Interview Manda May

by

Sue Thornton

1. Today I learned that you are sixteen years of age. This is quite a feat for someone so young. How old were you when you started writing and why did you decide you wanted to write?

I've been writing since I was old enough to spell and reading too, I've always loved it. I received awards in the 1st grade for achievements that are quite shameful now.

2. What kind of stories did you start with?

It's always been fairy tales and romances.

3. Someone comes to you and tells you they want to write, what inspiration would you give to them?

Write about unique dreams you've had and add amusing experiences from your own life.

4. Is this your first contract for writing? If you have had others, what were they for...short stories, magazine articles?

No, I have not. I'm a closet writer, and like to hide my work.

5. When you have a story in progress and you have a blockage, or your story stalls what do you do to get your muse back?

Actually, I've never had that problem. My problem is too many ideas flowing in for me to write about. I start writing too many things at once, and forget about them later. But if I did get stuck, I imagine I'd look back to previous attempts at writing and insert them.

6. Since you are still of school age, and one would assume you have an active teen-age school life, how do you juggle school, school functions, possibly a part time job, friends, family and your writing?

I have two jobs, sometimes three, which makes things difficult. I think I do fairly well, remembering that school is the most important thing. I just deal with everything as equally as I can, and I don't sleep much, so that helps. I have the most difficulties with juggling friends and family, because they all want my attention, when sometimes I can't give it because of the other, or work.

7. Do you have another project in progress? Can you give us a hint as to what it is about?

Yes, I have a couple. One is the sequel to "Silver Wings" and it is a bit more of a Fairy Tale than even "Silver Wings" was. It involves a queen of the fairies so far, if I stick with this idea.

8. If you could have a job other than writing, what would it be?

An Adolescent Therapist. Teenagers and their lives fascinate me. And I love helping them, which I'm usually fairly good at, I hope.

9. Do you plan to go on to college and if so, what will you major in?

Yes. I'm thinking an adolescent Therapist, and I'm stewing over going to the Navy for the tuition too. I'm still kind of undecided, though. Isn't that terrible?

10. Is your family supportive of your writing?

As supportive as they can be. But even they often don't have time to listen to some of the story ideas I'd like to read to them...but I'm sure that they get annoying to listen to after awhile.