Sunni Overend & The Dangers Of Truffle Hunting
One of my favourite authors has a new book coming out and you need to order it.

1. When did you discover your love for words?
2. Are there any authors or books that inspired you to write women’s fiction?
3. You’re so eloquent when it comes to describing food and alcohol. Do you draw your inspiration from any wineries/ restaurants in particular?
Well the physical design of the Gossard Range cellar door and winery building in The Dangers of Truffle Hunting was based on an actual Napa Valley winery designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron. Some of the buildings in the fictional Barossa estate were modelled on designs by Melbourne-based Whiting Architects. Overall I didn’t hone in on any singular place for inspiration, it’s more the overall essence of a place like the Yarra Valley – where I grew up and where the book is partially set – that inspires. I was inspired by a number of food photographer’s work for this story, particularly Katie Quinn Davies!
4. Which came first, the plot or the characters? I feel like Kit has so much depth and it’s like she existed before she went on her journey to satiate her hunger in The Dangers Of Truffle Hunting….
The central character comes first – I think it’s his/her soul that appears and then I have to write out their story for them. Kit’s character was fuelled in part by events taking place amongst my peers at the time, but she was her own person – her needs and eccentricities developing as her story evolved. I have to keep learning as a writer that I can’t impose too much of my own thought on my characters – that’s when the story starts to feel contrived. You really have to go with what these make-believe people are telling you they want to do.
5. Are you drawn to any of your characters in particular? (I loved Marc and Kit’s relationship!)
6. Will there be a sequel?!
7. What are you currently reading?
8. Bonus question for aspiring writers: What’s your favourite writing advice/ tip you’ve ever received?
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