I vice-captained a school cricket team and won a football media award, yet I don’t particularly like either sport or even know the rules!
2. What is your nickname?
I’ve always wanted a really cool nickname, but unfortunately, I don’t even have a lame one! That being said, people mispronounce my name so regularly that I really answer to anything now – Chen-ey, Shane, Chanelle, hey you? PS My name is actually pronounced Shen-ay.
3. What is your greatest fear?
I have a very long list of irrational fears (I’m a scaredy-cat), but above all, I’m truly terrified of snakes. I haven’t seen many in my life, but I’m convinced they are everywhere... waiting to strike when I least expect it.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Snapshots of life sprinkled with heart, humour and determined kids.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Determined, resilient, enthusiastic, disciplined, inquisitive.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
I absolutely love Matilda Wormwood. She is kind, tenacious and always stands up for what’s right. I wish I had her confidence! Plus, it would be pretty cool to have the power of telekinesis, along with her incredible maths skills!
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’d like to take my little boy back to the 90s, when I grew up. I feel like it was simpler, a bit daggy and a whole lot of fun.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
You got a book published AND you’ve been on TV – that’s so cool! But... why don’t you own your own horse yet?
9. Who is your greatest influence?
In life: my parents and my husband. They are all incredibly hard-working and make me believe I can achieve anything I put my mind to. When it comes to writing for kids – I really look up to authors like Nova Weetman, Sue Whiting, Emily Gale, Cristy Burne and Nat Amoore – all for different reasons. In general, I’m constantly inspired by the entire Australian writing community. From established authors to aspiring writers, you can learn something from everyone. And everyone is so incredibly generous with their advice!
10. What/who made you start writing?
I got teased a lot in primary school, so writing was a form of escapism. I could create characters that could do things I could only dream of (and get back at bullies without worrying about consequences). Over time, I fell in love with creating my own fictional worlds. Writing became a way of exploring life’s big questions.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Shemozzle. Nothing explains chaos quite like the word ‘shemozzle’. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to say!
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That would be cruel and unusual punishment... but I’d have to choose Looking for Alibrandi. It’s an absolute favourite of mine. Growing up with part Italian heritage, there’s a lot I can relate to.
Chenée Marrapodi is an author, journalist and podcaster. A love of storytelling led Chenée to a career in journalism, where she has reported for television, radio and online news. Her love of words is rivalled only by her love of dance. Combining the two, One Wrong Turn is her first novel. For more information, see www.cheneemarrapodi.com.
