Reader's Snapshot - Kate Welshman

Last week I reviewed the terrific debut effort, Posse, from Australian author, Kate Welshman. I am very fortunate to host her as my Author Spotlight this week. Kate is an inspiration, she's a mother, a barrister and now a YA author - all at the age of 28 - way to make me feel unaccomplished!

Which book is memorable from your teen years?
I read Stephen King’s ‘Christine’ when I was thirteen. After that I was terrified of stepping in front of cars – even parked ones – for years. It was one of the first ‘big’ books I’d read, and I had no trouble getting through it because it was so enthralling.

Describe your high school English teacher in three words...
Generous. Quirky. Pungent.

Your book of the moment?
I’m barely willing to admit it, but ‘Twilight’ by Stephenie Meyer. I didn’t want to like it, but I really do. I enjoy teen romances. I would love a handsome vampire like Edward Cullen to fall in love with me on the basis of my smell alone. I’d also like to find out how to write a book that sells a million copies in a day.

What do you use to mark your page when reading?
Bookmark - I fold the corner of the page. I’m afraid I don’t have much respect for the physical integrity of books.

Favourite place to read?
Bed.

Favourite word?
Coax.

Favourite book store?
Dymocks in George Street, Sydney. I really like the café upstairs. It’s run by a Russian woman who cooks a mean chicken dumpling. I don’t like the fact that the children’s books are in the basement, though. For children’s books I like the Children’s Bookshop at Beecroft. That’s where I launched ‘Posse’.

Character you wish you had created?
Rupert Campbell-Black from Jilly Cooper’s ‘Riders’. He’s the man of my dreams. I wish I’d created him and then married him.

Bonus Question - If you had to choose - broken jaw or broken nose?
Definitely a broken nose. My nose is already on the flat side.

Competition - Many of you have been drooling over Posse and I will be giving away my copy to a person who comments on every Kate Welshman related post this week - good luck! This competition is open to everyone and the winner will be announced next weekend.