I always wanted to be a tap dancer! I have a love of musicals which spans right back into my early childhood. My parents took my brother and I to every musical they could. These memories are really special and have always stayed with me. I think I know all of the words to most of the popular musicals. My sister-in-law was stunned to discover that I loved the show Glee.
2. What is your nickname?
Kitkat. Although not many people know that either!
3. What is your greatest fear?
Not being able to grow as an individual.
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Action and adventure with a sense of humour and humanity.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Passionate, resilient, versatile, adventurous, open.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Hermione. I have a tendency to be bookish and nerdy but at the same time I can be fearless when I need to be.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
1920’s. I have a love of historical fiction and in particular, this era. The fashion, the pushing at the edges.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
We’re not all that different.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
My parents have had an enormous impact on who I am and what I have achieved.
10. What/who made you start writing?
It was a process. I acted, directed and produced. I was talented but they all took a toll on me. It didn’t feel right. Then I tried writing. I realized that a lifetime of reading had sunk in somewhere. It was like a breath of fresh air. I’m shy and can be very tongue tied in social situations, but when I write I can fly.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Kindness and/or being kind. It’s a value I put a lot of stock in. Giving that little bit extra if you can. We always appreciate it when people do it for us. Where I can I try to give back.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pride and Prejudice. I am an Austen tragic.
Jess Black is an Australian author of junior and middle fiction books including co-authoring the Bindi Wildlife Adventure series and co-authoring three titles in the RSPCA Animal Tales series. Her latest project is co-authoring titles in the cricketing junior fiction series The Kaboom Kid with David Warner. You can find out more about Jess and her books at her website and Facebook page.
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