Could you tell us a bit about how you started to write? What inspired you to write ‘Anthony Foxter, Teenage Spy’?
I started to write since I was about 6 years old because I enjoyed reading. So, I was thinking about it… what if I could write a book? What is the problem with children writing? It is actually not that difficult to write a book. Since I always love to read spy books, I decided to write my book about spies.
How long does it take for you to finish writing the book? Did you face any challenges along the way?
It took me about a year to complete writing my book. I actually found it a bit challenging to get good ideas on the book, especially Chapter 17. On that chapter, my sister gave me very funny yet interesting ideas to put in the book like the old granny, Granny Thimble McBimble.
What is your ambition in life? Has it always been a writer?
Surprisingly, when I was young, I always wanted to be an archaeologist! I loved fossils and I usually get encyclopaedias about dinosaurs for my birthdays! It is weird that I have decided to be an author but I might still want to be an archaeologist. My sister always says that ‘there are no dinosaur fossils in Malaysia!’ However, I am still determined to be one and always answer her with the same reply ‘I can work in other countries’.
Do you have any favorite titles or authors? If yes, which ones & why?
I enjoyed reading the Alex Rider and the Harry Potter series so much that I actually read them twice! (Written by Anthony Horowitz and J.K Rowling) The story lines are always full of suspense and are interesting. They are definitely page-turners! I also really enjoy Percy Jackson and The Olympians series as well as the Heroes of Olympus series, all written by the same author, Rick Riordan.( I have read them five times!) I like the books so much because they are very humorous and the dialogues are always witty.
What are your hobbies/interests?
I usually like to read books but when I am not, I usually play with my collection of Lego.
What did you learn throughout the publishing process?
I learned that even though most authors are adults, anyone can write a book. I also learned how to promote my book because at first, I was very nervous and did not want to advertise my book. However, I sent all my father’s and mother’s friends and relatives a short message advertising my book and before I knew it, all my books were bought by them that I had to reprint more!
What advice do you have for aspiring young authors, like yourself?
It doesn’t matter how thick the book is. It is the effort that you put in. As quoted, ‘If there is a will, there is a way,’
Make your book original, don’t take ideas from other books.
What is your next plan? Will you be writing a new book?
My sister and I are actually planning to write a book together, and my sister always jokes that ‘ I will be the Vocabulary and you be the Imagination’. I think we will make a great team together.
Who do you want to thank for helping & supporting you along the way?
I want to thank my family for supporting me throughout my whole ‘journey’. I specially give my thanks to my sister who illustrated the cover of my book. I also want to thank my creative writing teacher, Ms. Christine, from English Champ who has edited and proofread my book. My special thanks to English Champ, an English enrichment centre that has also supported me to publicise my book.
How & where can people buy your book? How much is the price?
People who want to buy my book can contact English Champ at 03-78802460/016 2091989 or email info@englishchamp.com.my. Each book will cost RM20. Since I like dogs, therefore 50% of the sales will be donated to PAWS.