Are you a fan of books based on the tale of
"Alice in Wonderland" ?
'Wandering in Wonderland' was written by author,
Aislinn Honeycutt,
with a release date set in Summer 2019!
Today we asked Aislinn Honeycutt to join us for another #FANDOMFRIDAY Interview!
If you aren't already, be sure to follow Aislinn on all of her social media platforms:
Facebook: /abeechopbooks
Instagram: /pomme106
Thanks for joining us today, Aislinn! We're so excited to have you today for our #FANDOMFRIDAY! Let's talk about you and your book, Wandering in Wonderland!
How long have you been writing and who or what inspired you to write?
I've been writing as characters since about 2008, I want to say. It's always been for fun and I was sort of thrown into the world by some friends. Since then it's just been the easiest way to translate the pictures and scenarios in my head into a tangible, legible thing that I can show other people.
Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?:
I always had the thought that being a writer could be fun but I actually went to college for theater arts and just recently started school again to become a zookeeper.
When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?
Not until I actually sent the email with my manuscript this year, though I guess I've been a writer since about 2011 or so.
What was the publishing process like for you? If you self-published, what obstacles have you come across in the process of publishing?
It's kind of scary for me, really. I'm not sure how much I should do or not do while waiting to hear back from my publisher. It's giving me a lot of time to work on drafts and future ideas, however, so that's nice.
What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?
Wandering in Wonderland is my latest work and it's so complex I don't even know how to summarize it. “Wonderland is real, but not what you may think" might be a good way to put it.
PH: I think that's a great way!
Do you have any future books planned or in mind?
I'm working on a sequel for my Wonderland story and toying around with a story about working the night shift at a zoo and a possible retelling of either the Sleeping Beauty tale or Rapunzel.
PH: Well, I'm certainly intrigued with all of those ideas!
How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?
For Wonderland I started writing it in 2012 and I found a name website that gave meanings and time periods of when the names were most popular. Their personalities and the places in the stories just sort of write themselves as I type. There's a few places I take inspiration from, the mermaid pool is based off of a salt water bathing pool I visited in Oregon in 2011 for instance.
Who was the first person to ever read a story/poem of yours?
Strangers on the internet. They were the first ones when I started writing poems back in the day. When I finished drafts for Wonderland I sent it to my friends Chantal and Sarah because they're the two people I trust most with my writings.
How did you feel knowing more than just yourself would be reading your work?
Terrified. My mother is an English teacher and throughout school I never let her read my essays or writing for fear of her judging me. Now I'm terrified that no one will understand the stories I try to tell, but I'm excited to try.
PH: I certainly have faith there are going to be several people in the world excited to read your stories!
Do you have a certain routine for writing?
I trained myself to write at night or the late afternoons. Around 5pm is when my creative juices really start flowing. I also subconsciously trained myself to wear fake reading glasses when writing. I tell myself it's for concentration, but who really knows why I do it at this point.
PH: We know someone who does the same thing with fake reading glasses! It works!
Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?
I have a rough idea of the character before delving into writing but they just write themselves for the most part. I've written drafts where one character is mouthy and confident but in the next draft they are shy and withdrawn. They sort of decide how they want to be portrayed and I'm just along for the ride in most cases.
What sparked the idea for this book?
I've written and read different aspects of Wonderland for so long it morphed into my own world and I kbew I needed to share it. I had my own ideas for how the world looked, sounded, and smelled and wanted my version to be thought of when people talked about the original story.
What was the hardest part to write in this book?
Everything. I knew exactly where I wantex this book to go and how it was going to get there but as soon as I started typing, the story changed right before my eyes and I had to scramble to keep up with the way it wanted to be told. After all the stress it's put me through, I can honestly say this is my favorite version of the story I've written.
Do you have a favorite character from your books? Why?
I try not to pick favorites in all aspects of my life. I call it the “toy story rule”. I don't want to pick a favorite and then have someone or something become sad because they aren't my favorite. But Farren and a very small character named Hali have very special places in my heart.
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?
Don't give up. No idea is dumb if you believe in it, there will always be people who share your love and want to read the story you wrote.
Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book...
How much of a run-on sentence am I allowed to type out for this answer? Ha, no but really. I want you to be able to see Wonderland as I see it: a place of peace and healing despite any dangers its natural state might present.
PH: Wow! It was so great hearing about 'WANDERING IN WONDERLAND.' Now for some more fun questions. We thought you might enjoy answering these too!
If you were a donut, what kind of donut would you be?
A powdered sugar donut with mixed berry filling on the inside.
If you could take a character from your novel on a date, where would you go and what would you both do?
Ooh, I guess I would take either Jessica, Farren, or Matthew. I'd more than likely take them to a local zoo for the day and then to dinner.
If you type into Google “Your Name” – what is the first thing that comes up?
It brings up my Facebook page, my kindle scout page, and information about a couples wedding who I do not know. (But congrats all the same!)
If we were to go to a book store together, where would I find you?
You'd find me in the cooking section mostly. I like looking at the pictures of food, though I never buy cookbooks. You might also find my in the craft and young adults areas.
What is your favorite character’s “favorites”? Give us a list!
Not necessarily my favorite, but I'll use this as a way for you to get to know Jessica a bit.
Favorite season: spring
Favorite color: pale orange
Favorite animal: hedgehog
Favorite outfit: skinny jeans and oversized sweaters
Favorite meal: beef stew with lots of potatoes and carrots
Favorite drink: cold: iced tea, hot: French vanilla tea
Favorite time of day: dawn
What is your favorite book and Why?
Shakespeare Undead. I've read it countless times and love the way it's written and eludes to stories way past Shakespeare's time.
Your favorite food is?
I thoroughly enjoy spaghetti.
Your favorite singer/group is?
It changes very often but I have a great love for Lin Manuel Miranda and Hamilton.
Your favorite color is?
Greens and blues
If you could have any superpower what would you choose? I'd want to fly.
What’s your favorite season/weather?
I love the Fall. I love the colors and the smells and the fact I can wear shorts and a sweater and it not kill me after an hour of being outside.
Favorite Superhero?
Does Carrie Fisher count as a superhero?
PH: Absolutely she does!
Thank you for joining us today, Aislinn and sharing your debut novel 'WANDERING IN WONDERLAND' with everyone here at the Parliament House Press!
Be sure to follow Aislinn on her social media links and keep an eye for more information regarding her debut release!