Author Interview: Kereen Getten

An Interview with Gemma Louise Bull

Kereen Getten has published seven novels for children: ‘’The Case of the Lighthouse Intruder’, ‘When Life Gives You Mangoes’, ‘If You Read This’, ‘Two Sisters: A Story of Freedom’, ‘The Case of the Abandoned Boat’, ‘Ada Rue and the Banished’ and her most recently published novel, ‘The Case of the Haunted Wardrobe’.

In this interview, Kereen shares the importance of being confident with your work and how she encourages her son to develop his knowledge.

Can you explain the process of your writing? Do you start with the character, setting, plot, or something else?

It’s always the character first for me. With ‘When Life Gives You Mangoes’, I knew I wanted to write about a girl who lived in my hometown Jamaica. I also knew I wanted to write about friendship, so at the beginning most of my time was focused on the character. Who she was, what was her story, etc. Once I had a basic idea of who the main character was, I focused on her journey. I go back later to flesh out her character.

Your books include original, complex and interesting characters and settings. How do you find inspiration? Do you base your characters on people you know?

I think there is always an element of someone I know/knew or have seen on screen. I am a people watcher and am constantly taking in interesting aspects of people. Sometimes it’s a conscious decision to add them in my story and other times it's not conscious until someone picks up on it!

What common challenges do you face when you are writing? How do you overcome them?

I face a lot of internal struggles with my writing. Confidence is the main one. Is this good enough? Will people like it? Is it making sense? Is this interesting? I think I have always been able to push through these thoughts. Not because I convince myself I am good enough, but because I want to tell my story. I like the story, and I think that is my biggest advice to any budding writers. You have to love your story, because if you don’t, who will?

Many of our students love writing and are required to complete a piece of writing for their 11+ exams. What advice would you give to any budding writers?

Write what you love. Write what excites you. Worry less about what you think others want to read and write what you want to read. Readers can tell the difference between forced writing and writing from the heart. There is a real connection between reader and writer when you write what you love.

Are you currently writing a book? Are you able to share any information about it at this stage?

I am currently writing the fourth installment of DI Island Crew Series. The first book came out in June and the second will be out in October. This one is a little darker with a mystery that begins from the first page.

What is your favourite novel? Or novels? Why?

I love stories that have beautiful descriptions, almost poetic. One of my favourite books that does this is The Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr which is written so beautifully.

What do you enjoy about reading?

I love that I can escape into different worlds. Learn about new cultures and people. Words are so powerful and often saved me when I was younger.

How important do you think getting a good education is? Why?

I believe education is knowledge and knowledge gives you power. It is about learning about yourself and what you are capable of. Education teaches you about the world and the part you play in it. A great education gives you the tools to go out into the world equipped to be your best self.

How did your parents support you with your education?

My parents were always available to answer any questions I had. We often had open conversations about what I was learning, and they often shared their own learning journey. They also gave me the freedom to my own path and where I wanted to go.

As a parent, how do you inspire your children to engage with their learning?

I always encouraged my son to learn in a way that is good for him, and that helps him. I think we all learn differently and there is no one way to do that. I had a teacher who would turn history class into story times, so I would often share similar stories with my son that would keep him interested and engaged.

To find out more information about Kereen’s books, check out the following link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=kereen+getten&crid=19KBCSNGMB0HL&sprefix=kereen+%2Caps%2C88&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_7v