Interview with Aija Mayrock
Glitter recently sat down with Aija Mayrock, author of The Survival Guide to Bullying, to talk about how the book came about, where you can find her this summer, and how people can rise above their bully. Read on to find out more about this extremely talented author who is helping change lives!
GLITTER: Tell us 5 random facts about yourself.
AIJA:
- My name is inspired by the continent of Asia, just spelled differently.
- I’m obsessed with the TV show, Lost.
- Before I start writing, I always listen to two Eminem songs to get me pumped up.
- My book’s title was inspired by Nickolodeon’s Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide and the cover was inspired by The Fault In Our Stars.
- I’m answering these questions while in class at NYU.
GLITTER: Tell us about your journey to becoming a writer.
AIJA: I always used to write in my childhood. But while I was being bullied, I stopped writing. Then, at 14, I moved across the country to California with my family. One day, I passed a poster for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, on my way to class. It was the day of the deadline and they were advertising a screenwriting competition. I had never written a screenplay before, but I decided to write one and submit it. I ultimately wound up winning the festival and having my film made into a short film. I also got to act in it! After that, I continued to pursue writing, even winning the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. At 17, I started to write my book, The Survival Guide to Bullying. This October, I self published it. One month later, Scholastic bought the book and is publishing it this July! Crazy!!!
GLITTER: Tell us about your upcoming book. Why did you want to pen it?
AIJA: I was bullied in middle school and for part of high school. I decided that I had to write the book I never had and help the next generation of kids that would be bullied. I hope this book will help kids through the toughest of times and move fourth into the life they dream of having.
GLITTER: Do you think that people can rise above bullying?
AIJA: Of course they can! I did and so many people have. My book gives the tips and tricks to help kids rise above it, build confidence, and accomplish their dreams.
GLITTER: Have you had any fan mail from teens you’ve helped with your book, The Survival Guide to Bullying?
AIJA: Yes! It’s so incredible. I get messages almost every day from kids, adults, parents, and teachers. I have gotten messages saying everything from “your book saved my life” to “I now know that I can have the life I dream of having, because of you.”
GLITTER: What are you terrified of?
AIJA: Big spiders!!! Especially the ones that jump.
GLITTER: What has been the toughest criticism given to you? What has been the best compliment?
AIJA: When I was in middle school, my classmates often told me that I would be ‘nothing’ and I was worthless. I actually believed them for a while. It was really hard on me. But that criticism actually gave me tremendous drive. I decided I would accomplish all of my dreams and never stop working towards my goals.
As for compliments, every positive message or comment I get from kids at speaking events, online, etc… mean so much to me. When I am upset or stressed, I reread their beautiful comments and it gives me such energy and happiness.
GLITTER: Have you met any of your favorite authors? If so, who?
AIJA: I got to meet Brian Selznick through Scholastic who wrote The Invention of Hugo Cabret. I love that book and it was so cool to speak to him.
GLITTER: Favorite inspirational quote?
AIJA: Like all of us, sometimes I have doubts of doing things that are different or will make me stand out. So I have this one quote that I constantly remind myself of: “Because in the end they’ll judge me anyway, so whatever.” –Kid Cudi
GLITTER: What should teens do if they see someone being bullied?
AIJA: 50% of the time, if a bystander intervenes in bullying within the first 10 seconds, the bullying will stop completely. People should DEFINITELY intervene. If they don’t feel safe or comfortable, you can always get a teacher or just go up to the kid being bullied and comfort them.Sometimes the best solution is just showing the kid that is being bullied that they have a friend or someone that cares about them.
GLITTER: Do you have a book tour this summer?
AIJA: I will be speaking at tons of events in the summer and also the fall, as school will be back in session. If you want me to come to your school, community, etc… you can always email me at aijamayrock@gmail.com !
GLITTER: How do you inspire others?
AIJA: I hope I inspired others. My hope is that my story and my book will help kids realize that they can survive bullying and pursue their wildest dreams.
GLITTER: What do you call your fans? How can they follow you?
AIJA: I don’t have a name. I feel like they are all my friends, from all over the world!
On Instagram and Twitter, they can follow me at: aijamayrock
Facebook: facebook.com/aijamayrock1
I love to connect with my fans and I try to always respond to messages and interact with them!!
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Editorial Director | Writer | Tweet me @heatherriccio
