Annie McCann - Emcee and Author

Annie McCann is an Indonesian-Australian emcee and author from Western Sydney. She has written multiple short stories and is the founder of several literary networks. Annie is passionate about diversity and representation in books, media and pop culture, and aims to ‘bridge the gap’ in the creative space. On her limited days off, Annie is either jamming to Michael Jackson’s greatest hits or cheering on her NRL Football team, Parramatta Eels. My Harimau King is her debut novel.

1. If you could pick a single fruit to create a story around, what would it be?

I have never been asked this question before! What a great question. I had to really think about this, and I would have to say dates (or date - the stone fruit). Traditionally, many stories surround dates, and I would love to create a story around this for the world to read one day. 

2. Why did you begin writing? Was it because of a person or something else?

As an avid reader of fantasy fiction, particularly of stories deriving from cultural mythology, folklore and legends, I spent years in search of these stories containing the culture and mythology of my people: Indonesia - to no avail. In an age where representation matters in all mediums, especially literature, I thought - why can't I be that person who leads the way? As an Indonesian-Australian, I come from a culture rich with folklore and mythology and felt it was time the world saw this, so after researching my cultural legends, I crafted original stories including my debut novel, My Harimau King, that infused the mythology, culture and legends of West Java, Indonesia.

3. What did you like to write and read as a kid?

I always loved fantasy or horror stories, so my creative story writing in class always focused on kids going on an adventure to either solve an ancient mystery or defeat a creature to get home or rescue others. As for what I loved reading, I am showing my age now when I say I grew up reading Goosebumps by R.L. Stine (BEST!).

4. Where do you like to write?

I love writing in cafes and, where possible, outdoors. I also have a group of writer/creator/author friends who meet up with me on a monthly basis to write in companionable silence at different libraries around Sydney. 

5. If you could spend a day with another popular author, who would you choose?

Another great question I really had to think about. I've been blessed to have met and spent time with fantastic authors over the years, but one I haven't met yet is the amazing B.B. Alston, author of Amari and the Night Brothers (series). He is one of my absolute favourite middle grade authors, and I would love to spend the day with him to learn what inspires him and all about his writing experience.

6. Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?

Yes, I do play music while writing - so far I have written multiple short stories and my debut novel My Harimau King, all of which have West Javanese legends infused into the writing. For inspiration, I tune into the traditional music of West Java, which is called gamelan or degeung, music often played at special occasions. These tunes really send my mind to the settings I write, and I can visualise the jungles and even sawah (rice paddy fields) of Indonesia.

7. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

It sounds cliche but - you cannot edit a blank page. If you are an aspiring writer - WRITE! It doesn't matter if it's not your best, that's what editing is for; just get your words on the paper and go from there. Another piece of advice comes from another amazing middle grade author, Jeremy Lachlan (author of the Jane Doe Chronicles) whom I am privileged to call a friend. He once told me to write the story you want told and not to worry where it ends up on the bookshelf; let bookstores decide where it sits - just write your story. I have carried that advice with me all this time - thank you, Jem!

8. Do you prefer ebooks, printed books, or audiobooks most of the time?

I understand the convenience of audio books and ebooks, but I am a printed books girl all the way! I adore curling up with a great book and turning pages - and yes, my large home library is an indicator of how much I prefer printed books. 

9. If you could invite any three people for dinner, who would you invite?

First and foremost: The King of Pop, Michael Jackson! I am a huge lifelong fan of his, and if I had the opportunity, he would be a VIP guest at my dinner. He was incredibly talented and inspiring, and I would love to just sit down and talk to him about his creativity. I'd also invite Prabu Raja Siliwangi, my ancient royal ancestor who features in my debut novel My Harimau King (if you read the book, you will know why), and lastly Rufaidah Al-Aslamia, a highly respected historic figure in Islamic history who was in fact the world's first female medical and social worker and recognised as the world's first nurse, I would love to meet her and know more of her story that may not have been captured in the books.

10. If you had to describe yourself in just three words, what would those be?

Energetic, Friendly and Caring.

11. Do you let people read your work before it is finished?

Only people I trust to provide honest feedback on my work. It is important to have a trusted network you can share your drafts with so you can zoom out of the work you have done for so long and have a fresh pair of eyes to help you improve along the way.

12. Do you carry around a journal to note inspiration?

Definitely! Sorry, tech lovers, I do not trust my devices that much to contain my ideas in case they break down and I don't have backup. So, following my traditional ways, I carry a notebook everywhere I go. I also have a notebook on my bedside table and in my study because you never know when inspiration and ideas hit. Sometimes the most random scenes come to mind, so best to note these in 'the bank' for future reference. In my writing experience, I found I opened a gate: when working on one idea, many others came flooding through, and for every idea that came in, I noted them down. I may not use them immediately, but it is very good to have them on hand to circle back to next time.

Annie, thank you for giving us a glimpse into your writing approach and creative journey! Please follow Annie on Instagram, and you can find her fantastic debut novel, My Harimau King, listed in our Bookshop. Keep shining!

IG: https://www.instagram.com/nenganniemenulis/?hl=en