Little Puddle - The Interview

My mother, Flood, interviews blogging writers on FlashFlood. I asked to be interviewed because it looked like fun.

When and why did you start writing with publishing in mind?

Well, I never really thought about publishing my work, seeing as I'm a seventh grader, but I think I was in grade three when I got into writing. I really don't think I was that good back then, but I had no choice but to read at least a story a week to the rest of the class. In grade four we had a book and each week we would got three different options to write a write a story. In grade five, writing slowed down, but when I got to grade six, we had to write and read aloud a story to the class. Now that I'm in grade seven and the work load is bigger, we don't focus much on writing, so I do it on my own time.

Why do you like to write now if it is not part of the curriculum at school?

I guess because there is always something that has to do with writing going on in my house and I like being a part of it.

What is your genre?

I think my genre is what is on the middle school boys' or girls' mind. Anything that you would think could happen to a normal kid through peer pressure or school work I would most likely write about. I also write some poetry in my spare time when I don't feel motivated to write a 300 word story.

What is your favourite story that you written?

I wrote a story last summer that I really liked and so did my parents and I was really proud of it, but it some how got deleted. I’ve tried re-writing it, but it never seems right.

Tell us about your writing process.

I get an idea, sort of think about what the first sentence is and begin to write.

Do you do any writing by hand?

Most of my poetry is by hand, unless it is for a gift to someone and I would like it to look nice or for a school assignment. I do some stories by hand for rough drafts or when the computer is being used and I don't want to lose the idea.

Do you have a special writing utensil?

If you mean things to write with like pencils or pens, then yes. When I write stories, I usually take my computer time and type them up, this way it is better to edit or add or erase things I don't like. If I am writing by hand I like a good sharpened pencil or an inky pen and lined paper.

Do you always finish the stories you start?

No, some of my stories I would write half a page and then delete it and try to start over. I think that is a bad habit because I would read it, think it’s bad and not continue, but I can always make it better by continuing it, right?

Do you know the story from beginning to end before you begin?

I only know the main parts that I want to happen. I think these ideas up when I'm thinking about the topic sentence, but I often change things as I'm writing. If you read my rough draft then my final, you will see that I may have had better ideas than the first and I changed it around.

Do you write sporadically or set aside time regularly?

I guess sporadically (whatever that means). I write when I feel like it. The only time I would set aside, would be during homework time.

Your spelling is very poor. How do you combat that in writing?

Well, I usually use a program that will correct my spelling for me, or if it’s for school I get my English teacher look over it. Pretty lame, eh?

Whom in your life supports you most in your writing?

My father is usually still working when I write and my siblings always have something else on their mind so I never ask them for help (sometimes I will ask my father if I need more than one opinion). But seeing as my mother is my mother and she is also writing daily, I go to her for help and inspiration. My mother also, from time to time, asks me for some ideas for her work. I probably wouldn't write if my mother didn't do the same.

Do you currently have a major project on the go?

Yes. I'm working on a sort of 'mini' book. I've got the first chapter done and I'm working on the second. Each week I will be posting a new chapter.

Why do you blog?

I blog because I can write when I want, express myself in different ways and it's a good way to have fun in spare time.

Why did you start?

I started because (1) My mom is a blogger, (2) I had a lot of stories already written (3) I like to write and (4) My mom asked if I wanted a blog and I did. I am not allowed to visit other blogs yet though.

What is your favourite blog entry so far?

'Life Or Friend' because it deals with the pressure of having to tell when someone close to you is doing something to hurt themselves.

What do you like about blogging? What do you hope to gain from it?

What I like about blogging is that many different bloggers can come and comment or make a suggestion. All I hope is that I will continue to blog and maybe be noticed by big people, like authors.

You are an author, you know. You are also a very creative person in many ways. How else do you express yourself?

I also paint. I recently painted a picture that was based on my front garden and I handed it in for extra marks in Art class.(Didn't get a mark back yet.) I draw too. I also play bass and I will be beginning formal piano lessons in September. I know a little piano now, but I want to be better.

Where do you hope your writing will go as you grow up?

Um...I guess that I can get better and be good enough to have some of my stories entered into a contest or be in my Mum’s blog. I would like story writing be more in the school curriculum so I can be graded and see how I can improve and be more confident to share my writing with others.

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. I think your point of view is helpful to remind older writers about why they do what they do.

This was fun. I hope I do remind people of their younger selves.