Five Fantastic Facts with Author Helen Chebatte

May 5, 2018 ~ Young Authors Academy ~ Leave a comment

Thanks for joining us on the blog today Helen!

1. What is the most recent book you’ve had published and can you please tell us a bit about it.

I’m very excited to have made my literary debut with a Young Adult novel called BRO. BRO is about the fatal consequences of a fight club in a racially divided high school. It’s narrated by Romeo Makhlouf, an easy-going, friendly Lebanese-Australian teenager who’s challenged to fight or suffer the effects.

2. What was the first story you remember writing when you were at school and can you tell us what happened in the story?

What an interesting question! Let me see … the first memory that comes to mind is a play I wrote in high school. It was about a shy, quiet girl who falls in love with the toughest, roughest guy at school. I’m guessing I had romance on my mind at the time.

3. What got you interested in writing in the first place?

I’ve always been interested in creative expression. It’s an uncontaminated and honest way of communicating. With writing I can use my imagination to share what’s in my heart.

4. What’s your favourite writing tip and how do you use it in your writing?

I come from an acting background so I often relate things back to my drama training. One of the ways I do this is by saying my character’s dialogue out loud. Sometimes I act out their actions to get a feel for their physical qualities. You can really get to know your characters this way and even discover new things about them and the story. This can also help give direction to a moment, scene or chapter.

5. What’s your favourite fun activity to do besides writing?

Besides reading (which you’ve probably predicted) I love watching movies! I’m a big fan of world movies especially, I love seeing films from other countries. It’s so interesting to learn about other people’s cultures and views and way of life, through story. I also enjoy taking photos – I’m not good at it … not yet anyway, but I love it!

To find out more about Helen and her book you can visit her site.

Five Fantastic Facts with Author Elizabeth Klein

December 14, 2017December 9, 2017 ~ Young Authors Academy ~ Leave a comment

Thanks for joining us on the blog today Elizabeth.

1. What is the most recent book you’ve had published and can you please tell us a bit about it?

Greenheart of the Forest, published in 2014. Protagonists Dougray, Robbie and Belle are captured by an evil tyrant and taken to Wychwyre. Here they face their greatest challenges as they attempt to free the people, return an elemental to her home-tree and seek a lost crystal.

2. What was the first story you remember writing when you were at school and can you tell us what happened in the story?

My first story was about a boy who discovers he’s not human. Some villainous government agents attempt to capture him.

3. What got you interested in writing in the first place?

When I first began reading. I come from refugee parents and we didn’t have a whole lot of money, certainly not enough for books. So, I found the local library, which became my constant haunt.

4. What’s your favourite writing tip and how do you use it in your writing?

Don’t get discouraged by those rejection letters. They happen to the best of authors. Believe in your writing abilities and keep sending out those manuscripts.

5. What’s your favourite fun activity to do besides writing?

Reading a great children’s or young adult book and travelling in my caravan. (Yes, I’m a bit of a gypsy.)

Thanks for chatting with us today Elizabeth. To find out more about Elizabeth and her writing you can visit her website: http://bethloria.com.au/

Want to keep up-to-date on all the news from Young Authors Academy? Sign up for the newsletter and get the FREE writing tips and tricks.

Five Fantastic Facts with Author Pauline Hosking

December 7, 2017November 29, 2017 ~ Young Authors Academy ~ Leave a comment

Welcome Pauline and thanks for joining us on the blog today!

What is the most recent book you’ve had published and can you please tell us a bit about it?

My most recent book is called Cinnamon Stevens – Crime Buster. It’s a fun, mystery story for readers 9-12. Cinnamon dreams of being a super sleuth. Her chance comes when a class-mate disappears.

What was the first story you remember writing when you were at school and can you tell us what happened in the story?

When I was about thirteen I wrote my first book The Spellbinder’s Secret. Cassandra and her cousin Alison have magical powers. They get entangled in a war between good and bad magicians. Unfortunately it’s still unpublished!

What got you interested in writing in the first place?

I was always interested in writing because I love reading. I think that being able to create characters and tell a story is an amazing gift. Every day I try to do it better.

What’s your favourite writing tip and how do you use it in your writing?

My writing tip is: don’t panic when the words aren’t flowing or you can’t think of an idea. Go for a long walk or have a hot shower. Relax. Your imagination is amazing. Trust that it will, eventually, solve the problem.

What’s your favourite fun activity to do besides writing?

My favourite fun activity is playing table tennis. I also love going to the beach. Winter or summer doesn’t matter. I just love the sea.

Thanks for joining us Pauline! For more about Pauline and her writing go to:

www.paulinehosking.net

Want to keep up-to-date on all the news from Young Authors Academy? Sign up for the newsletter and get the FREE writing tips and tricks.