A.R. Farina

When did you start writing?

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I started writing in 7th grade when I was 12.  I know I scribbled down some stories when I was younger than that but 12 was when I sat down and purposely wrote.

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What inspired you to write Welcome to Mansfield?

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 I am a big Janeite (Fans of Jane Austen) and I was in my MFA program writing a different book called The Will when I had to do a character study. So I did an in-depth character study on Jane’s Fanny Price from Mansfield Park because I have always felt Mansfield Park is a forgotten masterpiece. People think Fanny is the most boring character and I just thought that wasn’t fair because I think she’s a really interesting and deep character. So I thought if I could write a modern-day adaptation of Mansfield Park I could bring it to new audiences who might give her a different look. Then I thought it was a great opportunity to retell all the Jane Austen stories for a modern audience.

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What is your writing process like?

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I like to spend time thinking about the characters. I am a character-based writer so I need to know who they are first and what would make an interesting story. When I sit down to write I don’t outline, I don’t have a full ending in mind, I just see where the story takes me and sometimes I’m surprised. I listen to music when I write so finding the right soundtrack gets me going as well.

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What is the hardest thing to write for your characters?

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I hate to disappoint them. The hardest thing is breaking their heart or doing what I think are mean things to them. I don’t like that because they matter to me.

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Do you talk to your characters or do they talk to you?

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Oh, for sure. It’s interesting how much I hear their voices. I think about them when I go for a walk or bike. I hear them talking to me and I talk back to them.