Welcome to Author Services Australia, E M Greville, and welcome to our author interviews! If you could start by introducing yourself to everyone, let them know where you’re from and some of your interests and hobbies.
E M Greville is an award-winning short fiction writer and freelance editor. An ex-English teacher from England with an MA in Literary Criticism, she trotted around the globe before settling in Victoria, Australia.
She can usually be found herding children, chooks, and cats, and scribbling brilliant story ideas on scraps of paper, which she promptly loses and blames on the badly herded children, chooks and cats. She is passionate about helping kids discover a love of reading and writing, and explores the world of words through school visits, presentations and writing workshops. She promises to leave the wild creatures at home.
What inspired you to start writing?
I’ve always been fascinated by words and language. I’ve been an English and Literacy teacher, a newspaper copyeditor, a freelance editor and dabbled in music journalism. It seems that wherever I end up in the world, I find work with words. Writing in my spare time has always been as natural breathing.
What is your preferred genre to write in?
I’m a huge fan of middle-grade fiction, both to write and to read. It’s such fun, you can really let your imagination soar, but it’s also about not being afraid to tackle big themes, which as a parent, I’ve found to be a very useful tool. I love being able to bury themes of self-acceptance and navigating family relationships and friendships inside an exciting, fantastical tale of daring and dragons.
What is your writing process?
Well, I’m a stay-at-home mum to five children, so my writing process is just to fit in what I can, when I can. I’ve spent years writing notes on my phone over sleeping babies, scribbling brilliant ideas on scraps of paper in crayon while I’m drawing with toddlers, and sitting in the dark during soccer training with the laptop! But, I’m always thinking about writing – working through plot holes and fleshing out characters, and planning the next book!
What is one thing you wish you knew now that you didn’t know when you started writing?
First drafts are always awful! Terry Pratchett said, ‘The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.’ and it’s so true.
What was the hardest part of self-publishing?
Having the confidence to back yourself 100%. You have to give it your all, or it isn’t going to be worth it.
Which book is your favorite and why?
The DiscWorld novels. I’ve been rereading them for 30 years now, and I’ll never stop. Pratchett was wise, funny, and kind. Every writer can learn so much from him.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, and Douglas Adams are the three authors I never tire of.
What are you working on right now?
A middle-grade ghost story based in Geelong.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I love writing for kids, but I also love writing with kids, so I hope there will be lots of writing workshops in my future.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
I tried to think of something funny, but I couldn’t, so the ability to make off-the-cuff jokes with aplomb.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do an author interview, E M Greville! Please take a minute and check E M Greville out on the links below! Need any assistance with self-publishing, such as ghostwriting, editing, formatting, cover design, or uploading? Don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us directly. Our friendly and professional team is always happy to help.
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Author Name: E M Greville
Genre/s: Middle-Grade Fantasy Adventure
Author Website: www.emgreville.com
Social Media Links: Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
Best Link to Where People Can Buy Your Book: Shawline Publishing
