Alexandra Larochelle
The Mozart of Writing
This article originally appeared in Filles: Clin d'oeil magazine.
Alexandra Larochelle is 12 years old. Like every other kid her age, she just started grade seven. What makes her special? She is the author of three best selling novels!
by Gina Desjardins
Alexandra, you started writing at a very young age, right?
Yes, at the age of five. My aunt and uncle gave me an interesting toy: a computer to learn French and mathematics. By playing with it, I finally deciphered writing. I then wrote a mini book (5X5 cm format) titled Les aventures de Zig Zag la
pieuvre. I gave it to my parents for Christmas.
At the age of nine, you wrote Au-delà de l'univers. How did you come up with the idea for this novel?
It all started with a class project. I was attending a multi-level school, which meant that, when the teacher taught the third-grade children, those in the fourth grade had to keep busy with projects. I really liked writing, so I decided to write a
novel.
How did your book end up getting edited?
First of all, my parents had about 50 copies printed for family members. When I was in the fifth grade, the principal read my novel and decided to promote it. From then on, one thing led to another: several publishing houses showed interest in my book,
including Trécarré, which is the one my family and I chose.
How did you react when you found out your novel was actually being published?
I couldn't believe it. I had written it for fun, simply because I love to write. To have it published was for me an unbelievable dream come true.
After this first novel, you followed with Mission périlleuse en Erianigami and La clé de l'énigme. How many volumes do you plan to write in this series?
I think it will be a series of six. In fact, I already sent the fourth one to the editor.
Do the characters in your novels evolve at the same pace as you?
Of course! They grow with me and resemble me a little, each in their own way, because I created them. Plus, their interests change and progress, and that's exactly what's happening to me.
Do you read a lot?
Tremendously! I read a bit of everything, but I prefer the fantasy genre. I love Bryan Perro, who wrote Amos d'Aragon, and J. K. Rowlings, the author of Harry Potter. In fact, this is probably the character that got me interested in
writing fantasy. I first read Harry Potter when I was seven and, at the time, I wasn't very familiar with the genre.
How many hours a week do you spend writing?
It depends on how inspired I am; it can just as easily be six or seven hours as 30 minutes. I don't want to force myself to write because it's my greatest passion. To force myself to do it could take away the pleasure writing gives me, and that would be
a shame. So, I only write when I feel like it…which is often!
In what other activities are you involved?
I try to play the piano, but I don't always have time. I also practice sports. I always enjoy playing baseball with my friends, although I'm not very good at it. Recently, I discovered running, and I also like climbing a lot.
What are your short-term goals?
First, I'll finish my series and then, I'd like to shift to other literary genres.
What are your goals in life?
My biggest dream is to become a writer. I would also like my books to be published in other countries, and to have the opportunity to travel as part of writing.
Alexandra Larochelle was one of the featured writers at the 28th Salon du livre de Montréal.
