Interview with Carissa TurpinThank you, Carissa, for taking the time to chat! When did you know you wanted to become an author?I've been obsessed with storytelling for as long as I can remember. I loved books as a kid, of course, but I also loved stories on television, movies, stories I overheard my family telling at gatherings, etc. I don't know that I ever really made a conscious decision--storytelling is just a part of who I am. When did you first consider yourself a writer?I really struggled with imposter syndrome for a long time and, to be honest, I still do. I don't think it was until I was in the midst of my MFA program and actively writing and editing my work that I began to see myself as a working writer. Who is your biggest inspiration?Author-wise, I love Rainbow Rowell. To me, she can craft characters that worm their way into readers' hearts much better than any writer I've read. I miss her characters after I finish her books, which I think speaks to her characterization abilities. As a middle grade author, I'm always inspired by my middle grade students. It's such a pivotal but difficult age, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to guide them through this stage of life. How do you come up with your ideas?Much of my inspiration comes from my experiences as a teacher, especially if I'm writing for a younger audience. I also draw on my own experiences as a young person. Some of my ideas just come out of thin air--I'm not even sure how I thought of it, but once I get an idea, it's difficult to shake. Are your characters inspired by or based on real-life people?I mostly find that my characters are a hybrid of different people I've known--the guidance counselor in Doomsday Dani, for example, was a hodgepodge of me, teachers I've known and worked with, etc. What comes first, the plot or the characters?Definitely characters. When choosing something to read, I'm always drawn to books with complex characters and quiet plots, and that's what I try to emulate as a writer, too. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?I need to write in complete silence--I am easily distracted, so noise from music or from the television will stifle the amount of writing I'm able to produce. How did publishing your first book change your writing career?It gave me confidence. I began to believe that I had stories to tell that people actually wanted to hear. It's also allowed me to meet and network with other authors. Honestly, there's just nothing cooler than seeing your name on the cover of a book! Have you ever gotten writer's block? How did you work through it?I have writer's block pretty frequently. Usually the most effective remedy is to separate myself from the work--take a couple weeks or months off and work on other projects and then revisit it feeling refreshed. What are you working on now?I am working on another MG novel about small towns and reality television. I'm also hoping to start a MG short story collection very soon! What advice would you give aspiring authors?Find a writing group to read and critique your work--if you're the only one who ever reads it, you'll never grow as a writer. What do you like to do when you're not writing?When I'm not grading papers, I love to spend time with my family in Eastern Kentucky. I'm a big fan of drag queens, so I love attending brunches and drag shows. I also love to travel when I have both the time and the money to do so. What are three things that are unique about you?
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AuthorArielle Haughee is the owner and founder of Orange Blossom Publishing. Categories
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