Author Interview: Marie Basting

We were able to chat with Marie Basting, author of Auntie Medusa and Me and many others! Read our exclusive interview with her below:

1. When did you decide that you wanted to become an author?

I’ve wanted to be an author for as long as I can remember but I was told at school that girls like me didn’t become writers, so it took me a long time to follow my dreams. It just goes to show you shouldn’t listen to people who try to put you down and kill your dreams. Instead, blow a raspberry at them and prove them wrong.

2. Did you read lots as a child - if you did, where did you mainly read? If you didn’t, what was the reason?

Yes, I read loads as a child - mainly in my bedroom where it was nice and quiet and I had no distractions. I am very easily distracted… what was the question again?

3. What was your favourite book as a child and why?

My favourite book as a child was Heidi by Johanna Spyri mainly because of the setting. I wanted to sleep in a hayloft like Heidi and hang around with goats in the mountains. While I still like hanging around with goats, I re-read Heidi as an adult and really didn’t like it.

4. How does it feel to see your books in shops and being sold?

So, I want you to imagine that feeling you get when you are about to go on a really exciting holiday. Take that feeling and add your birthday, then throw in meeting your favourite rock star and it still feels more exciting than that with sprinkles on.

5. What is the best part about being an author?

One of the best things about writing is meeting readers. I absolutely love visiting schools and talking to children about my books and writing. Though I do find the random huggers in Year 2 quite scary sometimes.

6. What are the not so fun bits in being an author?

I’m on my own a lot which can get a bit boring. I also find I get distracted very easily and end up being annoyed with myself for not focusing. I blame my dog. It’s her fault I eat too may biscuits too.

7. Why do you think it is important for children to read?

There are so many reasons to read. There’s lots of evidence that children who read will do better in school and be more successful in the future and that they are better at understanding other people’s feelings and point of view. Children often tell me how reading helps them to manage their negative emotions and calms them too. There are lots of other readings to read but let’s not forget it is fun too – a way to escape and have adventures or new experiences.

8. What is the inspiration for your books and writing?

My books are inspired by the things I see and experience but also by my own childhood. All my books feature children defying limits and proving they can be whoever they want to be, so there’s definitely a little bit of that girl who was told she couldn’t be a writer in there.

9. Who gives you feedback on your drafts and how do you act on the feedback?

Since being published I mainly get feedback from my agent or editor, but I do still sometimes share my stories with writing friends too. I try to listen to their feedback and reflect on it before responding. Often, I have a gut feeling that tells me the feedback is right and I will edit my work to take it on board. Where I disagree, I will ask myself why and then have a conversation with my agent or editor until we agree on what to do.

10. Finally, if you could read for an hour, on your own, anywhere in the world - where would it be?

In a hammock strung between palm trees on a quiet beach in Thailand. It’s been a while since I travelled around Southeast Asia, and I’d love to go back. I also have these questions for you from Albert (aged 7 and from Cornwall) who is one of our first and one of our most enthusiastic Rebel Reading Reviewers!

11. How did you start writing?

I’ve always enjoyed writing stories and poems but for many years I gave up on my writing dreams. I started writing again after I did a leadership development course in work that encouraged me to set ambitious goals for my future career. I realised my ambition was in something else totally – writing.

12. How do you come up with ideas?

Ideas are all around us. I wrote Princess BMX after watching BMXers at the Undercroft Skatepark in London, My Family and Other Romans started with a dream and Auntie Medusa and Me was inspired by the books I’d been reading about Greek mythology.

13. Have you written something that didn’t turn out how you wanted?

Yes, lots of times! In fact, over lockdown, I wrote a whole novel that I ended up scrapping because it just wasn’t right. But this is all part of being a writer. You must learn from your mistakes then pick up your pen and start again.