1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
The umlaut over the Ë in my name is fake! For some reason I always thought I had one, but when I got married a few years ago and had to check my birth certificate, it became apparent that this is something I made up. But I’m attached to it now, so I still use it.
2. What is your nickname?
2. What is your nickname?
My friends sometimes shorten my name to Zonolo.
3. What is your greatest fear?
3. What is your greatest fear?
I’m really scared of mosh pits at concerts! I’m quite short and I always think I’m going to get squished like a grape.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
I really love playing with language and also writing jokes!
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Experimental, unhinged, Australian, playful, hopeful.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Matilda - because she’s a genius and she’s magical and she can put up with anything, even the world’s worst parents.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’d go 100 years into the future to see what my descendants are like!
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
You actually became a writer! High five!
9. Who is your greatest influence?
9. Who is your greatest influence?
Roald Dahl
10. What/who made you start writing?
When I was in kindy, I allegedly came home after a lucrative assembly with a merit award declaring I was Author of the Month, so apparently I’ve wanted to do this since I was about five. I think I’ve just always loved stories and wanted to be a part of that world.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Cheese. I believe no explanation is required.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
James Joyce’s Ulysses - because if it’s the only book I had I might actually finish it and then, on the 50th read, maybe understand it!
Zoë Norton Lodge is a writer, actress and television presenter, known for her work on ABC TV’s The Checkout and the live storytelling night and podcast Story Club, as well as her collected short stories Almost Sincerely. Elizabella Meets Her Match is her debut children’s novel.
