Questions with Susanne Gervay
1. What was the first thing you wrote?
'Jamie's A Hero' is my first book. I wrote it for my son Jamie who was ten years old then. He was traumatized by my divorce. I wanted to celebrate him and the kids of divorce and show them that they are heroes. It's hard just being a kid when your life is falling apart. So kids have a job. They have to be the best kid they can be - go to school, play with mates, kick a ball - that makes them heroes.
2. What book are you reading at the moment?
I'm reading several books. I have just read the cutest Aussie Bite in the world, called 'My Amazing Poo Plant' by Moya Simons (Puffin) which is endearing and every kid will love it.
I have nearly completed 'No Worries' by Bill Condon (UQP) a YA book which deals with a mother with mental illness and the difficulties her son faces. Even though the issue is tough, it is funny and warm. I'm loving it.
The third book is 'Yarn Spinners. A Story in Letters of Dymphna Cusack, Florence James and Miles Franklin' edited by Marilla North (UQP). It is a total revelation at the courage of these important women writers who shaped the future for the women writers who would follow them. I am finding this book enlightening.
3. What book/s do you think everyone should read if they haven't done so already?
'To Kill A Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It defined who I am in many ways in terms of my understanding of courage, justice and family.
4. What's your favourite CD?
I hate to admit it but it is the rock group 'Good Charlotte.' I am in the middle of writing my new YA novel 'Not Perfect' about a teenage girl band. The driving force in their music is the intensity, rock and meaning of 'Good Charlotte.' I'm listening to them now.
5. What's your idea of a great day?
An early morning swim in the harbour with my sister. Breakfast with my family. A walk, reading and a movie. How decadent.
6. What do you hate?
Waiting for publishers to commit to my work. It sends me into despair.
7. If you could invite anyone in the world to dinner, who would you ask?
My beloved father. He has passed away now. However he lives in my thoughts and in my writing. He is the grandfather in 'The Cave' displaying what is true male courage and leadership.
8. What would you eat?
I LOVE food unfortunately. It's my Hungarian background. If you're happy you're supposed to be eating. My favourites are anything Thai (that doesn't sound Hungarian does it?). I love cherry and cream cheese strudel. (That's more Hungarian) Here's a start of a list - dill pickles, chocolate, country style bread, gelato ice cream, hamburgers made in an old fashioned milk bar, a barbecue steak and the list goes on.
9. What are you passionate about?
Everything. My family say that I have a view on everything from politics to writing to family issues. I regard writing as a way to express some of those passions. I wrote about bulling in I Am Jack because I am passionate about empowering kids and adults to act for social justice. I wrote 'Butterflies' because I am passionate breaking down the barriers to disability.
10. If you were down to your last $10, what would you do with it?
That's a great question. Ring my kids for a loan. It's payback time. That won't cost more than a phone call and I know they'd help me. The rest of the money I'd invite my sister to come over and enjoy a cappuccino and antipasto plate. I'd borrow money from her too. I always pay back.