I can turn one eye inward toward my nose, and move it in and out. It’s creepy, and gives me a headache, so I reserve it for my very favourite people. And Halloween.
2. What is your nickname?
Hoges.
3. What is your greatest fear?
3. What is your greatest fear?
The dark. I hate the feeling of not being able to see what’s around me. If I let it overtake me I feel completely panicked.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Obsessive to the point of frustration, with moments of clarity.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Lyrical, romantic, optimistic, heartfelt ... obsessive.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
6. What book character would you be, and why?
The mouse from The Gruffalo. He is happy, optimistic and clever. And proves size is no match for intellect.
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?
To Ancient Egypt, during the reign of Cleopatra around 51BC. I’d take her out for the day so she could forget about the constant power struggles and battles for her affection. What an incredible woman from a fascinating part of history.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Oh my gosh, you wrote a book! You mean writing all these poems and stories is really worthwhile? I really like The Sisters Saint-Claire, but are you telling me our baby sister is going to be the heroine over me?
9. Who is your greatest influence?
9. Who is your greatest influence?
My children, who are my greatest fans and best critics. From the literary world, Enid Blyton, Thomas Hardy, Dr Seuss and Maya Angelou.
10. What/who made you start writing?
10. What/who made you start writing?
My parents always encouraged me to write and they are both very clever in their own way. My Aunty Kate suggested a career in journalism when I was eight years old and that was the path I followed. My high school English teachers helped me to refine my writing skills and encouraged me to find my own voice.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Splendid. It sounds beautiful and covers so many incredible words like marvellous, magnificent and glorious. What an impressive, yet humble, word.
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?
The Book Thief, by Marcus Zusak.
Carlie Gibson is a mum to three young children and lives in Canberra. The Sisters Saint-Claire is inspired by her experiences growing up in country NSW as the eldest of five girls, travelling abroad and learning how to cook for a big family. Carlie is a former media adviser and journalist. For more information, see www.allenandunwin.com.au.
Carlie Gibson is a mum to three young children and lives in Canberra. The Sisters Saint-Claire is inspired by her experiences growing up in country NSW as the eldest of five girls, travelling abroad and learning how to cook for a big family. Carlie is a former media adviser and journalist. For more information, see www.allenandunwin.com.au.
