The person that I interviewed was Rebecca Hanover, author of a YA book called The Similars. I chose to interview her because reading is one of my favourite hobbies, and I enjoyed her book a lot. Something that I learned from the interview was how it can be difficult starting out writing, as it is a very competitive industry. Another thing that I learned is that one of the biggest obstacles that Rebecca Hanover had to overcome was self-doubt. I can relate to this on a more student level, as I tend to be very critical and hard on myself. Some advice that she gave me was that it is very important to read when you are trying to write something, as you can always learn from reading.
The Interview:
1.Why are you passionate about your job?
I absolutely love being a writer and storyteller. It’s what I’ve wanted to do since I graduated from college – longer, probably! – and I feel so lucky every day when I sit down in front of my laptop that I get to tell stories for a living! With that said, being a writer has many challenges (many!), but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every phase of writing can be difficult in its own way, but each phase also offers so many surprising and wonderful moments too — from getting to see the cover of your book for the first time, to hearing from readers that they connected with your work. (That last one is the literal best).
2. What obstacles have you faced to get where you are today?
The biggest one (and I doubt I’m alone in this!) has been self-doubt. Writing and publishing are such competitive industries, it can be hard to see your own path to success when you feel like there are already so many talented folks out there — and there are! But there is only one person who has the vision and voice that you do. I’ve always tried to remember that even though there’s so much noise out there… I have something to and stories to tell, and all I can do is focus on those, and try to drown out the noise. Other obstacles… well, life in general, and life with kids (I have three little ones!) can definitely offer physical challenges that make finding the time and headspace for creativity difficult. (Hello, pandemic – and remote learning anyone?) Protecting your headspace and quiet time for creativity has to be a priority when you’re a writer. That can often be hard to do, but it’s critical!
3.What advice would you pass on to someone interested in what you are doing?
An easy one to answer — READ, READ, READ. You will never NOT learn something from reading. Even when it feels like you’re just reading for fun, or avoiding doing your own writing… that’s okay. You’re learning something. It’s part of the craft. You can’t be a good writer without being an excellent reader. And the great part about this? Reading IS fun, even when it’s “work”. And a second piece of advice — write the stories you want to read. Period. Don’t try to write for anyone else. Write for you, and those who love the same kinds of stories you do will come.
4.Why did you start doing what you do?
When I was growing up, and throughout college, I was a theatre kid — I loved performing, telling stories, taking on different characters’ identities. That eventually morphed into playwriting and eventually, TV and book writing. I realized pretty quickly that I would not become a professional actress (ha!) but that channelling that energy into my writing was my ultimate path. I now seem to have developed stage fright, so it’s a good thing I pivoted! 🙂
5.What is your favourite part about your job?
Taking the characters and stories that live in my head and getting them down just right on paper so that I can share them with the world (or, at least, some of it!) And getting to connect with readers. There is NOTHING like hearing that someone loved your book — or had any sort of reaction, good, bad, or in between! It’s such a thrill to see your own writing interpreted by another person… it’s the whole reason to write, really. To connect. And so… that’s definitely one of my favourite parts of the job.
She is very busy and would prefer to have someone reach out personally if they wanted to, rather than through the school. They could go to her website which I have linked below. 🙂
This is Rebecca Hanover’s website: https://rebeccahanover.com/
This is my Instagram account that I contacted her on https://www.instagram.com/ellaturnspages/