The Fusion of Danish Depth and Australian Essence
Please make sure to spend a minimum of 30 seconds reading my story.
I truly cherish the interaction of authentic readers. Thank you very much!
Meet Sal Gallaher, our Editor of the New Literary Society, a Danish-Australian writer who intricately combines her experiences from Denmark to Australia into engaging novels, as we delve into her writerly secrets.
1. That Special Moment
One fine day, you started writing stories. How did it happen exactly?
I’ve been telling stories since childhood.
I grew up in Denmark and with the long winters, we had plenty of indoor time for storytelling.
My younger sister was my very willing audience unless I made them too scary.
Which, of course, I took great delight in sometimes.
My writing started in my twenties when I moved to Australia and felt a strong need to document my new experiences.
Over my adult life, I have dabbled in poetry, children’s books, and commercial women’s fiction, but it was not till later in life when my own kids became adults that I had time to really indulge in writing.
2. Art Is Work
What does your work as a writer consist of? What are the biggest challenges of the present?
I still have a day job 4 days per week, so my writing mostly is done early mornings or on weekends.
Finding time for both my writing and maintaining relationships with family and friends is my biggest challenge.
3. Without Projects, There Is No Future
What are your representative projects? What projects are you working on?
I am currently trying to find a home for my romance suspense novel, which I finished last year.
Been querying agents in Australia and the US for the last 6 months.
The next step is now to go directly to the big publishing houses here in Australia and continue to expand my reach to US agents.
4. The Scent of Creation
Describe a scent that immediately transports you to a moment of inspiration or creativity. What emotions does it evoke, and how does it influence your creative process?
Freshly brewed coffee.
There is something homely about this smell, safe and nurturing, and it kick-starts the creative brain cells every time.
5. Ink and Intimacy
If your writing style were a tactile experience, what texture would it be? How does the act of putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard make you feel on a deeply personal level?
Velvet. Rich and luxurious.
It fills my soul with a value that is hard to beat and even harder to quantify.
6. The Harmony of Silence
Think about a moment when silence spoke louder than words in your creative journey. What were the circumstances, and how did it shape your understanding of your craft?
A couple of years ago, I wrote a particularly emotional piece. It was fiction but based on many of the feelings I was going through at the time.
My first grandson had just been born.
It was late 2020, and we were living in different countries.
With all the travel restrictions and ongoing eruptions of COVID-19, seeing my daughter and her newborn was uncertain.
Dealing with both the immense excitement, the sorrow, and the fear, all came out in my story.
I read the story to my writer’s group and on several occasions, my voice would break.
When I finished, I looked around at their faces, eyes shining and none of them spoke for what seemed forever but was just a few seconds.
At that moment, I knew my writing was strong enough to bring out emotions in readers. I knew I was a writer.
7. The Palette of Dreams
Imagine your creative mind as a painter’s palette. What colors dominate your artistic spectrum, and how do they represent the different facets of your imagination?
Pink — for my deep interest in love between humans, relationships, friends, and families.
Orange — for my spirituality and belief in the universe and being part of something much bigger.
Black — for my interest in thriller and crime, to delve into the human psyche and understand what drives a perfectly normal human to choose a criminal path.
Rainbow — A mashup of all colours representing my curious mind and love of learning.
8. The Quill of Vulnerability
If your creative expression were a handwritten letter to your inner self, what truths and vulnerabilities would it unveil? How does the act of exposing your innermost thoughts contribute to your artistic identity?
A letter to myself would include a stern talking to.
I would ask myself why it took so long in my life to believe in me, and why I still at age 65 have moments of doubts about what I should and can write about.
When I write about my innermost thoughts, I feel lighter.
It feels good to put it down on paper.
I publish what I feel comfortable with as I enjoy how it connects me on a deeper level with my readers.
Hopefully, they also enjoy getting a peek into my life.
9. Symphony of Shadows
Consider a character or theme in your work that embodies the shadows of your own psyche. What does this shadow teach you about your fears, desires, or unexplored dimensions of your creativity? Is that the case?
Absolutely.
Our writing is littered with characters who possess traits from ourselves and from people we know or have met in life.
My characters, through writing about their experiences, have taught me about love, trust, and being true to yourself.
10. Echoes of Childhood Whispers
Recall a childhood memory that resonates with you as a writer. How do the echoes of your early experiences manifest in your work today?
Devouring Enid Blyton’s ‘The Famous Five’.
I loved their tales of adventure on the island without adults.
A Famous Five book was always a welcome present.
Books are still a big part of my life, though now most are audiobooks to give my eyes a rest.
11. Melodies of Memory
If your memories were composed as a musical score, what instrument would represent your most cherished creative recollections? How does the melody of your past influence the composition of your present work?
Guitar — To this day, I love acoustic guitar music.
Music plays a big part in my life but from a listener’s point of view.
I have yet to master an instrument even though I come from a family of very musical people.
I remember our gatherings with my father’s family, and every occasion would end up with a jam session and songs.
I’m drawn to how music connects across generations and my characters reflect that desire for connection though not always via music.
12. The Dance of Syntax
If your writing style were a dance, what would be the rhythm and tempo? How does the cadence of your sentences mirror the beating of your creative heart?
I guess it depends on the story.
Sometimes it might be a tango, an exciting dance between lovers.
Or a fun tap leading up to a twist.
My creative heart loves dancing to any good tune.
Life is a dance and dance fills my creative heart.
13. Admiration Exercises
Which writers do you admire? What are your favorite books?
So many!
Right now, I’m listening to ‘Someone Else’s Shoes’ by Jojo Moyes.
I do love her books.
Colleen Hover is another favorite.
My favorite Australian writers would be Sandie Docker, Pamela Cook, and Joanne Nells.
Their books are full of warmth and beautifully woven stories.
Trent Dalton for his beautiful open heart that just speaks to your inner soul.
And Dinuka McKenzie a fantastic crime writer and part of my writers’ group.
I love it when I catch up with any of them at literary events.
Great writers and wonderful humans.
But you may also find me reading Stephen King for some horror thrills.
And his book ‘On Writing’ was a fantastic and inspiring read.
I like to read across many genres. Just love books.
14. An Indiscreet Question
With which influential author or inspirational figure from life, past or present, would you most like to share a cup of tea and a captivating conversation?
Can I pick two?
I think a get-together with both Jojo Moyes and Stephen King would be ridiculously delicious.
A mix of great minds.
That conversation would be wonderfully intriguing.
15. A Story in Ten Words
One night, two hearts, three words.
A never-ending love story.
16. A Favorite Fragment from Your Works
‘Marc gazed at Mandy, his eyes moistening, and she saw something that made her warm all over.
He genuinely cared for her.
Was interested in what she had to say.
Her heart swelled. It had been a long time since any man had made her feel like this.
She caressed his hand and whispered, ‘I’m so glad I had the nerve to ask you out.’
His face lit up, and in his eyes, Mandy noticed what looked like reflections of her own emotions.
Does he feel the same?
The moment and her thoughts were interrupted by the server bringing their champagne.
Marc raised his glass. ‘Cheers Mandy! To a great night and a new friend.’
Friendship! Is that all he’s offering?’
17. Contact Information
How can you be contacted?
I work as a freelance writer and business administrator.
It’s my side hustle but hope to retire into it soon.
You can contact me via my website for any collaboration or questions you have.
18. Blog/Author Page/Social Media Profile
Where can we read your works?
Freelance Website — https://salsfreelance.com
Medium — @sal.gallaher
Facebook — @salgallaherwriter
WordPress: https://salgallaher.com/
19. What exactly would you like to convey to a fellow writer/editor/screenwriter/film producer?
Keep writing and keep creating. Keep being you.
Creativity feeds our souls and brings something beautiful to a world that can be challenging at times.
Where can your works be read (in English)? See above.
Present your writings in a few words.
With a passionate and down-to-earth writing voice, my writing takes on everyday issues and jazzes them up with a vivid imagination that hopefully leaves the reader eager to turn each page for more.
20. Embers of Endings
Envision the conclusion of a significant project. How do you feel as you pen the final words or brush the last strokes? What is the emotional resonance of completion, and how does it influence your anticipation for the next artistic endeavor?
Enormous relief.
A sense of achievement and pride.
Often followed by a need to binge on mind-numbing movies I usually need a break from writing after I finish a big project.
That’s when I spend time with my camera, read books, and enjoy social activities with friends and family.
Join Our Publication, Share Your Voice, and Promote Your Brand on Medium and WordPress.
Please, follow us, read, publish, clap, engage, and stay tuned for the next story! Click here: New Literary Society.
But, most importantly, a profound thank you to each one of you. Your unwavering support has been invaluable.
Julia Kalman 