Details
Author name: Cienna Collins
Book title: The Disappearing Season
Genre: Domestic Suspense
Launch date: 05.11.2024
Website: Cienna Collins
Buy links
Summary
In the dripping heat of a rainforest town in Far North Queensland, Georgia Wright has finally exhaled. Her new life, nannying for a dysfunctional but endearing family, is the perfect escape from her bleak past. Until the text messages start. Georgia won’t go back to him. Not this time. Not ever. But staying means putting this family at risk. As a storm brews within her conscience, a deadly cyclone builds offshore – a foreshadowing of a betrayal as cruel as the oppressive wet season. Now Georgia’s new-found family bonds are unravelling as she faces her vengeful ex and the fury of Cyclone Yasi.
If you liked Paula Hawkins’ “The Girl on the Train”, Jane Harper’s “The Dry” or Nancy Price’s “Sleeping with the Enemy”, you’ll enjoy this domestic suspense set in the tropics of Far North Queensland.
Let's talk about it
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
I have bungee jumped off Victoria Falls Bridge in Zimbabwe, sat on the edge of a live volcano on Tanna Island, skyjumped off Macau Tower in Hong Kong, skydived in Torquay, Victoria and parasailed in Bali. I also had a 18-year career as a lead singer in my own band.
Why did you choose the themes in your book and were you aware of them from the start?
Awareness of domestic violence, in all its insidious forms, has always been a passionate subject for me, so it was a no-brainer to have it as my theme.
How difficult was it for you to write this book? Did you face any obstacles?
Blending fact and fiction was tricky. Domestic violence is a tough subject, and I had to make sure the read would be entertaining and well as informative. I had planned initially to write a romance novel, but after the first draft, I realised it’s true that you need to love romance to write it. I was lukewarm about it and ended up with just a hint of romance left.
Do you always write in this genre or do you like to break out of the box?
I started out writing YA novels in the same theme. I had something to say to young people about the importance of talking about their traumatic experiences in order to heal. The segue into adult books of the same theme felt natural.
What are your writing habits or idiosyncrasies?
All over the place. I’m either totally absorbed in “disturb me at own risk” mode, or I’m grabbing moments here and there. I do love clearing my desk of editing clients so I can immerse myself in a writers retreat for a few days. Though I tend to do more plotting and planning then rather than writing. I also attend a fortnightly writers workshop, so that’s a kick in the pants to produce something.
What would you do differently next time?
Ummm. Do leopards change spots?
With hindsight, what would you say to yourself as a fledgling writer?
The journey is going to be as long and arduous as you thought it would be. But be true to your literary self, and don’t get side-tracked by the promise of quick bucks from churning out write-to-market works. That’s not you; that’s them. And that’s okay. Every book has its place.
If you worked with a professional editor, what was the experience like?
I am a professional editor! I highly recommend them. A good editor is a true investment in your writing. And yes, I did lean heavily on my colleagues.
What’s next for your writing?
I’m midway through another suspense about a catfish operation that turns out to be a deadly cult in the South Australian desert.
Author Bio
Cienna Collins is a Melbourne‑based author of domestic suspense. Her recent novel, The Disappearing Season, won a mentorship through QWC Publishable program. She has also published two YA novels, longlisted for the QWC Adaptable program. After graduating RMIT PWE as an adult student, Cienna was awarded a place at Hardcopy – a national professional development program for writers. A one-time fan of skydiving, volcano climbing, parasailing and bungee jumping, Cienna has had an eclectic career as a commercial mortgage manager, band vocalist and professional editor. Now Cienna is working on her fourth novel while dreaming of moving to the calm seaside warmth of FNQ.
