Interview with Steph Bowe

Steph Bowe is a 16 year old living in Victoria, Australia, whose debut YA novel 'Girl Saves Boy' is being released in Australia in September by Text Publishing. Steph also runs the highly-popular writing blog 'Hey! Teenager of the Year', which can be found at http://www.stephbowe.com/

So everyone, let's welcome Steph!

1: Steph, you have your debut YA novel 'Girl Saves Boy' coming out in Australia in September and in the USA in 2011. How does this feel? You're 16 years old and you've already made such a mark amongst the publishing world!



It feels great... but there's also a lot of stressing out and stuff to worry about now! But I'm super grateful that I've been so lucky.


2: You've been widely known for your blog 'Hey! Teenager of the Year!' at www.stephbowe.com . How & why did this blog get started, and why do you think it (and you!) have become so popular?


I wanted to talk about books I was reading and enjoying, and not many of my friends were as into reading as me. I have no idea how it became so popular!


3: Favourite novel or author? And, why?


I don't have a specific favourite... but I really admire Melina Marchetta.


4: How did you get 'Girl Saves Boy' written and on the road to publications?


I wrote it in about six months last year, and then put out a call on my blog for beta-readers. An American author, after reading my ms, suggested I contact literary agents in the US. So I did! I sent out a few queries, and three weeks later had a few offers of representation. The agent I eventually went with then sent my book out on sub to editors!


5: Who are your idols or mentors? Who do you look up to?


I don't really have specific idols or mentors. I look up to a lot of people.


6: What can we expect from Steph Bowe in the future?


Hopefully lots more books!


7: How are you treated, amongst like publishers and writers and ordinary people, since you are a 'teen writer'? Are you ever 'talked down to', or anything like that?


I'm treated the same as an adult writer, and I conduct myself as a professional writer. Occasionally, some people are a bit patronizing, but not often.


8: Tell us a bit about 'Girl Saves Boy'.


Girl Saves Boy tells the story of what happens when Jewel saves Sacha from drowning, forcing them both to confront pasts they've carefully concealed - a lost brother, an empty space where a mother should be, a debilitating illness, fractured families and buried secrets. It's about life, death, love... and garden gnomes.


9: And lastly, where do you see yourself in five years What other things would you like to achieve?

Hopefully continuing to write and publish books, and at uni studying journalism!