Ask the Author: Victoria Namkung
Answered Questions (5)
Victoria Namkung
After reading about teacher sexual abuse cases and cover ups at elite schools across the country, including Marlborough School, Horace Mann, Phillips Exeter, and countless others, I thought it was time to deal with this issue in fiction. I was interested in writing a female revenge story and liked the idea of women coming together to take down their former teacher.
Victoria Namkung
It's usually a reaction to a news event or cultural phenomenon. Other times, I hear a story from a friend or overhear a stranger say something that interests me and it's a jumping off point.
Victoria Namkung
I get asked this question quite a bit and people are often surprised by my answer: you have to actually write. Writing is often seen as a glamorous profession, but it's quite isolating and you have to know so much about so many things, do research, and actually put pen to paper or fingers to keyboards. I would also ask yourself if you want to be a writer or if you like the idea of being a writer—the two are vastly different. If there's something else you can do and be happy, I would do that and pursue writing in your spare time.
Victoria Namkung
I wanted to be a writer since I was around age 12, so just knowing that I am living my childhood dream is nice. Whether it's in journalism, essay writing, or fiction, I am able to contribute to larger conversations, and society in general, by writing. That is the best thing for me.
Victoria Namkung
Fortunately I've never experienced writer's block for a significant amount of time. If I'm stuck, I find that doing anything else—going on a long walk, listening to music, or even showering—helps me figure out what I need to do when I get back to my desk.
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