SIX MINUTES WITH SUNSHINE SOMERVILLE:

Joining LitPick for Six Minutes with an Author is Sunshine Somerville. Yes, that is her real name. She self-published her first book while in college, but A Fairly Fairy Tale is her first children’s fantasy book, and it was inspired by her family crest.

***How did you get started writing?

I always loved stories as a kid and wanted to write my own. My mom had an old typewriter, so when I was about 9, I started writing and typing any story that popped into my head.  

***Who influenced you?

My parents taught me to love reading, and that's always been important to me.  I also had some wonderful teachers in elementary school, high school, and college who encouraged me to keep writing and get better and better. As for other authors who influenced me, I've always loved C.S. Lewis and Madeleine L'Engle.  

***Do you have a favorite book/subject/character/setting?

I love Fantasy and Science Fiction, and any story that invites me into a new world is something I get really excited about.  My favorite books are the Ender's Game series and spin-offs. 

***What advice do you have for someone who wants to be an author?

Just do it!  One of the hardest things about being an author is taking that first step. Write as much as you can until you get the hang of it and it starts to be a habit, but don't let it drag you down on days when you just don't feel like writing. And READ a lot. 

***Where is your favorite place to write?

I love writing on my couch, with my laptop, next to my living room window so I can watch the trees, the weather, and the people walking by.

***What else would you like to tell us?

I usually write more YA/Adult Science Fiction, but A Fairly Fairy Tale is my first Fantasy MG/Children's book. I really enjoyed writing it and hope people of all ages enjoy reading it. 

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Sunshine, thank you for joining us for an author interview. We hope to see more children’s fantasy books by you in the future!