When did you realize that you wanted to become
a writer?
When I was eight I
read a book called ‘Omelette: A Chicken in Peril!’ by Gareth Owen. An obscure
little story about a bantam chick who get into all kinds of bonkers
predicaments. I remember it clearly because it was the first time I ever really
got lost in a book. I couldn’t quite
believe how a few well-placed words could make me laugh, cry and shiver with
excitement. After I finished reading it I knew I wanted a piece of the action.
I’ve not looked back since.
Is being an Author all you dreamed of, or did
it just happen? The best and worst thing about it?
I write for pleasure.
I write because the idea, the story, the thing
doesn’t exist yet, and if I don’t get it down on paper then I feel all bloated
and uncomfortable like I really need a poo. So in a way, I suppose writing
happens out of necessity for me. Like lingual laxatives or something.
The best thing is
when someone reads one of my stories and they’ve imagined it just like I did.
Or even better, they’ve imagined in it in a way that adds a whole new dimension
I never even realised. That’s why stories are so brilliant. They exist way
beyond someone putting their pen down. They wander off on their own as soon as
they get into a reader’s head.
The worst thing is
shutting myself away when working on a new story. It can get a bit lonely. And
maddening. Luckily I have amazing (and tolerant) friends and family who somehow
always know when they need to pull me back to reality.
What was the very first thing you ever wrote?
Probably my name in a
big yellow crayon. I must have done the ‘e’ backwards. Tricky blighters those
‘e’s
What made you create (your book)? How did it come to you?
Almost
everybody has sat down beside a campfire and shared an idea, a story, a
longing, looking up the stars. There's something about that setting. Something
about the way it brings us together, huddling for warmth, while words and
worlds spill out of us.
It
was no different for me. That was where the first few fragile ideas for my book
came from. Sat by a fire, talking with my friends, looking up at the stars.
Who is your literary hero?
Philip Pullman. What
he did with the His Dark Materials trilogy blew my mind. I hate him for it.
How much of your characters are based on your
traits or someone you know personally?
If I’m honest, all my
characters start off as a twisted version of me - either people I want to be,
or people I’m scared to be. But the good characters, the one’s that come to
life, the ones I keep writing about; they are quick to shed the burden of my
identity, becoming people in their own right. If I ever look at a character and
it no longer feels like looking in a mirror, I know I’ve got a good one!
Describe your main character in six words.
Troubled, Kind, Impulsive, Protective, Angry, Loyal
Describe the world you’ve created in six words.
Unforgiving,
Revealing, Cruel, Vast, Struggling, Changing
What scene was your favorite to write?
The one where Kasper
sabotaged his school project. I loved writing Mrs. Coombs, even though she only
makes a brief appearance. She’s so well-intentioned.
What scene was the hardest for you to write?
The last chapter.
It’s an odd mixture hope and devastation. I’m proud of that scene.
What are you working on now?
Book 2. Enormous
things will happen.
Goals? Accomplishments? Improvements?
I want to finish the
Apparent Brightness trilogy. I’m very excited about where it’s heading. Finding
the time to sit down and write it is getting harder though! I also want to
learn how to stop my plants from dying, so do message me with any tips.
Are there any authors or books you recommend?
Patrick Ness. If you
haven’t read his Chaos Walking trilogy yet then what the hell are you waiting
for? I hate him a bit too.
What's your favorite thing to do when you're
not writing?
I’m a total geek at
heart. I can always go back to my Nintendo if all else fails. Zelda’s not going
to rescue herself now, is she?
