Author Interview with Amy Bond

Jen from Blanchardstown Library had a chat with Amy Bond, librarian and soon to be published author of the junior novel ‘Morgana Mage in the Robotic Age’ about books, inspiration and advice on writing.

 

-What was the first book that you read as a child that you really remember loving?

 

I always loved books, but the first I have a very clear memory of being completely obsessed with was The Twits by Roald Dahl. I think I read it in one sitting, laughing the whole time. It was so funny and rude. I can still picture some of the scenes so vividly in my head, like Mr. Twits filthy beard and the wriggling worm spaghetti.

 

-Where do you get your ideas for your books from?

 

I think they can come from anywhere really reading books and magazines, watching TV, talking to friends. However, only a few of them actually stick around. If I’m still mulling over a concept or character a few months after it struck me, then I think I might be able to turn it into a story.

 

-Did you always want to write? When did you first think that it might be something you would like to pursue?

 

As far back as I remember it was a dream, and I loved writing stories all through school, but that creative writing got pushed aside by work and study as I got older. When I had finished college I decided to take it up again, and was delighted to find it still brought me the same joy.

 

-What is your work schedule like when you're writing- how do you fit it in?

 

My day job is 9-5, Monday to Friday, so I write a little in the evenings and on weekends. It can be a bit daunting when you get started but setting yourself small manageable goals really helps. You will be surprised how quickly all those one-hour sessions of just 500 words can add up to a book.

 

-How did you get our first upcoming (amazing, highly anticipated) book published? :)

 

I had tried getting an agent for my book, but wasn’t having much luck when I entered the Times/Chicken House children’s fiction competition, which is run every year for new children’s authors, and has an incredible prize of a publishing contract with Chicken House. I was drowning in rejections at the time, so didn’t feel very hopeful, but was shocked to make the longlist, and then the shortlist. I didn’t win the competition, but I got really valuable feedback from the judges, and gained so much confidence through the experience, both of which I used to work on my book again. Chicken House had very kindly said I could send them on any revisions, and I was once again completely astounded when they said they would like to publish it.

 

-What are your top five books of all time?

 

I find this so hard to answer, but five of my favourite books are Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling, Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel and Northern Lights by Philip Pullman.

 

-What are some of your favourite songs/ song lyrics?

 

This completely depends on my mood, and what resonates with how I’m feeling at the time. If I’m reverting to my moody teenage years I might be listening to the Smiths, sometimes I need some Beyoncé to get me through the day, and if I’m feeling very dramatic, I’ll turn to some big show tunes.

 

-What are your favourite TV shows?

 

My favourite TV show ever is Columbo. Some others I like to rewatch are the Wire, The Royle Family, the Office and Pride and Prejudice. But I also love watching trashy reality TV.

 

-Have you any advice for those thinking of pursuing a career in writing?

 

Keep writing! But also work on editing and redrafting your writing, this is when you will see huge improvements in your work. Hopefully, this will grow your confidence too, which is also key. Rejection is inevitable, so you just need to accept it as part of the process and keep going. And keep reading too! This is probably the easiest and most powerful thing you can do to improve your writing.

 

 

Morgana Mage in the Robotic Age is due to be released in 2021

 

 

 

About the book

Morgana loves robots and longs to attend robotics school in the city.

But she’s a witch, living in a magical woodland community: the closest she comes to technology is petting her ancient mechanical familiar, Kitty. She simply doesn’t belong. But when she finally finds a way to the City, she learns of a troubling secret hiding beneath its gleaming surface: a secret that threatens the balance of civilization.

Caught between two worlds, only Morgana has the power to find a solution.

 

 

Looking for some help with writing?

These are some of the writing courses available through Universal Class:

Writing Basics 101

Writing Improvement

Business Writing

Essay Writing

Novel Writing

Creative Writing Workshop

Poetry Writing

Freelance Writing

Journaling and Memoir Writing

 

 Simply login with your library card number, set up an account and get started on your chosen course right away. Follow the link and select ‘Universal Class’ from our list of eServices: https://www.fingal.ie/council/service/fingal-library-eservices-online-courses