A warm welcome to Samantha van Leer, the 16-year-old co-author of Between the Lines, a modern fairy tale written with her mother Jodi Picoult.
Tell us about you in 25 words or less.
I’m a junior in high school, and I’ve just written a book with my mom which has been published around the world, Between The Lines!
What makes you happy?
My three dogs! Alvin, Dudley and Oliver.
Where have you always wanted to visit, but haven’t made it to yet?
It WAS Australia! But, now I’ve been here on a book tour, I think I want to go to Fiji. I’ve seen pictures and it’s really beautiful, but everyone says it’s so far away and hard to get to…
Where is your favourite place to write?
My room. It has clouds painted on the walls, it’s very small, and it is also quiet which is great for thinking.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
Gay rights in America. I would want to normalize and legalize it, and I want to see my brother marry whomever and wherever he wants.
What’s the best thing about being a published author?
Having people WANT to read something you’ve written.
What’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked?
What am I going to do with all my money?! I replied, I don’t know how much I have even made from writing this book, it’s in an account for later so I’ll probably save it for my family to use one day and college.
Who or what inspires you?
My Great Grandmother. She’s the one Between The Lines is dedicated to. She has done so many amazing things with her life, especially with her volunteering, it would be my dream to change as many lives as she has.
What is your worst habit?
Biting my nails (my mom Jodi does it too!)
Your favourite word(s) and why?
“plebeian” because I have had a dream where an alien comes down, points at me and screams “pleeeeebeian!” at me. It makes me laugh every time I think of it!
Tell us about your next project in 25 words or less.
I will be writing my college application essays!
Just for fun
Tea or coffee? Tea
Paper books or e-books? Paper
Vegemite or Marmite? Neither, ever!
Write or type? Write
Poetry or prose? Poetry
Beach or bush? Beach
Hot or cold? Luke warm
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