Philana Marie Boles
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What was your childhood like?
Why did you decide to become a writer?
The best part of my childhood, honestly, was my parents. They were sooooo much fun!
I was pretty quiet and smart in school and some girls - for some weird reason - resented me for that, which was tough. Still, I had tons of fun with my cousins (the coolest in the WORLD) and also my neighborhood friends. I also spent a lot of time with my sister and her friends, who all became like older sisters to me, too!
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio and I currently live in New York City.
The creative arts actually chose me! :) You see, for as long as I can remember, I've always been hopelessly artsy. When I was in the 1st grade I wrote poems (mostly of the roses are red and violets are blues sort) and my teacher - Mrs. Browning - would gracioulsy allow me to recite them in class. Already, I was also keeping notebooks full of fashion designs I'd sketched. Sometimes, my friend Jodi and I used to cut up JC Penny's catalogues and re-arrange the clothes on our paperdolls. I started a neighborhood newspaper at eleven years old (which never went to press but still, I actually wrote articles about people who lived around us!). I'd stage talent shows with my cousins - mostly lip synching - in my parents basement. And I'd plan out elaborate storylines and we'd act them out with Barbies. One day, I began writing a story and what my mother said was so encouraging. "Finish it!" That, has made all the difference.
Who have been the biggest influences in your life?
GOD!
Andl also my parents, without question! My theater teacher and mentor in high school, John Rowley... My beloved college professors (and now dear friends) Dr. Fred Zackel and Dr. Richard Messer...
And my English Lit teacher in high school, Mrs. Rode, who - when I told her I wanted to be a writer someday - matter of factly replied, "Who is ANYONE to tell you that you can't?"
Are your novels based on your life?
No! For me personally, the fun as a writer is in creating. If anything, I can relate to my characters emotions.