TBM: How do you imagine
the ideal reader of your book?
AC: I imagine the ideal
reader of my book as a romantic, a person who loves to delve into stories
filled with lots of colorful and complex characters and relationships.
TBM: How was the writer
inside of you born?
AC: Both of my parents
were professional writers in different capacities throughout most of my
childhood, so I was always trying to copy them. Once you start a story, the
creativity starts flowing, and it never stops!
TBM: What genres do you
work with and why are you attracted to these forms of writing?
AC: I write young adult
literature because I think it's a genre that speaks to everyone. Anybody over
the age of 14 can empathize with being a teenager. It's one of the most
emotional, fun, and turbulent times of your life. Emotions are heightened, and
the future is wide open. It's exciting!
TBM: As a reader, what
elements of a story do you love, or do you hate?
AC: I love good, real
characters. There are so many stories out there with boring, stock characters
that don't change or learn anything from their story. I think a great character
is full of faults and quirks, but is constantly learning.
TBM: What inspired you to
write LEARNING TO SWIM and what do you hope your readers will take away from
this book?
AC: This story was born
from my infatuation with the Celtic selkie myth. I'm American, but I've lived
in Ireland off and on for several years, and the place is steeped in folklore
and mythology. I love the idea of putting a modern twist on old stories,
because myths are full of wisdom and time-defying lessons.
TBM: How long did it take
you to write this book and what did you do the day that you finished it?
AC: This book was written
and then went through a million reincarnations over the course of ten and a
half years. I can't rightly say what I did the day I finished it, because I
finished it a hundred times--only to go back and change something. Though, on
the day it was finally published, I think I got takeout and breathed a sigh of
relief.
TBM: What would you like
to say to your readers?
AC: To my readers, I want
to say thank you! Talking to readers is always the highlight of my week, and I
absolutely adore discussing books, both mine and others, with readers of all
kinds.
TBM: What writing
projects are you currently working on?
AC: I just finished
writing LEARNING TO LIVE, the sequel to LEARNING TO SWIM, and I'm about to
start on the third and final installment of the series. I also have a young
adult contemporary romance I'm working on, which I hope to finish this spring.
TBM: Lastly, a direct
message to the readers, about why they should read LEARNING TO SWIM.
AC: The book puts a
modern spin on the old selkie myth, but its true focus is a cast of wonderful
characters that are truly dear to my heart. I hope you enjoy reading LEARNING TO
SWIM as much as I enjoyed writing it!
ANNIE COSBY.