Sandy Vaile is a motorbike-riding daredevil who isn't happy with a story unless there's a courageous heroine, a dead body and a healing romance.
Sandy Vaile the Teacher
My vision is to empowers fiction writers around the globe to produce commercial quality fiction they can be proud of.
I am an experienced course presenter with two decades of experience, initially acquired in the corporate world and then the fiction industry. All of my writing craft courses have been adapted for online and face-to-face delivery, and are regularly presented around the globe.
Recipients include Romance Writers of Australia, Clare Readers and Writers Festival, Salt Festival, Writers SA, Savvy Authors, Margie Lawson and Romantic Women’s Fiction (chapter of Romance Writers of America).
In my spare time, I compose procedures for high-risk industrial processes, judge literary competitions, run The Fearless Novelist Facebook group and offer coaching and critiquing services.
A passion for sharing knowledge
My holistic and compassionate approach to education has enabled many aspiring writers to gain confidence in their abilities and reach their full potential.
I am an experienced course presenter with two decades of experience, initially acquired in the corporate world and then the fiction industry. All of my writing craft courses have been adapted for online and face-to-face delivery, and are regularly presented around the globe.
Recipients include Romance Writers of Australia, Clare Readers and Writers Festival, Salt Festival, Writers SA, Savvy Authors, Margie Lawson and Romantic Women’s Fiction (chapter of Romance Writers of America).
In my spare time, I compose procedures for high-risk industrial processes, judge literary competitions, run The Fearless Novelist Facebook group and offer coaching and critiquing services.
A passion for sharing knowledge
My holistic and compassionate approach to education has enabled many aspiring writers to gain confidence in their abilities and reach their full potential.
Sandy Vaile the Adventurer
Hi, I'm Sandy Vaile and my life motto is ... I'll try anything once!
To that end, I take almost every opportunity that presents itself and have accumulated a wealth of life experiences to draw on when writing. Experiences like riding a motorbike, skydiving, hot air ballooning, getting tattooed, swimming with sharks and sea turtles, and having the privilege to carry the Olympic flame.
My love of adventure and action sports started early with a childhood horse obsession that resulted in me competing in 3-day events (that's dressage, cross-country and show jumping). I also lived in Papua New Guinea for a few years, which meant lots of water sports and learning the local Pigeon English language (of course, I hardly remember a word now!).
To that end, I take almost every opportunity that presents itself and have accumulated a wealth of life experiences to draw on when writing. Experiences like riding a motorbike, skydiving, hot air ballooning, getting tattooed, swimming with sharks and sea turtles, and having the privilege to carry the Olympic flame.
My love of adventure and action sports started early with a childhood horse obsession that resulted in me competing in 3-day events (that's dressage, cross-country and show jumping). I also lived in Papua New Guinea for a few years, which meant lots of water sports and learning the local Pigeon English language (of course, I hardly remember a word now!).
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Sandy Vaile the Author
The mere sight of a book soothes my soul and excites my senses. It's more than just an escape from reality. It's a place I can explore, laugh, cry and love. A place I can experience challenges, heartbreaks, triumphs and dangerous situation, all from the comfort of my lounge chair.
I write romantic-suspense for Simon & Schuster US but how did I get here?
Where my writing journey began
Naturally, reading has always been a big part of my life, and no doubt starting with books like "The Little Grey Men" by BB inspired me to imagine all kinds of fantastical creatures and worlds. I started penning stories about fairies floating in bubbles and gnomes living in the hills at an early age.
Then, as a horse-mad teenager I progressed to writing about wild brumbies and wild landscapes.
I even had a career as a journalist mapped out, right up until the end of high school, when I received some tough lessons about the unexpected nature of life.
A thirteen year detour?
I moved out of home at the tender age of sixteen and struggled to provide food, shelter and stability for myself. It was a tough time that diverted me from my true calling (writing) for a long time.
It wasn't until I hit middle-age that I rediscovered the joy of reading and writing, and decided to make my life-long dream of publication come true. I was reading urban fantasy at the time, so I sat down and wrote 60,000 words in the first six weeks. Now that's enthusiasm!
Of course, it took a lot longer to finish, edit and submit that manuscript and it has still never been published. They weren't wasted words though because now I knew I could do it. I could write a fiction novel! I dabbled in sci-fi, fantasy and short stories but my real love is suspense. I can't imagine why [wink].
After learning all about the importance of resilience, I became fascinated by how courageous, regular people are when pushed to fight for something they truly believe in or desperately want. So, this is something I explore in my novels through the courageous heroines and robust heroes who meet them half way.
All of my novels are set on the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia and explore finding your inner strength and a place to call home.
Involvement in the writing community
I find that an active involvement in the literary community is vital to replenishing my motivation and keeping me abreast of industry changes. So, I regularly attend conferences, festivals, workshops and writing retreats.
I'm a strong believer that you receive what you send into the world, which is why I formed the Novelists' Circle (a face-to-face critiquing group) in 2010. It provides a nurturing environment where fiction novelists share information, motivate one another, improve technical skills and critique one another's work. Since then, many members have gone onto publication, there are now two face-to-face groups and a FaceBook group called The Fearless Novelist.
I write romantic-suspense for Simon & Schuster US but how did I get here?
Where my writing journey began
Naturally, reading has always been a big part of my life, and no doubt starting with books like "The Little Grey Men" by BB inspired me to imagine all kinds of fantastical creatures and worlds. I started penning stories about fairies floating in bubbles and gnomes living in the hills at an early age.
Then, as a horse-mad teenager I progressed to writing about wild brumbies and wild landscapes.
I even had a career as a journalist mapped out, right up until the end of high school, when I received some tough lessons about the unexpected nature of life.
A thirteen year detour?
I moved out of home at the tender age of sixteen and struggled to provide food, shelter and stability for myself. It was a tough time that diverted me from my true calling (writing) for a long time.
It wasn't until I hit middle-age that I rediscovered the joy of reading and writing, and decided to make my life-long dream of publication come true. I was reading urban fantasy at the time, so I sat down and wrote 60,000 words in the first six weeks. Now that's enthusiasm!
Of course, it took a lot longer to finish, edit and submit that manuscript and it has still never been published. They weren't wasted words though because now I knew I could do it. I could write a fiction novel! I dabbled in sci-fi, fantasy and short stories but my real love is suspense. I can't imagine why [wink].
After learning all about the importance of resilience, I became fascinated by how courageous, regular people are when pushed to fight for something they truly believe in or desperately want. So, this is something I explore in my novels through the courageous heroines and robust heroes who meet them half way.
All of my novels are set on the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia and explore finding your inner strength and a place to call home.
Involvement in the writing community
I find that an active involvement in the literary community is vital to replenishing my motivation and keeping me abreast of industry changes. So, I regularly attend conferences, festivals, workshops and writing retreats.
I'm a strong believer that you receive what you send into the world, which is why I formed the Novelists' Circle (a face-to-face critiquing group) in 2010. It provides a nurturing environment where fiction novelists share information, motivate one another, improve technical skills and critique one another's work. Since then, many members have gone onto publication, there are now two face-to-face groups and a FaceBook group called The Fearless Novelist.
Career Highlights
"Combatting Fear", finalist in the Romance Book of the Year (RUBY) Award Nominated for the Australian Romance Today (AusRomToday) Reader's Choice Awards Author of the Year and Cover of the Year for "Combatting Fear". Published, "Combatting Fear" romantic suspense novel, Simon & Schuster Published, "Autumn Leaves" short story anthology Published, "Inheriting Fear" romantic suspense novel, Crimson Romance Competition place, "Inheriting Fear" 10th in the Valerie Parv Awards, Romance Writers of Australia Competition place, "A Dog’s Life" bronze award in the Campbell Town City Council Literary Awards, open short story Published, "Brotherly Love" short story, Adelaide City Council City Stories booklet Published, "Novelist’s Circle" short story, Adelaide City Council City Stories booklet Published, "The Science of Play" short story, Seaside Writers Inc magazine Issue 3 |
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