Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Emails from Viewers

Recently, I was one of the kids featured in a documentary on England's Channel 4. I received a giant wave of emails. Some of these contained questions. I decided to answer a few here on my blog.

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1.) Q: Do you agree with the advice that you should always write about what you know?

A: Not really. When you're writing "realistic fiction," it sometimes is best to stick with what you know, because otherwise your story might not ring as true with readers. However, you can always do research--and I have found research immensely helpful. Also, how could authors write fantasy stories if they only stuck to what they knew?

2.) Q: Have you ever read the book Life of Pi by Yann Martel?

A: I have read the book Life of Pi. It was a very interesting book, and I would recommend it to others.

3.) Q: Have you thought about reading more about chinese history / folklore and [then] coming up with an interesting fantasy novel?

A: I do enjoy reading about Chinese history and folklore. So far, I have not written a story about either, but I think it would be a fun idea. Thanks for suggesting!

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I also received many questions not related to the Channel 4 documentary. Here are a few.

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1.) Q: Where are you from?

A: I was born in Springfield, Oregon, but I currently reside in the town of Redmond in Washington State. If you haven't heard of it, don't worry. It's pretty small. Oh, and it is the headquarters of Microsoft.

2.) Q: How do you get started writing a story that will become a good book for people to read?

A: It does depend on your definition, and your reader's definition, of a "good book." To get started, I would advise you to first think about three important things: your story's characters (the people/animals in your stories), your story's setting (the place and time in which your story is set) and your story's conflicts.

3.) Q: Are you in the middle of writing any stories right now?

A: Not really. However, I am in the middle of editing my novella, the Pickpocket Princess.

4.) Q: How many books have you published?

A: So far, I have published two books, Flying Fingers and Dancing Fingers. I will be publishing two more books soon, Yang in Disguise and the Pickpocket Princess.

5.) Q: How many siblings do you have?

A: I have one older sister, Adrianna.

6.) Q: Have you moved a lot?

A: It depends on what you call "a lot!" I was born in Springfield. Pretty soon after that, we moved to an apartment in Bellevue, but that was only for a couple of weeks. By the way, I was really young, so I don't remember any of that part. Then we moved to Renton, and that's when I began remembering things! My dad works for Microsoft and it was sort of a long commute from Renton to Redmond, so we moved to Redmond. And I don't think we're going to move again for a little while.

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I hope that you've enjoyed reading this post. Best wishes to all!

-Adora
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9 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:53 AM

    hi,

    i saw u on that show yesterday and i was really amazed by u. you're so clever and well-spoken it's unbelievable!

    keep on doing what ur doing! well done.

    regards,
    a fan

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  2. Anonymous10:33 AM

    I saw it too, i thought your were amazing, you have such a promising future ahead of you, but make sure you have alot of fun on the way too, which im sure you will. All the best

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  3. Anonymous2:25 AM

    Hi! I dont have a blog-page or that sort of thing. I haven't read the books you wrote either. It was when listning to the bbc's out-look program that I heard about you and decided to post this comment on your site.

    Hey ummm it's amazing you speak and write like that at the age of 11. Someone like you must have answers to the problems we have as the world community.

    Keep it up and takecare!

    Charlie
    Australia.

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  4. I saw you on that show! you were great.

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  5. Leì un reportaje que te hizo la BBC, me parece que lo que haces es grandioso, ya quisiera tener la misma capacidad. Suerte, sè una buena escritora...

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  6. Anonymous8:45 PM

    Hi Adora :)

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  7. I am very impressed. I have been reading about you on your site, and am amazed at what an eleven-year-old can accomplish!
    I am a writer myself...mostly short stories and poems...but have never really published anything.
    You are a fascinating little girl.
    Best wishes!

    Kendra Lynn

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  8. Anonymous11:47 AM

    Hello Adora, my name is Victoria T & I'm originally from Seattle. I grew up on the north side (Shoreline). I was amazed when I came across one of your interviews online. Reading about you on your website deeply inspired me for my future children's future. I have always had the desire to homeschool my children and begin the process when they are babies... Do you have any tips/advice that you would give to someone who is interested in homeschooling? Also, were you homeschooled? Still being homeschooled? Would you recommend homeschooling to those interested...? Thank you.
    ~VICTORIA

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  9. lizzie11:17 PM

    hi adora,

    i just wanted to say that i'm impressed with your publishing accomplishments and you're a great role model. keep writing and going strong!

    -lizzie

    ReplyDelete