1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I can’t swallow tablets whole – I have to cut them up first! I envy people who can swallow a
tablet without a gulp of water!
2. What is your nickname?
Kaz – occasionally.
3. What is your greatest fear?
Being on a reality TV show – cameras, lots of people, competitiveness, lack of authenticity – no thanks!
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Contemporary verse novels – sparse, lyrical, full of heart and symbolism.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Persistent, creative, determined, disciplined, daydreamy.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
I would like to be another member of the Silk family from Glenda Millard’s wonderful series
The Kingdom of Silk – they are such a warm and creative family.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
It would be fascinating to go to Paris in 1789 at the beginning of the French Revolution – and
observe from a safe distance!
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Thank you for not giving up on our writing dreams.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
Every book I’ve read – as in Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem, Ulysses, ‘I am a part of all that I
have met’.
10. What/who made you start writing?
A deep-seated need to express myself.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Possibilities – anything can happen! This word is full of magic and hope!
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A book of fairytales – all those different characters, representing the different aspects of
ourselves.
Karen Comer is a freelance editor and presents writing workshops to children and adults. Earlier in her career, she worked in educational publishing and was the editor for children's
art magazine BIG. She lives in Melbourne. Grace Notes is her debut novel. For more information, see www.karencomer.com.au.