Author Interview: Hannah Carmack

A few months ago I was approached by Hannah Carmack to potentially write a review for her novella Take Your Medicine or do an author interview. I didn’t have the time to accept review request at that moment, but the thought of doing an author interview was both super exciting and terrifying to me. So I decided to go for it, and here it is, my very first author interview!

Your novella Take Your Medicine is inspired by Alice in Wonderland. What did you like so much about the original story that made you want to write something inspired by it?

I think more than anything it was the characters. Alice in Wonderland has this iconic ensemble cast and each character is so clearly their own. I couldn’t resist trying to reinvent them.

Are there any other stories/works you would love to write a something inspired by?

So, this is WAY out there, but the entire discography of The Killers is one of those things that has been with me since Hot Fuss came out in the early 2000’s. I think their work is FULL of stories I would love to write something inspired by.

If you had to describe your main character, Alice, only using songs, what songs would you pick?

Ironically, there’s a playlist for that. But, off the top of my head, I’d have to say My Silver Lining by First Aid Kit, A Better Son/Daughter by Rilo Kiley, and Wait so Long by Trampled by Turtles.

A lot of authors start out as avid readers, is that the same for you? What were some of your favourite books growing up?

NARUTO. Sorry, reeling it back. I read a lot of manga growing up. Aside from comics, I loved The Warriors series by Erin Hunter.

What are some of your writing-related goals?

In time, I’d like to be traditionally published by a top 10 and represented by an agent. But, for now I’m just focused on finishing up my next project and getting it out there in the world.

What is the favorite line/quote you’ve ever written?

Funny story, my initial reaction was “Oh, this quote that so-and-so says in Seven-Sided Spy.” Except that quote is the character quoting Anna Karenina, so I definitely did not write that one. I’d probably have to say “I’d prune all my roses to nothing for you.” The quote only makes sense in the context of Take Your Medicine, but I think what it means is so poignant when you think about traditional parent/child relationships.

Thank you again to Hannah Carmack for answering my questions and being so incredibly patient. You can find her book on Goodreads, and you can find her on Twitter and on her website.

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