Here at Olympia we love hearing from our authors, getting an insight into their lives in writing and asking them what their advice would be to future authors. This week we had the pleasure of interviewing Genna Rowbotham author of Charlie & the Bunny Rabbit
A common misconception entwined with authors is that they are socially inept, how true is that?
Not true at all. When I’m writing, I prefer solitude so that I can get lost in my own world and think about what I’m writing. Yes, I enjoy my own company which I think is a good thing, but I also love socialising with friends and family too.
Do all authors have to be grammar Nazis?
No, they don’t. Of course, as an author it’s important to be grammatically correct in your writing, but how other people write is really up to them.
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
I think I would have to say, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I have never read the book, but I loved the film (and all the remakes of the film) when I was growing up and I still do. It’s just a timeless classic, but it also has a great moral to the story. Wizard of Oz by
L Frank Baum and Libby Hamilton is a close second favourite of mine.
What makes this particular genre you are involved in so special?
At the moment, I am inspired to write children’s fiction. Partly through my own children, but also that’s where my inspiration lies and I’m really enjoying it. Being able to entertain children through my books is a great feeling for me.
How important is research to you when writing a book?
Sometimes it’s important depending on what I’m writing. I think it’s very important if you’re writing non-fiction because you have a responsibility to the readers that what you’re writing is true.
Can you remember your favourite childrens book from when you were a kid?
My favourite children’s book was Charlotte’s Web by E B White. I absolutely loved that story and I really enjoyed the film as well.
What works best for you: Typewriters, fountain pen, dictate, computer or longhand?
When inspiration strikes, sometimes I write things down first, but it’s usually more notes than anything. Mostly, I type my stories straight onto the laptop.
If you could review Olympia publishers in a few words, what would they be?
Olympia have been friendly yet professional throughout the whole process and their communication has been excellent!
