This is an extract from an interview I did with The Book Thief author Markus Zusak back in 2009....
How did you get your first publishing deal and how did that feel?
I guess I’m what you call a slush-piler. I just sent my manuscripts to the slush pile of publishers and hoped for the best. Over seven years, I was rejected seven times on three different books. The fourth attempt was picked up by a small publisher, and I still have great memories of staying up all night, talking to my brother and sister.
How do people react to you when they find out you’re a writer?
It can go in almost any direction. Some people have no idea what to do with it. Some tell you about the book they would write, if only they had the time. On the whole, though, people are generally very positive and interested, because they haven’t met a writer before. My friends, though, they usually rib me about how I just sleep in and watch Oprah and that I don’t really have a proper job. I’ve given up arguing now, so I just agree with them, even though half the time I’ve started work before they have. Still, it’s best to keep the romantic idea alive. If they call around midday and ask if they woke me, I always say yes.
Any general advice about writing?
Just to not be afraid of failing. Failure has been my best friend as a writer. When I spend months, even years failing over and over again on a book, those failures usually lead me to the more original ideas in the story. Each one brings you a step closer to what will work.
What influences helped form the character of Death in The Book Thief?
I guess working on it was the main influence. Originally I couldn’t get Death’s voice right because it was too typical. He was macabre and he enjoyed his work too much. It was only when the voice became more vulnerable that I started to really enjoy writing the book. I thought it made sense that Death could be afraid of humans, since he’s on hand to see all the terrible things we do to each other. Then it would also make sense that he’s telling the story of the book thief to show that humans can be beautiful and selfless and worthwhile.
Finally have you stolen anything?
Plenty!