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Kelly Buchanan is the founder and owner of Random Static Press, a small SF publisher based in Wellington. I interviewed her for NZ Speculative Fiction Blogging Week.

So, Kelly, what's your background and how did you come to establish Random Static Press?

I've been a compulsive reader for most of my life, and in the absence of any talent for writing my own books, getting in to publishing seemed a natural progression. Though as it happened, Random Static started out as a record company rather than a book publisher. This was simply a matter of discovering some music that I thought deserved to be published before discovering suitable writing. SF is definitely my main passion, and the primary focus of Random Static.

Random Static's first book, 'Newtons Sleep' was published in 2008. Can you tell me a little about 'Newtons Sleep' and the process of publishing it?

It basically came about because I was a huge fan of the Faction Paradox series. Though "series" isn't really the right term, since each of the FP novels are very much their own stories, with far less interlinking than is typical for such things. The connection is mostly a kind of shared background mythology, with each writer coming up with their own settings and characters. In any case, when the previous publisher decided to end the series, it seemed like an ideal opportunity to launch Random Static Press. Faction creator Lawrence Miles was willing to let us have a go, and Daniel O'Mahony came up with an excellent novel proposal for us. Daniel was a delight to work with; he's an amazingly talented writer who deserves much wider recognition, as well as just being a genuinely nice guy. We're very happy with how well-received "Newtons Sleep" has been, by both existing Faction fans and new readers.

Publishers of Speculative Fiction are few and far between in New Zealand. What do you find are some of the benefits and challenges of being one of them?

The location is a bit of a problem. While the internet makes it easy to work with authors from anywhere in the world, shipping books internationally from New Zealand isn't cheap. And local retailers are less interested when the author isn't a kiwi.

What does the future hold for Random Static?

We have several projects in the works, though some are taking rather longer than we'd hoped to complete. Coming up this year is the new Vostok Lake CD "Small Group Psychosis", and for something a bit different, a picture book! The story is suitable for children, but adults should appreciate the quirky artwork too. In 2010 we'll be publishing an anthology of NZ speculative fiction, and the next novel in the Faction Paradox setting.

And lastly, because it is New Zealand Speculative Fiction Blogging week, tell me about a local work of spec fic you've read or watched and enjoyed?

Maurice Gee was definitely a strong formative influence. The "Halfmen of O" series and "Under the Mountain" really are top quality kids' novels, up there with the world's best. The TV version of "Under the Mountain" also made a big impression, along with "Children of the Dog Star". I hope the upcoming "Under the Mountain" film does the source material justice!

Thank you, Kelly, and best of luck with those upcoming publications. Random Static publications can be purchased online here and writers wishing to submit to the anthology of NZ speculative fiction should check out the Submission Guidelines