What is your favorite genre to write?
Children aged 6-10 years. I am very much in touch with my inner
child so writing and illustrating for this age group comes naturally.
I taught that age group for 35
years. They are my favorite people. Favorite food.
Pizza! I also have a passion for
Indian curry.
Tea or coffee?
Herbal tea. Jasmine is my favourite.
Pizza or ice cream?
Without a shadow of a doubt, pizza!
I would only eat ice cream if there
was a fudge brownie buried beneath it.
Wine or beer or soda?
I don’t tend to drink alcohol or soda but I will
have the odd glass of wine at Christmas or on
my birthday.
Where would you like to visit?
Disneyland, Shanghai. I have been to the other Disney
Resorts; this is the last one on my bucket list.
Favorite musical artist.
Anything from Guns ‘n’ Roses and
ACDC to Bruce Springsteen,
Pink Floyd and James Taylor. I also
have a wonderful Disney
soundtrack with all the songs from
the films and theatre productions.
Do you listen to music when you write?
I listen to music when I am illustrating
but I find it too distracting when I write.
What makes you laugh?
Old comedies like ‘Fawlty Towers’.
I also like ‘Johnny English’ films.
Favorite work of art or sculpture.
I have a folk art painting which I
bought in Park Cultury (Gorky Park)
in Moscow. Not only do I love it
because it’s a winter scene but it
reminds me of the time I spent in Russia. I also
like the Hachiko statue in Tokyo. I saw the film
and made a point of having my photo
taken with it while I was in Japan.
How old were you when you started writing?
Mary Poppins says you should never discuss a woman’s age,
but I will make an exception this once (ha!) I was 47 years old.
Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards?
Or just write?
I usually have a rough idea in my head how I am going to start the story,
but then it veers off in a different direction, and then I am thrilled because
I never saw it happening that way. I always keep a notebook handy
because once my brain is in writing mode, ideas keep coming at the
strangest times and I might be in the bath or out shopping.
Describe your perfect evening.
I like Saturday evenings at home with my partner, Mark. We usually order
an Indian curry and watch the Premier League football. (Unfortunately we
support different teams which have led to minor conflict over the years!)
Where do you get your inspiration?
From children. I love to encourage them and each book has a message.
Ronaldo: The Phantom Carrot Snatcher is about friendship and bravery.
My first book, Ronaldo: The Reindeer Flying Academy, deals with self
belief. Ronaldo is a good role model and very relatable; I want children to
feel they have a friend every time they pick up a Ronaldo book.
What do you do when you get a
writer's block?
I have a few sessions of acupuncture.
I believe that a writer’s block comes
from the body not functioning to the best
of its ability. Outside factors like stress
can have a major influence on how the
body performs.
Who is your favorite author?
I’d have to say J.K. Rowling. I devoured
the Harry Potterbooks.
Best book you ever read.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle; it was
life changing for me. Whenever I feel anxious,
I read the shortened version and it reminds me
to get out of my head.
I have that book sitting on my shelf,
in my giant "to be read" pile.
Maybe I'll move it up toward the top.
Last book you read.
Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull. The author is one of the founding fathers of
Pixar animation, a tiny little company who created Toy Story and eventually
merged with the epic Disney. I am obsessed with Disney and Pixar so the
book is a fantastic read for me and so inspirational!
I've read that one! Excellent! I wished I had read that when I
was younger. I doubt I would have stayed in the classroom
for 35 years.
What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
I would probably illustrate for other people. At the moment I only illustrate
my books. I am a trained Pilates Instructor, so I could teach a few classes
as well.
Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most
and why?
My partner, Mark. Over the last twenty-three years, he has supported
every hairbrained idea I have ever had. He helps with my social media
to give me more time to write/illustrate.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE
person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be
and why?
Walt Disney, although I tend to get tongue tied when
I am in awe of brilliant people. (I once sat at the next
table to Roger Waters of Pink Floyd – I couldn’t even ask
him for an autograph!)
As to why, Walt Disney has brought so much joy and
inspiration to my life, I would like the opportunity to say
thank you!
What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
Do it! Believe in yourself but don’t be too proud to ask for help. You want
your book to be the best it can possibly be, so surround yourself with people
that have experience in the industry. I would also suggest investing in an
editor; a good one is worth their weight in carrots!
Do you have some links for us to follow you?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxinesylvester/
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