12 Curly Questions with JC Burke

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you. 

I’ve had the same best friend since I was three years old.

2. What is your nickname?

Josh, Jazz, JJ, Juice.

3. What is your greatest fear?

Losing my mind.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words. 

Saying a lot, in as few words as possible.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.

Sensitive, observant, honest, unpretentious, succinct.

6. What book character would you be, and why?

Lucy in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Because who’d say no to a trip to Narnia!

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?

I’d love to be a fly on the wall in a Tudor court.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now? 

You weren’t dumb.

9. Who is your greatest influence? 

Family.

10. What/who made you start writing?

I started writing at 35 when I was sick and off work. If I hadn’t had that break, I don’t think I ever would’ve started.

11. What is your favourite word and why?

But. It allows two sides to the story.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Precious Bane, by Mary Webb. It was written in 1924. She’s been described as a ‘strange genius’. 

JC Burke has published a number of acclaimed books for teenagers and young adults, including CBCA Notable Books White Lies and The Red Cardigan, Aurealis Awards finalist Nine Letters Long, The Story of Tom Brennan, Faking Sweet, Starfish Sisters, Ocean Pearl, Pig Boy and Pretty Girl. The Story of Tom Brennan won the 2006 CBCA Book of the Year, Older Readers and the 2006 Australian Family Therapists Award for Children's Literature and it is currently on the NSW HSC syllabus list. Pig Boy won the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction in 2012. See jcburke.com.au for more information.