I asked Emily about her writing : "My book is currently in progress, but I hope to have it polished and ready to submit this summer. It is a YA (young adult) urban fantasy. I'm a huge fan of Joss Whedon, and grew up with Buffy as a teen - I definitely am aiming for "buffyesque" type story with strong female characters." Sounds good! So I turned the lamp full into Emily's face and began questioning in earnest...
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| Emily Cross (or is it?) |
I don't exactly know when I started writing. I know I used to write poetry and short stories when I was quite young, and have religiously kept a journal from about 10 on wards. I think I had so many stories in my mind, and ideas that I had to write them down in some form. My family are avid readers so it seemed natural to try and write my own stories.
What 3 things (not including paper, computer, pens) would you like to facilitate a good days writing?
A quiet space, a cup of tea and sometimes (but not always) some music in the background. In my first book, I have a particular song which I always associate with the villain - which helps me write those darker scenes.
Do you write to a schedule, eg every day or three times a week, set times, etc or do you write as and when the mood strikes?
I think if I waited for the mood to strike me, I would never write. I give myself 500 word goal a day which I always exceed - which makes me feel like I've accomplished something - and makes me feel excited to continue the next day. If I don't do this, I think too much about writing (with apprehension and self-criticism) when I should be just writing.
What's the worst question anyone has asked you ever?
It was more of a question than a statement. I was in a writing group and when I mentioned that I was writing a YA urban fantasy, I was told "oh thats a good idea, there's lots of money in that. Is it like twilight?" I can't even remember what I said because I was so annoyed. All my stories, even those written for school have a had a supernatural side to them, so its not something I just do because it is popular at the moment.
What are your favourite biscuits?
Hobnobs! Love them!! Although I'm more into chocolate than biscuits :)
Tea or Coffee?
Tea 100% - nice and strong with a dash of milk
Where do you do most of your writing?
In my bed, to be honest. Only place I have to myself at the moment.
What book are you reading at the moment?
The Amelia Peabody series (17 books in total). Apart from Paranormal/Fantasy books, I like historical fiction. Amelia Peabody is based in late 19th Century in Egypt. I love anything to do with Egypt and am really enjoying the series, which is a bit like Agatha Christie.
Do you use social media (facebook, twitter, instagram etc) to engage with your audience, do you think it helps sales and do you find it fun or a chore?
I have a facebook page (which is a bit of a chore and I use rarely), I recently joined instagram, but I think I'll be abandoning it as well as it's not "me". I have fallen in love with pinterest, but use this for my own research/interests rather than engaging with anyone. I usually use twitter - and for me this is fun, as I love seeing discussions on it and find out really interesting tips and news on there. I also enjoy the hastag groups like #yachatie or #yachatuk where I can discuss writing or reading with similar passionate minds :)
If you could genetically cross and animal with a fruit or vegetable what would you choose and why? I'm currently thinking Kangaroo Leek for the inevitable hilarity of shouting "I've sprung a leak!" when you flush one out of the undergrowth in the outback.
Wow. I don't know. I keep thinking of chocolate - which is neither fruit nor vegetable. . . and my dog a Cavalier King Charles, who is cute enough to eat ;) - chocolate dogs are fast becoming a theme, I think it tells us a lot about authors!
If money was no object what would you buy your favourite person as a gift?
I would buy my parents an apartment in some nice holiday resort like Spain so they can get sunshine during the winter - nice, and I am guessing you would hope they ask you to visit!
I have no book to plug here on Emily's behalf, so I shall just suggest you keep your eyes peeled, and follow her blog for updates. Thank you for answering Emily. Good Luck
Until next week, keep writing (and reading. And as always if you have comments I'd love to hear them over on Facebook or Twitter
