Self Interview!
I. What is the true inspiration behind your writing?
My inspiration comes from a plethora of different sources. Sometimes I’ll be reading a book and have a random idea for a scene, or a few weeks ago I was doing a language arts assignment and I had to make hybrid creatures and I took those creations and put them into my world. But more recently, though, I was talking to my mom and explaining my story to her. Whenever I talk about my book to someone who hasn’t heard much about it, I come to mini revelations. I notice which parts of my story I have all worked out, and where I stumble over my plot. And the reason why I brought up my mom is because her, my older sister, and my best friend, they are the sources of my inspiration. The three of them are so unique and intelligent and curious, and without them my story would look extremely different.
II. How much of your writing reflects you and your personal life?
Almost all of it—especially the Larkspur siblings. Their dynamic is based off of my three sisters and I. Moonshine is a combination of my two younger sisters, Rainpelt and all the other boys are mostly just my imagination, Sunray is my best friend’s playful/slightly aggressive side :), and Lightningbolt is loosely based off of my older sister. Citrine, Clementine’s little sister, represents me in this book—that weird girl with little to no social skills who can’t stop cracking terrible dad jokes. And Clementine’s parents, (Magnolia and Aspen, by the way) are based off of mine.
III. Which writing apps/websites do you use for your writing and planning?
I’m actually very basic when it comes to writing apps, websites, software, etc. In the past I’ve dabbled *holds in giggle* with Google docs and DabbleWriter, but gave up on both of them because Google wasn’t structured enough and Dabble wasn’t free. But then my older sister found Reedsy, which is what I use to write now.
IV. What are some pieces of advice that improved your writing the most? What are some pieces of advice that made you worse?
The best piece of writing advice I’ve ever gotten
V. Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym, and why or why not?
I’ve more than considered it—I’m currently using one right now! My last name isn’t really Larkspur, I just stole it from my favorite group of siblings! My surname is something much more normal
VI. How is the progress on The Secrets of Moonflower Valley?
The word count on SMV is currently down to about… 19—20k, give or take. (I’m not sure of the exact number because there’s some chapters that haven’t been typed onto the computer yet.) But if you want to talk plot-wise, then my characters have just begun their adventure! I’m about one fifth of the way through my plot
