1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I somehow won a talent contest when I was around eight, for singing. (I have no recollection of the experience, but there’s a photo of me in the paper to prove it!) Today, though, I wouldn’t be caught dead singing in front of anyone, as I’m terrible. My parents still marvel at the fact that I beat a very talented pianist who wowed everyone with his talent. And I still think they must have paid off the judges, because I have no idea how else I could have won!
2. What is your nickname?
2. What is your nickname?
No exciting nicknames I’m afraid – everyone just calls me Kel. Or sometimes, KJ.
3. What is your greatest fear?
3. What is your greatest fear?
Failing to grow as a person and a writer, and not going after my dreams enough.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Always changing — from deep and meaningful to silly and funny.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Curious, committed, passionate, detailed, researcher.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Oh wow, there are so many great ones to choose from. Perhaps Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. She’s smart, sassy, savvy, talented, loyal, passionate and curious. Lots of wonderful traits there!
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?
If Atlantis was real (and I like to think it was), I’d love to travel back in time to check it out. I’d also be interested to go into the future a few hundred years. I’d hope to see the planet and animals thriving, all brought back from the brink.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Geez, what took you so long? (Referring to me only just committing to becoming an author a couple of years ago!)
9. Who is your greatest influence?
9. Who is your greatest influence?
I don’t have a single greatest influence. My family and friends certainly have an impact, but I have always read a lot, and continue to do so, and I find other authors and creators of all types (art, music, dance etc.) influence the way I think about life and about writing.
10. What/who made you start writing?
10. What/who made you start writing?
That would have to be a love of stories, in whatever form they come in. It’s this love that prompts me to write my own.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Story — because stories shape who we are, the world around us, how we interact and connect with each other, and the possibilities we envisage.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Eek, what an impossible question! My adult self would choose, when pressed, A Discovery of Witches, by Deborah Harkness. My child self would choose The Magic Faraway Tree, by Enid Blyton.
Kellie Byrnes has been a full-time freelance writer for more than five years. She is also a children's author, with her first picture book, Cloud Conductor, published in May 2018 by Wombat Books. Kellie's second picture book will be published by Little Pink Dog Books in 2019. For more information, see www.kelliebyrnes.com.