My Book Corner is delighted to welcome Sarah Rubin, MG author of the Alice Jones series, to answer our questions…
Tell us about you in 25 words or less.
I’m an America living in England. My most prized possession is my sewing machine, and I love growing vegetables in my back garden.
What makes you happy?
I love small perfect moments. Reading a good book in the sun, or when my kids hug each other. Right now, it’s singing along to the mix-CD my best friend made to cheer me up after the US election. There’s a lot of Cat Stevens on there – Cat Stevens always makes me happy.
Where is your favourite place to write?
I don’t have a favourite where I write, but I do have a favourite when. I love to write when it’s raining. There’s something about the patter of drops against the window and the greyness of the world outside that help me drift off into my imagination. Add a cozy dressing gown and a hot cup of tea and I’m in writer heaven.
What’s on your TBR pile at the moment?
My TBR pile is a bit daunting at the moment. I just finished ‘Cogheart’ by Peter Bunzl, which is fantastic. Next it’s a toss up between ‘Some Writer: The Story of E.B. White’ by Melissa Sweet, ‘Seven Brief Lessons on Physics’ by Carlo Rovelli or ‘The Locked-room Mysteries’ by Otto Penzler. Of course ‘The Painted Dragon’ by Katherine Woodfine is out soon, so that might jump the queue.
What’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked?
When I was about 10, I was flying (alone, on an airplane) and the man next to me asked if I was Mayan. I told him I wasn’t. He insisted I must be. This went on for the whole flight.
What’s your worst habit?
Procrastination!
Your favourite word?
How can I choose just one? Actually, my daughter is learning to talk right now, so I am very interested in onomatopoeic words. It’s been very rainy where we live so ‘Splash!’ is getting a lot of use.
2017 sees the release of your second novel in the Alice Jones series (CONGRATULATIONS!), how was your road to publication?
Thank you! The road to publication for The Ghost Light was really interesting. This was my first sequel and I was so excited to be back solving a mystery with Alice, Kevin and Della AND to be doing it in such a fun setting (a spooky old theatre!) but it was also a challenge. It took me some time to figure out where to start the story, and how to introduce the characters to new readers without boring those who’d read The Impossible Clue. Fortunately, I had my writers group, agent and editors extraordinaire to help me get it right.
What are your top tips for budding writers?
The best skill you can learn as a writer is the art of rewriting. After you finish a draft, put it away for a few weeks, or even longer. You’ll be surprised how different it will feel when you reread it after a break-and how many ways you’ll think of to make your story even better!
Can you give us a glimpse / hint at your current WIP? (I can bribe you with cake & biscuits!)
I’m afraid I am terribly secretive about works in progress until I have a first draft done. So, as much as I am tempted by cake and biscuits, my lips are sealed.
Did we forget anything?
Goodness, I don’t think so, but thank you for having me. This was a lot of fun!
Just for fun
Tea or coffee?
Tea.
Paper books or e-books?
Paper (though I do love an ebook for travelling!)
Cake or chocolate?
You’re so cruel. Can I have chocolate cake?
Write or type?
Type.
Poetry or prose?
Prose.
Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Slytherin?
Hufflepuff!
Hot or cold?
Cold.
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