Hello, all! It's Cari here with another author interview. Today, I'm talking to Bree Pembrook, a fellow young author. Bree and I started talking when I discovered her AWESOME blog laughsandliterature.wordpress.com. (go subscribe--it's totally worth it). Then, she did Crazy Writers Week this year with me. Because of that, we got to know each other a bit better. Then, I participated in her cover reveal for her debut novelette Ichabod Fly and the Great Newspaper Roundup. So, it seemed only natural that I interview this budding teen author. Let's get started.
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Q: When did you start writing, and what inspired you to start?
A: I started writing when I was about eight, for the Circle C writing contests. I believe the first one I entered, the story was dictated to my mom. It was basically a copy of my older sister's submission. My first work in progress that wasn't fan fiction was about mice that worked for the police. When I won a Circle C contest a few years ago, I decided to keep writing and put more serious effort into it. I've started so many stories, but only finished several short stories, one novelette, and have yet to finish my many novel projects.
Q: So we both started young! Cool! Who has encouraged you most in your writing journey?
A: My parents, naturally, but also the Kings [sic.] Daughters Writing Camp. It's an amazing community of Christian ladies who also write! I've attended for a little over a year, and it's been soooo good for my writing! A special thanks to four specific friends--you know who you are!
Q: I've never heard of the King's Daughters Writing Camp. I'll have to check it out. How many books did you write before seeking publication?
A. I've started countless stories, but only ever finished short stories before now. Shipwrecked orphans, fantasy after fantasy, history-saving families, I think I've tried everything.
Q: I see. What inspired your first-ever book, Ichabod Fly and the Great Newspaper Roundup?
A: Ichabod Fly and the Great Newspaper Roundup was originally just me putting on paper a game I played with my little siblings and our stuffed animals, the prince being based off of my youngest brother. It rapidly grew to be 8k words long, and I decided to publish. I like to make people laugh with my writing, and it definitely is a laughable story. Edits increased it to 10k, it gained a cover, and I'm currently preparing to publish!
Q: What is the self-publishing process like?
A: I'm still learning, and very inexperienced with self-publishing, but I can say that it can be difficult, but it's still worth it! I love being in control of what happens with my writing.
Q: Yes, self-publishing is difficult at times. I should know. I've self-published two books. Lastly, do you have a piece of advice for other young writers?
A: My advice; Keep going! Don't quit! You may get like a million ideas, you may begin to think your writing isn't as good as you thought, but don't stop. There will be that one story that really sticks out. You will improve your writing. You just need to keep persevering!
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And that's it! Bree Pembrook is a crazy, teenage, Christian author with too many works-in-progress and not enough time. When she isn't banging her head against her desk in an effort to get her characters to talk to her, you can find her reading, hanging out with friends, listening to music, and hoarding chocolate, as she is not only a book stockpiler but a chocolate dragon as well. She can also be found in her unnatural habitat on her sometimes-neglected blog, laughsandliterature.wordpress.com.
Bree's novelette releases on September 2, but you can pre-order it here. It's going to be an amazing read!
Speaking of book releases, are there any books you're looking forward to reading that will come out this year? Feel free to mention them in the comments! Also, did you enjoy this interview? Let us know!
Oh! I should check out her blog! Also, that book title is so intriguing. (: