Ask the Author: Zena Shapter
Answered Questions (6)
Zena Shapter
My favourite fictional couple is probably Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler in "Gone With The Wind" by Margaret Mitchell. Their relationship is complicated, fierce and evolves over time, which makes it very real to me. Love in itself doesn't conquer all. They have to compromise and work at their relationship too, and there's no end to that – there can't be because life will of course always challenge them, as it challenges all of us. Only a firm resolve will see them succeed, and hope – after all, tomorrow is another day.
Zena Shapter
I am fascinated by difference and diversity. I love reading widely and absorbing information about anything; I love talking to anyone and everyone I can find (don’t let me corner you at a party!); and I love travelling overseas, searching out those unusual stories and uncommon sights. When I was choosing my subjects at school, I always split my studies precisely three ways between humanities, arts and science – I still do! The variety feeds my imagination, and you’ve got to feed your imagination when you’re a writer – it’s where you get your ideas!
Zena Shapter
I am currently editing two novels to make my characters more accessible to a wider audience. I love characters with unique and unusual perspectives, but there's real skill in opening up their worlds so readers can enjoy reading them.
Zena Shapter
Creating something from nothing – be that a world, a character, or a story that makes you think differently about life or how you live it.
Zena Shapter
I go for a walk somewhere there are zero distractions, so I have nothing else to do but think about my character, the situation they're in, their ultimate goal and what they need to do to get where they want to go.
Zena Shapter
Number one: don't start submitting or publishing your writing until it's been read by at least three well-informed beta readers, who like your genre and can give honest and intelligent feedback without being hurtful.
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