My parents thought of calling me Virginie.
2. What is your nickname?
2. What is your nickname?
Soph.
3. What is your greatest fear?
3. What is your greatest fear?
Flying in small planes (don't like planes generally but put up with the big ones as I love to travel!)
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Unique gifts of marvelous storytelling, high drama, and poetic intensity.
(that quote wasn't me boasting; it was what the late, great Lloyd Alexander said about my work-- )
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
(that quote wasn't me boasting; it was what the late, great Lloyd Alexander said about my work-- )
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
I love being a writer!
6. What book character would you be, and why?
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Jane Eyre, because I was a quietly defiant child and--well, because of Mr Rochester!
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
1601-2, in London to be in the audience at Elizabeth I's court that watched the first performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night - my favourite play. And Will would have been there, too!
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
Hey, you're so lucky!
9. Who is your greatest influence?
9. Who is your greatest influence?
My imagination.
10. What/who made you start writing?
10. What/who made you start writing?
Not enough stories in the world, I decided at a very tender age.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Contract! (Many writers' favourite, I'd say)
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Would have to be put to the rack before I'd become resigned to only reading one book for the rest of my life!
Sophie Masson is the author of more than 50 books published in Australia and internationally and an active member of the Australian literary community. Her latest novel, Emilio, is part of the Through My Eyes series published by Allen & Unwin. Visit Sophie's website to find our more about her books and other projects.
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