Sandy Vaile empowers fiction authors to enjoy producing commercial-quality stories and achieve creative fulfilment.

Write confidently. Get noticed. Get published.

Sandy Vaile the Teacher

Welcome to Fearless Prose, where I love sharing the knowledge I've gained during a lifetime of adventures and adversity, to help aspiring authors to navigate the perilous journey of writing a novel, and feel confident in their choices and creativity. My favourite way of working with authors is in a small group setting, over an extended period, because that's where I see significant and lasting changes in their skills and confidence.

I've been training around the globe for two decades, first in the corporate world and then the literary industry, with courses that have been adapted for online and face-to-face delivery. Recipients include Romance Writers of Australia, Clare Readers and Writers Festival, Salt Festival, Writers SA, Savvy Authors, Margie Lawson, Womens Fiction Writing Association, and Romantic Women’s Fiction.

In my spare time, I compose procedures for high-risk industrial processes, judge literary competitions, run The Fearless Novelist Facebook group and offer manuscript critiquing.

Sandy Vaile the Adventurer

Okay, I'll admit to being a motorbike-riding daredevil who isn't content with a story unless there's a courageous heroine, a dead body and a healing romance.

But my excuse is that it gives me a wealth of life experiences to draw on when writing books! Experiences like riding a motorbike, skydiving, hot air ballooning, getting tattooed, swimming with sharks and sea turtles, and having the privilege of carrying the Olympic flame. My life motto is ... I'll try anything once!

My love of adventure and action sports started early with a childhood horse obsession that resulted in 3-day eventing (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!). And finally, turning my hand to motorbike riding after a joy ride firmly embedded the craving. Thank goodness I have a wonderful husband who supports all of my crazy schemes.

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 situations, 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 halfway.

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.

Stay in touch with Sandy Vaile