1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I’ve almost died three times. 2. What is your nickname?
Al or Laney
3. What is your greatest fear?
3. What is your greatest fear?
On a heavy note? Losing loved ones. On a lighter note? Running out of chocolate or coffee.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
A manic mess that magically comes good in the end.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
This answer is probably annoying, but I haven’t found one yet. I think that’s what keeps me writing — exploring other’s lives, trying on different personas and seeing how they fit. I’ve read plenty of fascinating characters, but given the circumstances they face, there are none I’d actually want to be.
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?
I’m quite enjoying this year. I don’t want to go anywhere.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you right now?
9. Who is your greatest influence?
Allayne Webster grew up in rural South Australia. She now lives in Adelaide with her husband and teenage son. She's the proud recipient of three South Australian arts grants and she helped to establish the Women's Professional Development Network Book Club at the University of Adelaide. Allayne served for 10 years as a board member of the Salisbury Writers' Festival and she's currently on the planning committee of the Adelaide Festival of Children's Books. For more information, see www.allaynewebster.com.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you right now?
Wow! You did it? You actually did it!
9. Who is your greatest influence?
Judy Blume. Because she fearlessly told the stories that made my mother’s face turn red and you could tell she wrote purely for the kids.
10. What/who made you start writing?
10. What/who made you start writing?
I started writing seriously (for publication) when my son was born almost 18 years ago. I sucked at parenting. I was bored witless. I would rather have walked barefooted over Lego than watch daytime TV or attend a mother’s group. I needed intellectual stimulation.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Ethereal. Because it sounds just that.
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?
One book? What kind of sadistic other dimension is this? Okay… if I have to: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.
