Madeline McGregor, 2019 Love YA Ambassador

Maddie is a blogger/writer/reader, working retail in a bookstore. She recently finished a degree of creative writing at QUT and dreams of being an author like some of her Aussie favourites. You can read up on Maddie’s love for books over on her blog at https://pasomaddie.wordpress.com/.

What are you looking forward to reading in 2019? 

This year I am eagerly, and not very patiently, waiting for the new Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman book, Aurora Rising. I love all of their books and can’t wait to delve into a new book of theirs. I’m sure if will leave me just as heartbroken as the last one. Also Chain of Gold, omg! Again, But Better by Christine Riccio! Ahh, too many to mention.

Have you set any reading goals for the year?

This year my reading goal is to branch outside of my comfort zone and read some genres I typically wouldn’t. After starting work in a bookstore, I’m realising how little I know on books that aren’t YA. Who knew there would be books outside of YA?!

How many books do you have on the go at any one time? 

I can only ever have one on the go. I’m not a very good multitasker and can find it hard to split my time between more than one book. I admire those who can read multiple. Share your secrets and tips with me!

What is your favourite genre and why? 

My favourite genre is probably fantasy. I’m like most readers where I love to escape my current life and explore a new world. But I can never say no to a good romance contemporary.

Who is the author you’d most like to meet and why? 

This is such a tough question. It would be amazing to meet Alexandra Bracken. I don’t even know how many times I have read The Darkest Minds series, but I still remember when I waited with impatient expectation for the next books in the series to be released. If I got to meet her in person, I would hammer her with writing questions!

Who is your favourite local author?

My hands can never say no to a Jay Kristoff novel. I have such fond memories of the many times I have met him at Brisbane Writers Festival and how each time he would pull out amazing writing advice. I am incredibly inspired by him and am always waiting impatiently for him to break my heart yet again.

Do you have a book you always find yourself coming back to? 

I always come back to the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. I think the amount of times I’ve read them would go into double figures. They’re a forever comfort when I’m in a reading slump.

Paper or digital? 

I work in a bookstore so I would definitely have to say paper. Without paper books, I wouldn’t have a job and I love my job. But aside from that, I personally love to just stare at all of my pretty, little books all in a row on the white bookcase. I love to feel the solid weight between my hands, and I love the curious eyes I get when I pull my book out from my bag on the bus.