Thinking Thursday:: Author Interview _ Angelina C Hansen

It's TT again! This week I have the pleasure to share with you an interview with Angelina C Hansen. Don't forget to visit Angelina's blog YA Scribe

On your website the thing that struck me as the most creative thing ever   (besides the writing samples) is your bio. What motivated you to write out your bio that way?

 Because I am a poet and also quite uncomfortable writing about myself, I thought it would be a good way to keep it simple and fun

I gotta ask since I lived in France: How long did you live in Paris for?

One thrilling teenage year.

Did you get to do that whole Parisian thing of going in a Café and sitting there for hours writing?  

Sad to say, I was young and didn't know about that writer café thing, but I did fill a couple of personal journals and wrote some  poetry. Just not in a café. I spent most of my free time out with friends, at the cinema, in clubs, and wandering through loads of museums, cemeteries, and the former dwellings of various famous Parisians.

Was it your time in France the inspiration behind your WIP set in France during the occupation?  

In a round about way, yes. The idea for the historical came while I was writing my first novel, a contemporary YA set in Paris. One of my characters mentioned his eccentric great aunt and I began to wonder if she'd lived through the second war. Then I wondered what that would have been like for a teenager. Then I started reading lots of books about that time period and voilà,  a story was born.

Do you think you are a night owl or a day tripper when it comes to writing?  

Day tripper, definitely. Brain goes dead at 3 pm everyday. My best work arrives between 6 and 8 a.m.

When did you take the decision to pursue a writing career? 

The thought entered my conscious mind in April, 2007 and I knew at that moment that it was what I had always wanted to do.

What has been the hardest thing to give up, in order to concentrate on your writing?  

In all honesty, the only thing I've given up in order to write is boredom. I live in an isolated spot in the woods where winter lasts from October through June. A perfect environment for writing. 

If you could invite four authors dead or alive, to dinner, who would they be and why? 

Jane Austen because she's witty and brilliant. Roald Dahl because he cracks me up and seems to get a kick out of belching. Laurie Halse Anderson because she's fiery and passionate. Gary Paulsen because, man, can he ever tell a story.

What can you tell us about your experience getting your agent? 

Though many agents read my SCBWI grant-winning manuscript, Katie was the first who really connected with the story and knew what had to be done to make it better. We worked on revisions together for four months before she offered representation. Her advice has always been spot on. I have tremendous respect for her and am grateful for the creative partnership. 

Thank you so much for letting me interview you!