My hair was used as a model for a digital double in the King Kong ride at Universal Studios.
2. What is your nickname?
Asti or Astro.
3. What is your greatest fear?
I saw Jaws at my neighbour’s house when I was only three years old and I’ve been terrified of the ocean and sharks ever since!
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Twisty, a little dark and a whole lot of fun.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Imaginative. Unexpected. Pacy. Emotive. Captivating.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
I’d like to be a side character in the Grisha series by Leigh Bardugo. That way, I won’t be in danger, but I get to live in such an intriguing fantasy world.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
July 17th, 1955 to attend the grand opening of Disneyland. Disneyland is my favourite place in the world, and I’d love to see what it was like when it first opened and, of course, meet Walt Disney.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
All the hard work, dreaming and patience paid off. Time to celebrate!
9. Who is your greatest influence?
Walt Disney. I’ve loved Disney animated films since I was a kid. The whimsy and wonder has not only impacted my writing but who I am today. Watching the Disney princess movies over the years inspired me to write my own kind of royalty in Four Dead Queens.
10. What/who made you start writing?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve written stories, writing my first 'novel' at age five. The desire to be published only increased as I got older. Reading Twilight in 2006 inspired me to try my hand at YA, although it took another 10 years to sign with an agent.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Ephemeral. Not only do I like the sound of the word, but I think it’s important to cherish each moment before it passes.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That’s a tricky question! Could I be cheeky and say my notebook? That way, I could write all kinds of stories in it, and not have to read the same thing over and over.
Raised on a diet of Spielberg, Lucas and Disney, Astrid Scholte knew she wanted to be surrounded by all things fantastical from a young age. She’s spent 10 years working in film, animation and television as an artist and manager. Four Dead Queens (Allen & Unwin) is her debut novel. For more information, see www.astridscholte.com.
