1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I used to play drums in a variety of bands. I was never very good, and the bands never got very far.
2. What is your nickname?
As a school principal, I probably get called lots of things but the one that gets thrown around a bit is The Nunster.
3. What is your greatest fear?
Not being able to sleep. I know that sounds crazy, but I went through a period of insomnia and it was the worst time of my life. The fear that I might go through that again still sits there.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Character-driven, historical, young-adult fiction, with an unresolved twist.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Passionate, detail-driven, sound-obsessed and image-focused. I know that’s only four but I’ve cheated with hyphens.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Boxer, from Animal Farm. I have been blessed with a tireless ability to work. I’m loyal, optimistic and always believe the best in people, even when common sense says otherwise.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’d love to go 50 years into the future and hope that people have recognised what we have been doing to the planet and fixed it before it was too late.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
I was such an insecure 10-year-old that I think any advice would be full of worry about what other people thought of me. If I could give my 10-year-old self some advice it would be, ‘relax, it all turns out okay in the end’.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
I’m a Christian, so I’d have to say Jesus. But I’m also married to the most wonderful, faithful and intelligent woman who sets me straight when I need it and gives me more inspiration than I deserve.
10. What/who made you start writing?
I’d been teaching English for nearly 20 years, telling students how wonderful creative writing is. A friend challenged me that I needed to do more than talk about it.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
I’m constantly learning new words, so it changes continuously but the word ‘ubiquitous’ seems to stick around. I love the way it sounds as it rolls off the tongue. The sound of words is really important to me as I write.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
At the risk of being overly religious, my Bible is the book I read every day. It is such a story of promise, love and hope.
Cameron Nunn is well qualified to write for teenagers. An English teacher for 18years, at the time of writing Shadows in the Mirror (his debut novel) he was head of English at a major school in the outer Sydney suburb of Penrith. You can read our review of his latest book, Echo in the Memory here. For more information, see www.walkerbooks.com.au.
