Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Hi! I’m Serafina Blackwood, a 16-year-old author with a passion for writing mysteries. I’ve been writing for years, and I recently published my debut novel, The Extremely Peculiar Case. Writing has always been a part of my life, and it’s my way of exploring new ideas and creating intricate stories.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Extremely Peculiar Case”?
A2. One of the biggest challenges was balancing writing with my schoolwork. Being homeschooled gave me some flexibility, but it also meant I had to manage my time carefully. There were days when writing took a back seat, but I kept at it and made sure to set aside time to work on the book consistently.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. I’m really inspired by authors like Agatha Christie and Gillian Flynn. I love their ability to create suspenseful stories with deep psychological twists. Their work helped shape my own approach to storytelling, especially when it comes to keeping readers guessing.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. I love visiting Kings Park in Perth. It’s such a peaceful place, and I always feel inspired when I’m there. The views are amazing, and it’s a great spot to just sit and think, which helps me come up with new ideas for my writing.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book “The Extremely Peculiar Case”?
A5. The idea for “The Extremely Peculiar Case” came from my fascination with mysteries and the human mind. I wanted to create a story that would challenge the reader’s expectations and keep them engaged with unpredictable twists and turns. It’s a mix of intrigue and psychological complexity that I really enjoyed exploring.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book “The Extremely Peculiar Case”?
A6. It took me around three years to write. I’m not entirely finished with it, though, because this book is actually the first in a series. While it took a lot of time to complete the first installment, there’s more of Jasmine’s story to tell, and I’m excited to continue developing it.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. “The Extremely Peculiar Case” is available on major platforms like Amazon. You will also be able to buy it soon directly from my website.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title “The Extremely Peculiar Case”.
A8. The title came from the idea that the case in the book was unusual, unlike anything the characters had dealt with before. I wanted the cover to reflect that same sense of mystery, so I worked closely with a designer to make sure it was eye-catching and intriguing without revealing too much.
Q9. When writing a book, how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. I keep things fresh by letting the story evolve naturally. I don’t always know exactly where the plot will go, and that element of surprise helps me stay excited about the story. For the readers, I love adding unexpected twists and moments that keep them on their toes.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is to draw lines from your own life and experiences. It makes your characters and story more relatable. Also, keep writing no matter what. It’s easy to doubt yourself or get stuck, but if you push through and keep going, you’ll always find a way forward. Writing is all about practice and perseverance.
Buy The Extremely Peculiar Case on Amazon
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