A Chattering of Scattered Authors Part 4
This is a series of blogs introducing Authors of Tomorrow - these are the ones to keep an eye on. Each week I will deliver a blog with an interview from an author of a different genre.
Cassandra Stephens is a Children's book Author and Illustrator who lives in Mount Isa, Queensland. With a family of her own and a full-time job, she can spread herself out and achieve anything she puts her mind too.
Her book is aimed at 0-5 year olds and features shape, similarity, difference, colour and repetition.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
I'm not really sure. Personally, I would like to explore a greater variety of texts, however writing for children needs to be age appropriate and within their comprehension.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Not believing in yourself and your story.
Does a big ego help or hurt writers?
A big ego hurts everything, however, self- belief is imperative.
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Melissa H North and T.N.T Corlis. They help me share in the excitement of the writing journey, inspire me to look for new opportunities and they make great sounding boards for bouncing ideas.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Invest in every possible opportunity that presents itself.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
I haven't had to do it yet, but I expect it would be getting inside their psyche and understanding how they would respond to various situations.
What is your favourite childhood book?
Tikki Tikki Tembo.
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
No...kids find everything!!
How many hours a day do you write?
I write whenever I feel inspired by a particular event, idea or subject. Mostly my writing comes to me when I'm trying to sleep.
Tell us about your latest projects and where we can find them? My book 'What Can I See?' was released earlier this year and can be found via my website:
More recently I've been working on my next children's book and poetry for the upcoming Bush Poet's Breakfast.