Where have you spent most of your childhood?
I enjoyed my childhood in Napier, New Zealand, then my teen years in Perth, Western Australia.
How did you discover that you wanted to be a writer?
I was always doodling doggerels and stories. My sisters and I had pet guineapigs and we invented an imaginary world for them in 'Guinea Town'. We created maps, a newspaper, and stories. We came up with our own language to use for it and acted out scenes, many of which involved pillow fights. I no longer pillow fight, but the imagination roils on.
Do you remember the first book you ever wrote?
The first attempt at an actual book became 'It's A Bright World To Feel Lost In'. It took several goes across several years because I kept filling it with too many ideas and getting into a muddle.
Why did you decide to start writing as Mawson Bear?
While I no longer have a guinea-pig, I am the proud grownup owner of a plump white teddy bear, Mawson. He was going to be a character in the first book but somehow he seemed to see better than I how to do it and he ended up 'writing' it. Bears can say things truly and simply. Mawson says things better than I can.
What is the most ideal ambiance for you to write in?
To be able to ponder long ponders and to write them down and to revise them, I (and Mawson) like quiet hours at home with papers strewn all over the carpet.
How did you begin writing the book, It's a Bright World to Feel Lost In?
I conceived the idea of little gift books. I didn't like the ones on the shelves of bookshops. I thought the 'humour' often shallow or in poor taste, and the nicer ones were derivative in that they involved using old quotes or old photos. I thought I would do a book myself with all original illustrations and texts. Unfortunately, my drawing skills don't exist so I taught myself the style of photography that I am using in the books.
Who inspired the character of Professor Caddy in "Dreamy Days and Random Naps"?
I wanted to do science 'ponders' and I wanted girl bears to be the scientists. So was formed the inventive team of Professors Caddy and Bree.
How do you keep the plot interesting in a humorous book?
I can see in my head whole sequences, but with gaps. Coming up with something to flow properly in those gaps is the hardest part of it all.
What other things, apart from writing do you enjoy doing?
Like all writers, I read! I take many other photos and sometimes put them up on stock photo websites.
What's something on your bucket list that you think is unique?
Well, being a creator of books I really really really really want to tick off "Best Seller" long before I even see any dangerous buckets. That for me would be unique.
Have you ever considered writing under a pen name? If so, what would your pen name be?
Yes, and the pen name or paw name is Mawson Bear.
Do you yourself take pictures of your handsome bears for the cover photos?
Yes I and my bears do the cover photos ourselves. Our publisher then works up the cover itself to look good.
Criticism, whether constructive or otherwise is part and parcel of any art form. How do you deal with reviews of your books- both positive and negative?
I like this question Mady. I don't like giving ratings to books that I review. I simply want to describe them and my impressions. So ratings on sites like Goodreads can be a challenge for a writer to see. I have received ones and twos, for instance. My take on that is I need a good spread of ratings to look more like an authentic choice for readers and buyers. As for positive reviews, well they are pleasant to see.
Which is the next book you are working on? When is it due for release?
The znext book I am doing on my own, with Mawson and the Bears, is to be called "Like Islands, Apart". It shows all my characters feeling isolated and alone until an accident happens, they rush to help, they all see how they are needed, and they realise that 'no bear is an island' after all.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?
I have spoken glowingly of All Author within my writers group and several are using your services now.
