Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an aspiring author of thirteen years old (wait, don’t go yet!) and I have just published my first ever book, Lucky Number Seven. Apart from writing, I enjoy swimming, YouTube, drawing and science.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Lucky Number Seven was named aptly because it is a collection of seven short stories. My favourite numbers are 24 and 7, and the same goes for everyone in my family. We LOVE the number 7, as most people do. Originally, I was toying around with the idea of seven seas or seven deadly sins but we eventually came to rest on Lucky Number Seven.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I mainly just lock myself in my room when inspiration hits. I perch on a chair, bed, table, etc, then open Google Drive and just start writing. I like to keep some YouTube videos playing in the background, but this is more of a bad habit to be honest.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jeffrey Archer’s short stories were the first I had ever read, and from the first page to the last I was riveted by the plot and twists of each. I started writing short stories not long after that. Also, my mum is a fantastic writer (despite being a doctor by profession) and definitely nurtured my passion for literature, as did my dad.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on promoting my book and securing a few deals. I’m also entering a couple competitions like the Commonwealth Essay Competition, which I am a huge advocate of. The second book is forthcoming!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not sure – I’ve only written one, and this is how I’m trying to promote it. But hey, if you have any ideas, drop me a line!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I feel heavily under qualified to be giving advice but if I know anything it’s that for me, inspiration strikes when it does. You can’t force it, per se, but you can induce it. Induce it by meeting new people and taking your time. A book will come when it’s ready, so write as much as you can but don’t feel any pressure if it doesn’t come immediately. Also never procrastinate. That’s how you lose your drive.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A great sage once told me that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. That sage is Winnie the Pooh and Piglet.
What are you reading now?
Bill Bryson’s A Short History of nearly everything is fascinating and is taking up most of my free time right now. A book that I found yesterday while scouring the library is George Orwell’s 1984 and it is GOOD. It also made me think a lot, and that’s the sign of a great book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A couple competitions and another BOOK! Wheee!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Wikipedia Book, which is metres thick and contains most, if not all, of the featured articles on the website. I could learn helpful survival tips and use some of the most obscure pages as firewood!