1. What inspired you to become a writer?
I've always loved to write. Ever since I was younger, I've wanted to become a writer. The thought of being able to create whole new worlds with just a few words appealed to me. I wanted to be able to make works that people could relate to and be able to find some comfort in.
2. What's your favourite book of all time?
It's definitely, hands down, All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. For me, it was one of those books that completely changes you. I've lost count of how many times I've read it, and it still hits me hard with each read. When I find a book that I can connect with, it becomes my anchor. Even though it's just a children's book, it's seriously helped me through some hard times.
3. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Never. Stop. Writing. Write whenever you can. Write flash fiction, write about your day, write about special memories, write anything you can. The more you write, the more subconsciously confident you'll be in your writing abilities. When you get an idea, stick with it. Keep on adding to it, letting all the ideas fuse together into one story. Don't revise till you're sure you're done.
4. What is the most frustrating thing about being an author?
The most frustrating thing about being a writer has to be hoping you got your point across. I write in hopes that at least one person will be changed by the words I write. I can't help but wonder if the people who have read my work interpret it in a way that relates to them.
5. What's your favourite movie?
This is Not What I Expected, all the way If I'm ever having a bad day, I can count on this movie to make me smile. I have a soft spot for Chinese dramas.
6. What's better, dogs or cats?
Cats, definitely cats. But dogs are cute too...
7. If money was no object, how would you spend your life?
I'd probably get a small flat in the city and living walking distance from everything. I could just sit and write in a tiny room till the end of my days. Ah, that sounds lovely.
8. Do you draw from personal experiences when you write?
Everything I write has some bit of my past experiences woven into it. Blue Crayon is nothing but a chunk of a few months of an all time low in my life. I believe that when writers write about the things that they're experienced, it just adds to the emotional rawness of a story, it makes everything all the more real.
9. What is more important? Strong characters or a strong storyline?
Both are incredibly important, but if I had to pick just one, I'd pick strong characters. It's almost impossible to have a strong story line without fully fleshed out characters. Interesting characters make for interesting side plots.
10. What advice would you give to first time writers when submitting their work to publishers or literary agents?
I'd suggest that you first have your manuscript in order. Make sure you have your final draft proofed and ready for submission before you even begin sending queries. Next, I'd suggest you make a list of potential places you'd like to submit and make sure you read the submission guidelines carefully. Most importantly, you must be patient! I once sent in a submission and was told that I'd get a reply in about three months, but it took over eight months for me to receive a reply. Don't be afraid to believe in your work and take the jump to submit it. Who knows, you might have complete game changer in your possession.
For more information or to purchase Rowen Ingrid Parker's Blue Crayon, click here.