Sometimes on walks I’ll just idly imagine my star turn as a figure skater.
2. What is your nickname?
Ella B.
3. What is your greatest fear?
It has something do with my son, Leo, who is very active and adventurous, and has autism. This means I spend a lot of my weekends trying to be all like, chill, while he surfs, and cycles, and goes out to gigs.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Intimate. Realistic. Funny. Warm. Compelling. Original. Lively. Truthful. Complex. Satisfying.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Curious. Imaginative. Honest. Funny. Surprising.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Mothball, from Jackie French’s Diary of A Wombat. She mainly sleeps and eats, but demands carrots occasionally. She is a very confident and contented wombat.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would go to the year 2006, when my son was diagnosed, and tell myself that he is going to be healthy and happy and wonderful, and that it’s going to be OK. I’d also like to go to the year 2070, when I will have died, just to make sure of that!
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Thank you. Thank you for creating a wonderful family, and becoming a writer.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
My son, Leo. He’s completely changed the way I see the world.
10. What/who made you start writing?
My father read to me from a very young age, and the way a story could move and entertain and sweep us both away seemed magical to me. I wanted to have that power!
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Home. It’s not so much a building, as a feeling I get with certain people, places and animals.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Dazzling dialogue and brilliant storytelling – not to mention family politics, passion and real estate.
Laura Bloom grew up in Sydney, reading constantly and dreaming of becoming a writer. Now she lives in a small country town with her family and lots of animals, writing novels for children and adults. Her books have been short-listed for awards and sold in many countries. Her latest novel for young readers, Mika and Max – about a girl who meets a boy who makes her see everything differently – is published by Walker. For more information, see www.laurabloom.com.au.
