I like wrapping brazil nuts in a dried apricot before I eat them.
2. What is your nickname?
I’ve never had many nick names which worries me because nick names mean acceptance, don’t they? My friends call me Hon, so maybe that counts? I get called Kat sometimes and I love the cute pronunciations my friends’ children have used: Kantrina, Katina, Takina.
3. What is your greatest fear?
I’m a mother. I worry about my children. I worry that something bad might happen to them. There’s no greater fear I don’t think.
Also, dealing with Telstra.
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
I write short stories for little people with big minds.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Careful. Carefree. Honest. Hopeful. Happy.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Pippi Longstocking but I bet everyone says that because she had a horse she could lift with one hand. In Year 2, I invited my teacher, Mrs Vaughn, to my birthday party and she gave me a copy. I’m pretty sure it’s still at my mum’s somewhere.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
My granny turns 90 next year. I’d love to meet her as a little girl, or a young woman. (I often try picturing older people when they were younger.) So maybe 1934.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?We have our very own computer? Really? So messy handwriting doesn’t matter? It really doesn’t matter? Cool!
9. Who is your greatest influence?I can’t answer that. The world is too huge and too full of fabulous people. I admire people who try their best and can still laugh at themselves. I admire my friends more than I admire famous people because I know them and so I know what really makes them wonderful.
10. What/who made you start writing?
I can’t remember. I’m like many writers. It’s something I’ve always done. We start with sweet stories in primary school, followed by bad poetry in high school. Sometime during adulthood we find our niche. Mine seems to be picture books.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Disenchanted. I’d like to choose a more positive word but if I’m honest, disenchanted is my absolute favourite. I speak it as often as I can. I remember the first time I heard anyone use it. It was my teacher, Mrs Robbins, during a Year 11 Ancient History lesson and I realised at the time what a perfect word it was for describing its meaning exactly.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?It would have to be some kind of anthology, maybe one with stories and poems. I don’t usually like to re-read books but if I could only have one I’d want something that made me think, something I could re-read and uncover new meanings. I’d prefer a collection with a lot of Australian content, but one that included writers from around the world as well. I think it would be good if it included pieces of writing from different eras but with a focus on contemporary fiction. Not much to ask for. Surely. Any recommendations?
Katrina's latest book, My Dad Thinks He's Funny, is - very funny!
Learn more about her books at www.katrinagermein.com
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