Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
A passion for writing has seen Dr Thoraiya Dyer of Springwood Veterinary Clinic, NSW, build an impressive back catalogue of novels and short stories.
“The first book I had published was the 13th I had written. It can be difficult to keep going with so much rejection but perseverance pays off. Sometimes, when you’re powering through a novel and getting it all on the page, you’re thinking this is the one. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to judge your own work. I was determined not to go down the self-publishing route and I’m happy I waited for traditional publishing. It stopped a lot of poor early efforts getting out there.
“My book deal with US publisher Tor Books was for a fantasy trilogy called Titan’s Forest. The third book, Tides of the Titans, was published in 2019. I’m usually simultaneously working on short stories and novels. I’ll decide what I want to achieve at the start of each writing day and usually set the bar at 1000 words.
“My novels are fantasy genre but my short stories are usually science fiction. I’ve had numerous stories published in Clarkesworld, Analog and in various anthologies. I find I end up using my veterinary knowledge in the sci-fi stories and archery, my other passion, in my fantasy novels.
“A lot of fantasy novels are not specific enough for my tastes. The heroes are camping in the woods, but they fail to mention the type of trees or what meat is in the stew. I like world building in detail.
“I had a short story published last year in Clarkesworld called ‘Lucy Loves Neutrons’ and the ‘Good Samarium’. It was about the inventor of the anti-nuclear bomb. I’m expanding that into a novel length work at the moment. Writing science fiction offers possibilities for the future. If we can’t imagine a cool, better world, then we can’t make it. Fantasy writing is more of a fun adventure.
“When I carve out some writing time, I defend it fiercely. Various workplaces have asked me to be on social media or to be contactable on my phone, but I just won’t do it. When I’m writing, I’m completely offline. Likewise, when I’m at work, I’m giving it my all. I love small animal and avian work. I would do anything for a black cockatoo or a lyrebird.
“Many people have a desire to write but you have to sit down and do it. I would advise against taking any shortcuts. You had to go to vet school to obtain the skills you have now. I had to write those 12 duds before I was published. Writing is an apprenticeship, but it’s worth it.”
Visit Dr Dyer’s website
