As an aspiring author, it’s always good to hear stories of other people’s success. They inspire us to not procrastinate, and reassure us that there is a light at the end of that proverbial tunnel.Name: Emily Walker
Location and one thing you love about living there: I live in the mountains of
Author of: Zombified
Book available: In September
Tell us a bit about yourself: Let’s see. I am going to be twenty nine this year, eep! I live on top of a mountain with my boyfriend of nine years and work at the college I graduated from. In less than twenty days I take the GRE so I can go to grad school. I love to write and that is what I spend all of my spare time doing. I also run a blog where I talk to other authors and have fun learning all about their process and what goes through their minds.
What sparked your passion for books and the art of a good story? I have always loved to read, and I have a very active imagination. I come up with story at the most random times and I just have to write it down. I think what sparked my passion is reading books by Robert Heinlein, and even Nora Roberts. I feel like these people are leaving something behind that will far outlast them, and that is what I want to do.
Is there a particular book that changed or affected your life in a big way? Honestly every book I read effects me. An example of this is I have lost a lot of people in my family in the past two years, and I recently read Michelle Muto’s book Don’t Fear the Reaper for review and loved it. It touched me because I was dealing with death that was fresh, and I think all books have that power to connect with something in your life.
What was the seed of inspiration for Zombified? I love Zombie movies, Zombieland and Sean of the Dead being two of my favourites. I just started to think about their perspective, and what it would be like to change into the Living Dead.
Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp? Really the only message is that Zombies have feelings too, which is ridiculous, but that is kind of what the book is saying in a roundabout way.
What challenges have you faced in your writing career? So far, time management. I have so many ideas going through my head and I just don’t know whether I am coming or going sometimes. I have to sit down and get really focused before I can do anything.
What has been your best moment as a writer? Starting my website has been my best moment so far. I love connecting with other writers and reading their work.
Who is your author idol? I have so many. I think Robert Heinlein inspires me the most, and is my idol. He wrote about things completely outside the box. He had multi-sexual characters and things that were far before his time in his books. His style of writing is something that some people cannot get into. My father had me read all of his books growing up and I have read a couple dozens of times.
Do you see yourself in any of your characters? Sometimes I write what I know into characters without even realizing it. I will go back and read over something Taryn says or Cassie thinks and I am like, that’s me!
Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do? There is so much more I want to do, and I want to write. My dream hasn’t come true yet, but I am getting there.
What is your personal cure for procrastination? The Pomodora Method. You work for twenty five minutes and then take a five minute break. I get so much done in that twenty five minutes because I am locked in.
What does your workspace look like? It is my bedroom and it is super clean because my boyfriend is a neat freak. Sometimes I go upstairs and write in the window overlooking the mountains, but most of the time I just sit in the bedroom floor or on the bed. A desk would be ideal!
Are there any occupational hazards to being a writer? Lack of sleep can be one. There are some nights where I stay up past the point of sanity because I am so into what I am writing.
Have you ever had a day when you just wanted to quit? Yes, there are some days where I go, what are you doing? I think, no one cares what you think, but then I push it away and keep going.
What do you do when you’re not writing? I work out. I love to work out even if it is the hardest workout ever. I challenge myself daily and it makes me feel good about myself.
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer? Have a sense of humour, and good friends that will be there when you need to talk through a scene.
What was the greatest thing you learned at school? I would say probably time management, because I have the attention span of a rock.
Did you have a moment when you realised you were meant to be a writer? I think it was when I was writing a book report for The Clockwork Orange and I had written thirty five pages for a ten page assignment.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors? Never give up, don’t be afraid to be controversial, and write every day. Even if it is just a couple of paragraphs, you are working towards your goal.
If you are an author and would like to be featured on You May Say I'm a Dreamer, email me at: sarah.hardie[at]hotmail.com and I'll get back to you.
