I first realised I was claustrophobic when I woke up in my sleeping bag at Hill End, Bathurst and thought I’d stop breathing if I didn’t get out fast! I froze because I slept under my sleeping bag instead of in it . . . but I survived. I’m still claustrophobic though I do manage to get into sleeping bags.
2. What is your nickname?
I have a few . . . 'Six’ because I had a favourite shirt with a ‘6’ on it that I used to wear a lot when I first met my beautiful partner, and my best friend calls me Abby which is a kind of variation on Abela and a favourite scene from a Mel Brook’s film.
3. What is your greatest fear?
Mmm . . . of all the ones I have, being trapped sums up them all . . . it’s about not having control and someone else deciding my fate . . .
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Fast-moving, playful but with moments of poignancy - at surprising moments.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Determined, passionate, easily enchanted, curious.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Isabella Charm from my book Grimsdon. She faces a great calamity and finds herself the guardian of three young children. She has her own fears and nightmares, but she is loyal, brave and a fierce rival if anyone dares threaten those kids.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
The 1920s. The war was over, women had newfound independence and were being given the right to vote in many countries, there was economic prosperity, flapper dresses and an optimism that would have been infectious.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
‘You did it! Even though you thought it was a fanciful dream that only happened to other people, you’re a writer!’
9. What/who made you start writing?
Books were a safe haven when I was a kid . . . no matter how frightening the book, I always felt there was hope and a way out and via the most imaginative means.
10. What is your favourite word and why?
One favourite word from a writer? Ahh! How about of the many - chiaroscuro. It’s from the Italian of words of chiaro meaning clear and bright and oscuro meaning dark and obscure. I think a lot of life is exactly that . . . multi-dimensional, with hidden depths and light pleasures, sometimes all at the same time.
11. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, it is all-enveloping and warm and playful and dark . . . chiaroscuro.
The first two books in Deborah's brand new junior fiction series - Ghost Club - are out now! Stay tuned for a giveaway of these fabulous books, right here on KBR - Monday 10 December. In the meantime, learn more about Deborah's books at deborahabela.com.
This is the last stop on Deborah’s
fabulous tour.
Did you miss the previous stop? See:
To see all the stops on the tour go
to: www.deborahabela.com
OR if there is an author or illustrator you would like to hear from, LET US KNOW!
We will see if they are up to the task. Just email: kellyATkids-bookreviewDOTcom
