Zosia Koptiuch

What was your favorite book as a child?

I had multiple. My first was probably the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne. Then, in middle school, I really loved Bridge to Terabithia. I went through a Narnia phase, too. Later, I discovered Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs and became obsessed with it. I even have an old book review of it somewhere written when I was twelve.

Do you remember the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?

This sounds cheesy, but I think I was always meant to write. It's what I enjoy doing most and it's also what I do best. I've been writing since I was four and I've wanted to become a writer since I was eleven.

What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?

That's a difficult question because the most thrilling moments always feel mundane when you try to describe them. I've done things that others would consider thrilling, such as hiking the tallest mountain in my country or kayaking; but as grateful as I am for that, I wouldn't say these were the most exciting things I've ever felt. I guess my most exciting experiences were a series of small things, mildly interesting to others but extremely memorable and valuable to me. I love old buildings, for example; whenever I'm in an old, beautiful space, rich with history and ghosts and art, I get so excited. For example, I had the privilege of visiting St. Peter's Basilica recently, and even though I'm not religious, it made my heart beat a little bit faster. Writing and publishing work is also always thrilling. So is reading wonderful literature: my favorite book is Calling Out to Yeti by Wisława Szymborska, and it always makes me feel a little thrill when I read it.

Do you listen to music while reading or writing?

I do listen to music while writing, but not while reading. I curate a playlist for each of my projects. There are certain songs that just fit the exact personality or theme or aesthetic of the text that I'm working on. I use them as inspiration for my work and listen to them while writing in order to remind myself what I'm going for with this piece. I make Pinterest boards, too.