Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My favorite colors include every shade of pink. I love writing, reading, and eating desserts. I didn’t realize my right thumb was wider and shorter than the left until I was nine years-old. Artists I like listening to include Washed Out, Adele, and Pogo. When I’m not writing, I enjoy spending time with loved ones.
Q: What is something that you feel makes you stand out from the crowd? What makes you unique?
With writing, I like to delve into fiction as well as non-fiction. I think writing in both genres makes me unique as an aspiring author.
Q: Do you have a life motto? Would you share it with us?
I don’t have a motto, but I believe when you work hard and persevere, you can achieve anything you desire. I believe in never giving up.
Q: Do you enjoy reading a lot? What is your favorite genre of books? Do you have an all time favorite book?
I love reading and some of my favorite genres include contemporary, thriller, and paranormal YA, non-fiction, and memoirs. I have too many favorites to name.
Q: Who is your biggest supporter?
My family and my boyfriend are my biggest supporters. They provide encouragement, books on story crafting, and personal knowledge about writing when I need it.
Q: Why did you begin writing? What, if anything, was the catalyst that got you started?
One of the earliest short stories I wrote was about my Barbie dolls traveling to Florida. I was eight years-old and loved the feeling of creating a fictional world for inanimate objects. As I’ve grown as a writer and a person, I’ve expanded my stories to include realistic events and characters. I love being able to take a piece of everyday life and make into another world.
Q: What is your favorite place to write? Can you describe it for us?
My favorite place changes constantly. Sometimes I will write two chapters in three different rooms throughout the day. When I’m writing my thoughts can’t stay still, and well, neither can I.
Q: Do you have any writing rituals? Is there anything that you always need to have with you when you write?
Before I write, I will complete a creative writing prompt. The exercise helps with my creativity and flow of consciousness when working on a novel or self-help guide. I also listen to excessive amounts of music and create playlists for manuscripts.
Q: Do you have any tips for those who would like to begin writing professionally?
Read and research popular and educational literary works. You’ll gain knowledge on how to improve your writing style and develop unique plots. If you plan on self-publishing, find reputable companies that will aid in your book’s publication. Edit and revise your first, second, and even tenth draft as much as possible. Writing takes time, energy, and motivation, but it’s worth it in the end. Lastly, visit author web pages and read their bios/blogs about their writing techniques and journey to publication. They’re helpful, inspiring, and sometimes delightfully funny.
Q: What inspired you to write How to Survive High School: The Girl’s Guide to Making A’s, Decoding Guys, & Living Life?
When I was fourteen years-old everything seemed dramatic and momentous. I experienced issues with friends, academics, and low self-esteem. Many of the issues I later overcame with the tips in How to Survive High School. Much of the advice is common sense, but when you’re dealing with self-hatred or bullying, your emotions can get the best of you. The advice within the guide will help teen girls experiencing or who may experience similar situations.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote from the book? Does it have a special meaning for you?
One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “People like you when you love yourself. Learn to trust your instincts before conforming to the opinions of others.”
It has a very special meaning to me since I’ve struggled with self-acceptance in the past. I find that when I really support myself and acknowledge my good qualities, other’s opinions of me don’t affect me. A huge part of truly living is not being afraid to do it and loving yourself is the key to making it happen.
Q: What is the number one thing that you wish someone had told you while you were coming into your own during high school?
I wish someone told me high school is just a blip on the radar of existence.
Q: What’s next for you?
Currently, I am writing a thriller young-adult novel and a subversive fairytale novel with contemporary elements.
Here's a little bit about her new book which was released Jan 6/13:
How to Survive High School: The Girl’s Guide to Making A’s, Decoding Guys, & Living Life offers tips and practical advice for getting through the ups and downs of high school.
The guide includes tips for:
*Overcoming Low Self-Esteem and Building Self-Confidence
*Navigating Peer Pressure and Making Friends
*Finding Your Path and Direction
*Organizing for School, Academic Achievement, & Much More!
I wish someone told me high school is just a blip on the radar of existence.
Q: What’s next for you?
Currently, I am writing a thriller young-adult novel and a subversive fairytale novel with contemporary elements.
Learn more about Courtney S. King on her website.
How to Survive High School: The Girl’s Guide to Making A’s, Decoding Guys, & Living Life offers tips and practical advice for getting through the ups and downs of high school.
The guide includes tips for:
*Overcoming Low Self-Esteem and Building Self-Confidence
*Navigating Peer Pressure and Making Friends
*Finding Your Path and Direction
*Organizing for School, Academic Achievement, & Much More!
And now for the fun part: Enter to win 1 of 5 PDF copies of How to Survive High School: A Girl's Guide to Making A's, Decoding Guys, and Living Life by entering below!!!!!!!
I protested dissection in the ninth grade. It was quite an ordeal, but I ended up changing the school's policy!
ReplyDeleteBest moment: Transferring into another high school second year and meeting the best people in the world that made the rest of the three years of high school the best. Every day was a best moment type of day. No lie. Best years of my life.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm, I've been sitting here staring at the computer screen trying to remember a best or worst moment in high school and I can't. There were so many great times (and a few awful times) it's impossible to pick just one. :)
ReplyDeleteIn retrospect what seemed huge it HS, boys... wasn't so bad. Best memories, friends.
ReplyDeleteBest So far? Um. First moving to a new town in grade 10 and everyone loving me. Worst? Staying there for grade 11 and everyone getting bored of me. /:
ReplyDelete