looking to publish my third text, another academic reference piece looking at English and American crime fiction written during the Cold War.
Genuinely I am super busy at the moment – which of course is a great thing. I have just launched my website, which has been so much fun and I am also busy getting involved with a crime encyclopedia and a Gothic handbook. Each of these projects will comprise of a series of essays by multiple contributors that form a vast database that can be accessed by anyone studying either of the genres or who come to it simply out of more general interest.
Towards the end of next year I am looking to publish my third text, another academic reference piece looking at English and American crime fiction written during the Cold War.
HOW CAN WE:
BUY YOUR BOOK
My books can be purchased directly from the publishers.
CRIME AND THE GOTHIC
GOTHIC SCIENCE FICTION
They are also both available via AMAZON and other online book retailers.
CONTACT YOU
You can contact me through
TWITTER
WEBSITE
BUY YOUR BOOK
My books can be purchased directly from the publishers.
CRIME AND THE GOTHIC
GOTHIC SCIENCE FICTION
They are also both available via AMAZON and other online book retailers.
CONTACT YOU
You can contact me through
WEBSITE
Today we have a treat for all of you, we dive into MORE on GOTHIC SCIENCE FICTION:
READ YOUR COPY OF GOTHIC SCIENCE FICTION
‘GOTHIC SCIENCE FICTION is a comprehensive account of the rise of a fascinating genre that has grown out of the Gothic. From the dark and mysterious of mad scientists to the horrors and terrors associated with monsters and aliens, Sian MacArthur takes the reader through a madcap journey to identify those features of the Gothic that have influenced and continue to influence the world of science fiction. From Frankenstein to Doctor Who and from H. G. Wells to Stephen King the book explores several aspects beginning with Mary Shelley and bringing the subject matter right up to date with the inclusion of work by Justin Cronin and Daniel Wilson. GOTHIC SCIENCE FICTION gives the crazy and always interesting world of science fiction detailed attention in an account that is both accessible and engaging.’
SBC wants to say thank you for stopping in for the interview SIAN MACARTHUR. I personally had a lovely time finding out more about you and your highly interesting and unique books. I'm quite excited to read them as well as your upcoming ones! Please do stop back to update us in the near future for another quick chat! (Royal)
I am Royal, for SBC, and I hope that you have had fun time reading about this amazing author!
I am Royal, for SBC, and I hope that you have had fun time reading about this amazing author!
Royal, Silver Beans Reviewer and Interviewer
Posting: HISTORICAL FICTION
Posting Date: 8/31/2017
SIAN MACARTHUR Book Reviews Average: 5 STARS
Posting: HISTORICAL FICTION
Posting Date: 8/31/2017
SIAN MACARTHUR Book Reviews Average: 5 STARS
HUGE THANKS AGAIN...
SIAN MACARTHUR for popping in for a chat!
SIAN MACARTHUR for popping in for a chat!
Additional Fun Fact:
SIAN MACARTHUR has a passion for vintage fashion!
SIAN MACARTHUR has a passion for vintage fashion!
Looking...
for a good book readers. Check out Sian MacArthur's NOVELS!
for a good book readers. Check out Sian MacArthur's NOVELS!
Want more from this Author: SIAN MACARTHUR
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