In the Blog

Emma Allison: Teen Writer Who’s Booking Through 365

January 13th, 2011     by Desirée O     Comments

Every month I profile a new incredible woman, each from a different walk of life. Different professions, causes, backgrounds, ethnicities, orientations, and anything/everything else!

So without further delay, let me introduce the wonderful Emma Allison…

Emma Allison is a Canadian home schooled teenager who writes and edits for her book blog, Booking Through 365. She hopes to be a young adult librarian when she comes of age. For now, she reads, writes, tweets in excessive quantities and attempts to understand quantum physics in her spare time.

What drives you to do what you do?

Seeing as I am a teenage girl, I’ll take what I “do” to be writing and blogging. I love the challenge of writing and creating new stories. It’s the only thing I’m willing to shed blood, sweat and tears into. Book blogging was a symptom of my love of stories. I love writing reviews and being a part of the community. That’s what keeps me going. I am happiest when I have completely crazy goals and writing has been helpful providing me that kind of insanity. How does being a woman empower / challenge you?

It’s amazing how early you learn inequality first hand as a woman. It’s challenging dealing with stereotypes, not conforming to them and discovering the injustices women who I love have dealt with. But it’s what keeps me going. I have quite a few female mentors who are helpful and remind me how awesome the world is, even when I am angry at it in ways only a teenager can be. What advice would you give to young women who want to follow in your footsteps?

If only I had footsteps to follow! For those who want to blog, I’d say don’t be afraid to be opinionated. There are plenty of people who will always tell you to shut up. Your blog is your place to be heard. It’s okay to be critical of things, too. Try to be a part of the blogging community and always post, even when you don’t want to. As for writing, always keep at it when you have a glimmer of an idea you’re passionate about. Don’t worry about sticking to one story. You’ll find that idea you fall hopelessly in love with eventually. Always speak your mind and don’t be afraid to disagree. You’ll attract the best people that way.

What is one person, place, or thing every young woman should know about?

Can I be hopelessly cliche and say Judy Blume? Forever completely changed my idea of sexuality. The Fudge books were one of my favourite memories from childhood. Blume is not my favourite author by far, but she’s one close to my heart.

What is the most important thing we can do in order to change the world?

If we were allowed to feel what we feel and channel that into something we love, we’d be a less destructive species. All of the tragedy I’ve indirectly experienced has been at the hands of authority figures telling people in their power that how they are feeling is wrong. Any kind of strong emotion can be channeled into art. If we saw negative emotions that way, maybe we’d be better off.

Be sure to check out Emma’s awesome writing and reviews at Booking Through 365.

Tags: shameless women

« Call for Submissions: AQSAzine

Parkdale Street Writers want you! (Toronto) »