A huge welcome to another special writerly friend, the fabulous Angela Sunde, writer and illustrator extraordinaire.
Congratulations on the release of your latest chapter book, SNAP MAGIC!
Thanks so much, Alison! It’s wonderful to be here.
Why did you write this book?
I wanted to write a sequel to my Aussie Chomp, Pond Magic, and the character of Lily Padd kept talking to me, asking me to create another story for her to run around in. Around the theme of Cinderella, I plotted a story that would incorporate the magical permaculture gardening of Mrs Swan, Lily’s old next-door neighbour, with the cringeworthy idiosyncrasies of Lily’s two hobby-obsessed parents
Did you sit down and make yourself write or wait for inspiration?
I sat down and began to plan, then became stuck. After a crazy brainstorming session of wild and fantastical ideas with my husband one Sunday morning, the plot framework was set and I was off!
Are you a planner or a pantser?
A skeleton planner mostly, as I like to leave room for my imagination to play and try out new plot directions. It allows for nice little coincidences and plot twists to develop naturally. I love it when that happens and there are a few in Snap Magic.
What parts of the book did you enjoy writing most?.
This is easy – most definitely the climax. I could not wait to write the climax and for the consequences to play out for the characters. It was very clear in my mind. It all goes down at the school Halloween dance and Lily becomes an accidental heroine.
Random question here, but I understand you use a standing desk. Did you write this at the s. desk and did you notice it changed your writing style? For example, more exciting and present. I think I would be more alert if I were standing.
I move between my standing desk, office desk, kitchen table, bed and small couch. I find the standing desk is terrific for editing, as I’m more able to move around, sort papers, chapters that I’ve printed out, grab that book I need etc. When the words are flowing fast, I prefer my office desk or couch. Mostly though it depends on my legs and whether they feel like they need to move or not.
Is there going to be another book featuring Lily?
Yes, there is, and it’s a large project I treasure working on – a fantasy adventure with Lily at the helm. I’ll be sad when it’s finished. In the meantime I might write another ‘Magic’ story to make a set.
The book is quite gorgeous. How much of the design did you do yourself?
Thanks so much! The illustrations are all mine. I worked very closely with book designer, Anthony Puttee of Book Cover Café on the cover design and interior layout and typesetting. As a sister book to Pond Magic, Snap Magic had to be equal in quality. Anthony’s expertise, talent and support helped to achieve that goal.
And where can we all purchase SNAP MAGIC?
The paperback is available at popular online bookstores and through your local bookstore (order one in), and the e-book can be downloaded from Amazon. Libraries can order Snap Magic through their usual distributor, and retailers can place orders through Ingram http://www.ingramcontent.com/pages/retailers.aspx or the publisher, Red Pedal Press www.redpedalpress.com
Thanks so much for having me, Alison. I loved answering your questions!
About the Author:
Angela Sunde is the author of the light-hearted fantasy novels Snap Magic, and Pond Magic (an Aussie Chomp – Penguin Australia.) Awarded a May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust Fellowship in 2013, Angela represents the Gold Coast as a committee member of the Queensland branch of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and is the editor of the Redlands City Council’s ‘Junior Redlitzer Anthology 2014.’ Formerly an award-winning language and literacy teacher, she is also a children’s writing judge and offers workshops at libraries and schools. www.angelasunde.com
Jump on board for the rest of the tour!
Snap Magic Blog Tour Dates
October:
Monday 13. Kids Book Review
http://www.kids-bookreview.com
Tuesday 14. Sheryl Gwyther
http://sherylgwyther.wordpress.com
Wednesday 15. Robyn Opie
http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com.au
Karen Tyrrell
Thursday 16. Alison Reynolds
http://www.alisonreynolds.com.au
Friday 17. Chris Bell – From Hook to Book
http://christinemareebell.wordpress.com
Saturday 18. Boomerang Books Blog
http://blog.boomerangbooks.com.au
Sunday 18. Sandy Fussell / The Reading Stack
http://sandyfussell.blogspot.com.au
http://thereadingstack.blogspot.com.au
Monday 20. Aussiereviews
Tuesday 21. Dee White
http://deescribewriting.wordpress.com
Wednesday 22. Angela Sunde’s Blog Tour Wrap Up
http://angelasunde.blogspot.com.au
Love that you’re a “skeleton planner”, Angela. Me too, because that I love those extra ideas and twists that come with the character and story’s development. Brainstorming is a fabulous tip too. I love what comes out of such sessions as much as what jumps to mind in the hours/days after. Thanks for the great interview, Alison and Angela.
Hi Dimity,
Not sure I would like it either!
But meant to be good for you.
I don’t sit still for long anyway, so hope that counts.
A standing desk you say? Hmm. This standing thing seems to be catching on. Not sure if I can convince my thigh muscles to support that idea – or me. 😛 Nice reveals ladies. 🙂
Kay, I use my husband to brainstorm too! Must be common thing to use one’s partners.
Great interview, Alison and Angela. Congratulations on your sequel, Angela. Sounds like it’s a passionate project. I also use my husband to brainstorm ideas and often he comes up with something I can run with – he’s helpful like that 🙂