Starred reviewed author, Adrienne Kress, is set to release Timothy and the Dragon’s Gate, the second title in her adventure series.

What does a typical Thursday look like for you, starting from when you wake up – to heading to bed?

My days are pretty different from each other because my schedule can change vastly depending on if I have an audition, am on a deadline, am writing a book vs editing a book, if I have a class, am in a production . . . etc.  Though a typical writing-only day is as follows:

  • Wake up
  • Have breakfast
  • Check/Respond to emails
  • Exercise (usually in front of the television)
  • Write (twice a week this actually is taken up by writing my blog).
  • Lunch
  • Check/Respond to emails.
  • Get outside (go for a walk and the like).
  • Write.
  • Watch some television.
  • Have dinner.
  • Usually meet up with friends . . . though with a deadline looming . . . write.
  • Check/Respond to emails.
  • Go to bed.

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    What was your first job out of school?

    It was actually a continuation of my summer job while in highschool.  I worked for a theatre festival as a technician, as well as an instructor to the youth drama camp affiliated with it.  It was an awesome job, but tons of hours for little pay.  Still the experience was so unique. I got to meet some amazing people, as well as learn all about set construction, lighting, sound . . . and I am now a wiz at the power drill! 

    What are the 3 skills you require most to do your job well?

  • perseverance

  • passion

  • a deep understanding and appreciation of the written word

    • What do you love most about your career?

    I love that I get to do a job I am passionate about.  That I get to affect the lives of others and that I can create my own worlds.  I love being my own boss.

    Do you have any warnings?

    There are much easier ways to make money than writing.  That simply cannot be your number one goal.  Certainly you can write with an eye towards publication, but you have to love the writing first and foremost.  It is a frustrating business, full of self-doubt and rejection.  The only one who can get you over the rough patches is you.  And you have to believe in yourself, and want it more than anything else. 

    If you could try a different career on for a year, what would it be?

    Well I am also an actress, so I am pretty lucky that I get to pursue two jobs that I absolutely adore.  The easy answer would be “teacher”, since I have experience with that as well, and really enjoy the activity.  But I think I would want to choose something so completely different, maybe something more physical.  Something maybe involving animals.  I don’t really know.

    Adrienne Kress is the author of two children’s books Timothy and the Dragon’s Gate (January 2009) and Alex and the Ironic Gentleman (October 2007). She is a graduate from the University of Toronto and has studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.  Kress has directed and produced her one act play, A Weekend in the Country, (which was written under the mentorship of Governor General award winner Djanet Sears), for sold out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Toronto Summerworks Festival.  

    Books are available at bookstores across Canada:

    Timothy and the Dragon’s Gate @ Indigo/Chapters
    Alex and the Ironic Gentleman @ Indigo/Chapters