My guest today is Rochelle Hondema—a young writer I’ve become friends with through her mother. Rochelle came to me for two days of work experience to find out what the life of an author is like. I asked her to write about her expectations and how they were met, or changed.
About Rochelle:
Rochelle is 15 years old and is in Year Ten. Rochelle’s short story, One World, Many Stories won a Western Australian award for young writers in 2011
Her favourite book is Looking for Alaska by John Green, and her favourite author is Markus Zusak.
When Rochelle is not writing she is playing soccer, doing homework or spending time with her family and friends.
Rochelle with her best friends. (Rochelle is second from the left)
What were my expectations?
I literally had no clue of what it would be like to work as an author. In my head, and I guess everyone’s, there is this image of them just relaxing and writing whenever they want. I thought it would be pretty easy, just relaxing and doing small little things.
What was the reality?
It was nothing like I expected. Yes, authors do sit and write, and that’s what they’re meant to do. But with social media becoming more and more popular, they need to keep blogs, Facebook, and even things like Instagram and Twitter going so people can keep in touch with them. During my experience I helped Mrs Fraser with social media, read and gave feedback on her upcoming novel (which is pretty amazing, if I do say so myself) and discovered it’s not all fun—you have to put a lot of work and effort in. I watched her read, edit, reread and edit some more in the short time I spent with her. Having to make phone calls and read and write things down all in one day is a lot of work. It was a great experience and it’s definitely made me see what it really is like to be an author—especially in this day and age.
Why I thought it would be good to have work experience as an author.
Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve always loved writing. My mum says I was always a storyteller, and I guess that’s what I am even now. I enjoy anything to do with creative writing—whether it be poetry or short stories. Because she knew I wanted to be a writer, my mum suggested I go to Mrs Fraser. She was happy to take me, and both mum and I thought that it would be good for me to see what actually happens when writing a novel—all the behind the scenes sort of thing. It has definitely opened my eyes and I don’t regret doing it.
After this incredible experience, and probably a once-in-a-lifetime event, I am still deciding whether or not to go down the path of writing. It is a lot of hard work and determination, which obviously pays off when you see the hard copy done and dusted. It’s impossible for me to say that I will someday definitely be an author. I am hoping, maybe not when I’m young, but in later years to come, I can write more and become an author. This experience has shown me that if I work hard enough, and if I really want it, I can achieve it.
I’ve been inspired to follow my dreams and not give up, and to continue on writing, improving my skills immensely. I aspire to inspire teenagers all over Australia—even if it’s in 30 years time. In the meantime, I hope that maybe I can get my work out there in Young Australian writing competitions.
