Enjoy Part 2 of my interview with teen novelist Steph Bowe! If you missed Part 1, you can find it here. Also, be sure to check out Steph’s blog, Hey! Teenager of the Year. 

What would you say to teen writers who struggle with completing their drafts?

Don’t give up, don’t doubt yourself, enjoy the process – having fun with writing is the most important bit, so don’t stress about it being perfect. And it’s okay to abandon projects – I have written many, many starts of novels, and far less endings.

Do you keep a “writer’s notebook” of ideas?

I have lots of notebooks! I tend to write notes all over the place, on envelopes and on my phone and on post-its. I always have lots of little lines and thoughts that I want to put into a story, and I write them down and wait for the right moment.

Do you create playlists for your books? As this seems to be a growing trend, do you believe music has any special effects on a writer’s creativity?

I don’t create playlists for my books but I do tend to listen to similar music unintentionally while writing. I think music can be good for focusing (music goes on + sit at computer = writing time… contributes to creating that whole writing ritual) and figuring out atmosphere for certain scenes.

What inspires your blog posts? What, do you believe, is the purpose of your blog, and what do you typically blog about?

The purpose of my blog is to have fun! And hopefully people will enjoy reading what I’ve written/it will be helpful to them. I blog book reviews, author interviews, thoughts on books and writing in general, writing advice, inspiring words and images, updates about my own novels and appearances and my thoughts on entirely non-book-related issues (usually things that affect teenagers, things in the media, etc).

What advice would you give to teen bloggers? Do you have any favorite blogs that you follow?

I would say have a clear idea of what you are blogging about, interact with other bloggers and have fun with it. I read lots and lots of author’s blogs – so many I can’t just pick a few.

What do you love most about Australia?

I don’t think I’ve spent enough time out of Australia to properly know what’s special and wonderful about it. I do love the climate and the beaches (I live on the Gold Coast), and there are lots of lovely people here (including myself! I’m nice).

What are you currently working on? What is next for Steph Bowe?

I’m working on another contemporary YA, but it’s too early for me to talk about it – I don’t want to jinx it!

*Thank you, Steph!*