*Answers are summarized, not necessarily verbatim.
1) How do your teachers and parents feel about your writing? Do they support you?
R: Neither parent really interested—indifferent. Teachers of other classes get upset if I write in their class.
2) Anyone else who encourages you to write?
R: Authors like John Steinbeck, Vladimir Nabokov
3) Do you have any favorite authors or books that inspire you?
R: Tolkien, I really like the Lord of the Rings.
4) What did you read when you were younger? What were your favorites?
R: A Series of Unfortunate Events, Harry Potter, Roald Dahl.
5) Favorite genre?
R: Classic 20th century literature like Lolita.
6) What do you think about young adult literature? Why is it important?
R: Never been a fan of literature classified as YA, too dramatic and full of complaining.
7) What books should be in the YA Book collection at OSA? IS there one book or series that you would nominate?
R: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, The Lord of the Rings.
8) Should certain books be censored from young adults? Which ones? Why?
R: No literature should be censored. Especially with the internet it won’t make a difference. Teens will do everything they already do anyway like drink and have sex.
9) What if your work was censored? How would that make you feel?
R: I’d be upset, if it really was inappropriate material I wouldn’t care. I just don’t like censorship.
10) How do you feel about e-books and blogs?
R: I don’t think there’s a good market for blogs, don’t like e-readers, prefer to have a copy in my hand.
11) Has anyone ever discouraged your reading and/or writing? Why?
R: My writing, no. Teachers don’t like outside reading in their classes. But people are generally supportive of reading.
12) Would you ever want to write young adult literature? Why or why not?
R: I don’t write for young adults or any specific audience, and I’m not necessarily interested in YA literature. Anyone can read my work.
