What is your fail-safe book recommendation?

Put me on the spot, why don’t you, I only do this for a living…have to go with Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey.

What was your reaction when you found out your short story collection was going to be published?

Well, I didn’t twig immediately that it was happening. I hadn’t read the email thoroughly enough. It wasn’t until the MRP newsletter went out, announcing the publication of our three collections, and my author friend Louise Allan sent me a text that I twigged. Then I was really, really, really excited.

How many hours do you write a day?

I try to write for a minimum of ten minutes each night, six nights a week. Often it’s more like 45 minutes to an hour per night, six nights a week, but not lately.

What is your cure for writer’s block?

See answer above…Reading really good books and being caught up in the magic of good writing is something that usually helps me.

What is your go-to writing podcast?

The First Time Podcast.

Can anyone become a writer?

If they’re willing to do the work, yes.

What is a book that made you cry?

Checkers by John Marsden

Do you have any quirky writing habits?

I have to clean my office before I can start.

Describe your writing space in three words.

Flamingos. Books. Piles.

Best writing advice you’ve ever received.

If you want to be a writer, you have to stop talking about writing and just write, and, yes, posting about writing on social media absolutely counts.

Emily Paull is a writer, blogger, editor and former bookseller from Western Australia. Her work has appeared in Westerly as well as two previous Margaret River anthologies. Her debut collection of short stories will be published by Margaret River Press later in 2019. You can find out more about Emily at www.emilypaull.com

Image credit: Charlotte Guest