(Meet my sister!) Young Writer Interview: Anna B.

Posted On September 4, 2022

Hey everyone!

I’m really excited to share this post with you today. I had the idea to put together a series of interviews with young writers – and who better to start us off than my partner-in-crime, best friend and sister, Anna? She’s been my writing confidante for several years now, and we had a blast with our interview.

I hope this interview inspires you!

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What’s your name? Any nicknames?

My name is Anna. I don’t have any nicknames, save for one of my closest friends who sometimes calls me Anne.

Cool! So, to get into this: What made you start writing?

Well, really you got me started with writing. It was when I was 11 I believe, you had started writing a story and you wanted help brainstorming. After sitting in your room for hours with you talking about characters, plots, and scenes you planned to write I realized how much I loved characters and plotting. I then started my own story and have been working on stories pretty steadily ever since.

I remember that! It was so fun! Next question… what genres do you mainly write in, and why?

So far I’ve mainly written modern fiction, both realistic fiction and fantasy. I’ve always loved to read fantasy stories set in the real world. Thinking “What if this were real?” has always been something that gets me excited, and I generally find modern characters more relatable.

Are there any specific books or movies, etc., that inspire you in your writing?

Oh, that’s a hard one. For me I’ll get inspired by a little scene, a piece of dialogue, or an idea. Some books that have influenced my writing a lot are “The Penderwicks” by Jeanne Birdsall, “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery, and “The Wingfeather Saga” by Andrew Peterson. They’re all very different styles and even genres, but they’ve all helped inspire a different part of my writing.

Do you have a regular writing routine, and if so, what does it look like? — What’s your ideal writing setup?

When I’m in the middle of a project I’ll try and write about 500 words a day. It’s not a whole lot, but that’s usually a good goal for me, although it’s way harder to actually do it.

My idea writing setup is me sitting at a desk with a cup of cocoa, my Word document open, Spotify playing Alexandre Desplat, and my brainstorming Notebook out with all my notes. It’s even better if I can manage to get up early.

Haha, yep, I’ve definitely seen you ‘in the zone’ with your headphones and cocoa.
Do you ever get writer’s block?

Um, yes.

Is that even a question? 🤨

I usually get hung up over small details of my story. I’m a plotter, so I often won’t have plot trouble, but I’ll get stuck at a little think like what a building looks like, a person’s hair color, a name… etc. Or sometimes I’ll just get bored with the story, and get stuck until I feel inspired again.

How do you get past writer’s block? Or DO you?🤨🤓

Well, usually I’ll go to my room, sit in my beanbag, and just stay there, thinking for a long time. (Often multiple hours.) If I sill don’t know the answer I’ll usually ask you, or one of my other writing buddies for help problem solving. If that doesn’t work I’ll usually step away from it for a little while and then look at it with fresh eyes.

Where do you see your writing going in the future?

I don’t know! I could definitely see myself having something published one day, but as of right now I don’t really have a set goal I’m striving for, I’m really just trying to grow and mature in my writing and learn as much as I can.

That’s awesome. I’m excited to see your writing grow.
Alrighty, final question! Do you have any advice, etc., for other young writers?

Here’s something Jonathan Rogers* said once that has helped me. He said to stop comparing yourself to other writers. Sure, you’ll never be able to write like them, but they’ll never be able to write like you.

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*TheHabit.co

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Anna is a teenaged writer from Indiana. When she isn’t writing you can find her playing piano, reading, or locked up in her home’s walk-in closet with a sewing machine.

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