Claudia Blomberg, 2019 Word Play Ambassador

My name is Claudia, I’m 14 years old and I’ll be a Word Play ambassador for UPLIT in 2019. I’m generally more of an artistic person and I find I can easily get lost in any form of art. I enjoy music, writing, reading, acting, painting and drawing the most. I’m in grade nine this year and I tend to spend most of my time at school with my friends and/or in the library. In terms of reading, my taste varies wildly, but I tend towards sci-fi or thrillers. When writing, the inspiration that finds me is best expressed in flash fiction, that is, 100 to 600 word short stories. I look forward to being a part of the team here at UPLIT!

What are you looking forward to reading in 2019?

Well, The Last Namsara (Kristen Ciccarelli) totally blew me away a couple of years ago, and it’s the first in a trilogy that’ll be completed this year. I really cannot wait to see the characters grow and develop, but no matter what, I’m certain the finale will be just as beautifully executed as books 1 and 2.

Have you set any reading goals for the year?

My one and only reading goal: to expand my horizons­­­­. To experience as many new genres and perspectives as humanly possible. I can’t think of anything more powerful than being exposed to something entirely unknown to you, which, in my experience, can easily be life changing.

How many books do you have on the go at any one time?

Maybe… 3?

What is your favourite genre and why?

I could never answer that. Every genre. I think every story can be beautiful and precious if the author is skilled(regardless of the setting or theme). Sometimes, the story itself isn’t nearly as important as how it’s told.

Who is the author you’d most like to meet and why?

Douglas Adams(RIP). Legendary. Imagine meeting someone so creatively brilliant! I can’t think of another answer to that question.

Who is your favourite local author?

I’m not familiar with too many, but Sonya Hartnett has a piece of my heart and I will forever be indebted to her for the joy her (endearingly morbid) books have brought me.

Do you have a book you always find yourself coming back to?

Unfortunately, I’m yet to find a book that is just as appealing after I know what happens. I don’t tend to reread books.

Where is your favourite place to read?

In a library- particularly an old library: the kind with hard wood floors, stunning architecture and the smell of paper that draws you into altered version of reality. I’d settle for the local city council one though.

Paper or digital?

Paper. I suppose digital would be nice but I like the intimacy of holding a story in your hands. A kindle makes books feel impersonal and distant.