Hey guys, it’s Lois! Very recently I had the amazing opportunity to interview three YA authors. This is third and final instalment in this mini author interview series, you can find my interview with Simon James Green here and the interview with Stephanie Kate Strohm here!
The third author I had the chance to interview was Beth Garrod. Beth is the author of the book “Super Awkward.”
“I, Bella Fisher, am absolutely WINNING at FAILING at life.
1. I once got my tongue stuck to a box of Calippos in a supermarket.
2. I accidentally called my geography teacher Mum. Twice. He wasn’t impressed.
3. I’m a geek. And not in a geek-chic kind of way, but in a secretly-caring-about-failing-maths-and-science way.
4. I always fail maths and science.
So it figures that when I meet the FITTEST BOY IN THE WORLD, Zac, I’m doing solo star jumps. While dressed as a cereal box. ”
Lets get on with the interview!
1) How did you begin writing books?
Beth explained that at her job she did a lot of writing for teenagers and really enjoyed it. When the amount she was writing at work slowed down she took on the hobby of writing a book. She kept this book to herself and wanted no one else to know that she had written it. One day she just decided that it was all or nothing and sent her book out and now she has a book published and a second book on the way!
2) Who is your favourite young adult author?
Beth said that her favourite young adult author is Judy Bloom. This is because she felt like Judy Bloom’s books explain a lot about how she felt in her teenage years. Beth said it is so hard to pick a favourite author though as it can change so often and she didn’t want to offend any of the other authors she is a fan of by just mentioning one.
3) If you had the ability to make everyone in the world read one book what would it be?
Beth mentioned a book she read recently, that has made it into her favourites. “The Good Immigrant” by Nikesh Shukla. Beth explained that is a series of essays from ethnic minority voices on a series of topics surround immigration. Beth said that anyone could pick this book up and due to the essays being short is something you can read quickly but has a huge impact.
4) Which do you prefer, E-Books, Paperbacks or Hardbacks?
Beth said she definitely prefers paperbacks. She likes being able to actually hold a book and it not be a file on a device. Beth said she is the same when it comes to CDs she much prefers owning a CD rather than it being on a computer.
5) What is your thought process when writing?
Beth explained that she doesn’t do any planning when she is writing and goes straight into the story. She said at the end of it she realises in a lot of places that she hasn’t made sense and has to edit it. Beth wouldn’t like to plan a story as she feels it is much easier and more natural for her to go straight into writing!
6) If you could give an aspiring writer advice what would it be?
Beth said you have to have confidence in yourself. A lot of people don’t have the confidence and fall at the first hurdle. Having just a bit of confidence can take you a long way and you never know what you might accomplish.
7) Do you write in silence or do you have to have some form of background noise?
Beth has to write with music on in the background. She cannot work in silence. Beth likes having an album or playlist on in the background whilst she is writing.
8) Do you feel like you are completely happy with a book once you have finished writing or do you think of things you can improve on?
Beth said she is never happy when she is finished with a book and could always go back and edit bits and pieces. She felt writing the sequel to “Super Awkward” was harder than writing her first book. Beth even admitted she has spotted things she would change in the sequel but it is too late for them to be changed and you can’t keep changing things forever!
Thank you so much Beth for taking the time out of your day to answer my questions! Thank you also to the Young Adult department at Waterstones Deansgate and Scholastic for the amazing opportunity!
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Until next time,
Loisreadsbooks 
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