I’m allergic to bees, but I still think they’re super cute and amazing!
2. What is your nickname?
I’ve had quite a few over the years, some good, some bad. Probably the most enduring (and my favourite) is Sah or Sahzie.
3. What is your greatest fear?
Sharks!
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Humorous but deep. Gentle but intentional. Educational yet utterly entertaining.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Dedicated. Persistent. Ambitious. Resilient. Brave.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Winnie the Pooh. He has the best lines!
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
3030 – just to make sure we’re all still here and to see what amazing technological advances we’ve made. It might be a little scary, but also (hopefully) eye-opening.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Start writing properly earlier and realise that writing doesn’t just have to be a hobby. It can be a way of life, it can be a career, and you’ll love it!
9. Who is your greatest influence?
Influencer and possibly ‘enabler’ too – my husband. His support and belief in me have always been 100 per cent and completely unwavering. He’s a good person to have by my side. My kids are also 100 per cent behind me. I do so much of what I do for them and so much of my writing comes from them and my experiences with them. I guess having kids has many upsides, though, like writing, it ain’t always easy!
10. What/who made you start writing?
My love of books and a whispering in my mind telling me to write, telling me that I simply must have my name on books. It was like a calling, perhaps.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
That’s an impossible question to answer! Here’s a few, if I can narrow it down – these words have meaning to me and they’re filled with so much emotion and portent, I suppose: home, love, happiness, write, believe, bunnies, serendipity. Sorry, I could keep going but I’d best stop there.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. I can not live without my love! I can not live without my soul! Utterly heartbreaking and probably my favourite book of all time. I’m a tragedy tragic.
Aleesah Darlison has written over 50 books for children and has won or been shortlisted for numerous awards. Many of Aleesah’s stories feature humour or champion the cause of animals and the environment. 2020 is the Year of the Llama for Aleesah with the release of her hilarious series, League of Llamas. For more information, see www.aleesahdarlison.com.
