I have quite a good singing voice, although I am far too shy to sing in public.
2. What is your nickname?
Most of my close friend and family call me Tan. Not terribly exciting I'm afraid.
3. What is your greatest fear?
Apart from anything bad happening to my child, I'd have to say the world running out of chocolate!
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Child-orientated. Witty. Intentionally-simple. Adventurous. Magical. Fun. Light-hearted.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Blossoming. Persistent. Creative. Playful. Purposeful.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
I'd have to say Cooper in the Jinny and Cooper series. He eats whatever he wants and never gains weight! Also, I like his stubborn spunk and fearlessness. He's honest and not shy about speaking his mind.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Twenty years from now into the future. I'd like to see if that expensive face serum I bought last week actually works!
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
When I was ten I used to think anyone aged over 25 was super-old so my ten-year-old self would probably say: 'When did you get so ancient?' And she'd probably also say: 'Why did you wait so long to send your work to a publisher?'
9. Who is your greatest influence?
My daughter. She makes me remember what it feels like to believe the world is magical.
10. What/who made you start writing?
I grew up in a household full of books and a mother who encouraged reading. I think it was this early exposure that fostered my creativity. Thankfully, I also had a terrific teacher in primary school who recognised my love for stories and encouraged me to write. Once I started, I was hooked!
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Persnickety. I read a book as a child (although I can't remember which one) and came across the word persnickety. At the time I had no idea what it meant but I loved the way it rolled across my tongue when I said it. I still like the feel of it in my mouth.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tough question! If I had to choose only one, I'd have to say The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. This was the first novel I ever read on my own as child and it left me with such a sense of magic and possibility and wonder. When I read it to my daughter a couple of years ago, it stirred those feelings again. If I could only read one book for the rest of my life, I'd want it to be a book which makes me feel like that.
Tania Ingram is an Australian children's author of picture books and junior fiction. Her latest books are the first two books in the Jinny & Cooper series, My Teacher's Big Bad Secret and Revenge of the Stone Witch, published by Penguin. Visit Tania's website and Facebook page for more information about her books and author events.
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