Featured Interview With J. C. Gilbert
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised on one of a series of islands in the South Pacific which are collectively known as New Zealand. These days I am quite nomadic, and currently based in the mostly rural Waikato province. I live with a small dog named Bowie who is not my responsibility but is generous in his cuddles. Until recently, I was a practicing psychologist off the back of 10 years of university attendance. Now I spend most of my time wandering the hills, giggling, and taking notes.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I first started writing a full novel when I was 18. It was frankly terrible. I wasn’t quite sure how quotations worked and thus spent a good deal of time describing conversations which had taken place. 14 years and an English degree later and things have improved somewhat. My first favorite series was Anamorphs, and later Harry Potter. It was Terry Pratchett’s Discworld which turned me into a serious reader.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors to read are actually Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde. This may be a bit of a hangover from my university years, but I find myself re-reading their works annually. Terry Pratchett and Niel Gaiman are highly ranked in my tastes. These four authors along with J. K. Rowling and John Green inspire my work the most.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Secret Library: A New Keeper is a fictional and fantastical account of my experience of social anxiety during my teen years. It combines my love of books, libraries, adventures, and silliness. The main character is Alex who lives with social anxiety and uses reading to escape from her troubles. However, when she is selected by a magical library to be its new Keeper she discovers that some books have troubles of their own, and now they are relying on her to fix them. The book is perfect for lovers of magic, adventure, and books. Loaded it up and begin your escape.
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