Q&A with Anna Kochetkova – Author Interview

We’re excited to share an exclusive Q&A with Anna Kochetkova, an author and poetess, social media strategist for not-for-profits in Australia, and a passionate bi+ activist. Anna’s debut novel, Bi & Prejudice, is a book about one person’s journey to piece together identity and sexuality across time, continents, and cultures. Through open, honest conversations about bisexuality.

Known for blending vulnerability with insight, Anna dives into the themes that drive her work, from identity and self-discovery to mental wellness and resilience. This author interview offers a meaningful glimpse into the life and mind of an author who isn’t afraid to tackle life’s complexities head-on.

About The Author

Tell us more about you

I grew up in Russia, where queerness wasn’t visible to me at all, so I had no idea that what I felt was okay. I didn’t really know what I felt, to be honest. I focused on surviving. Moving to Australia certainly saved my life, as misaligned existence can be detrimental to one’s wellbeing.

What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?

Hmm. I’ve never known what to answer to this. I believe, if I am on an island, I will have to work with what’s available there. Nature can take good care of us all. Or not. Ha! But otherwise, I’d love a boat, a book on how to survive on a deserted island and a warm long waterproof jacket.   

Who is your biggest role model?

I never had one. Hence, growing up was so very difficult. There is a reason I relate to children’s stories with the main character being an orphan girl who does magic and talks to animals. 

What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

I don’t actually have favourite anything. I guess, it comes with being a multi-sexual/bisexual. Right now I enjoy children’s books – stories where 11 or 13 year old orphan girls embark on an adventure, can do magic and talk to animals. A decade ago, I mostly focused on head-heavy psychology and self help books. And as a young person, I struggled to read all together; however Russian curriculum warranted a lot of reading anyway.  

Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobooks?

I absolutely love physical books. And I have piles and piles and piles of them at home. I enjoy audiobooks as well and usually listen to them when I am driving. And I absolutely cannot read e-books. 

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

I have many jobs, neither of which is full time, in the modern sense of this word (aka 9-5). Amongst other things, I have a business and design social media strategies for not-for-profits all around Australia. 

What social media platform do you like and use the most?

My social channels are:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

Starting anything is hard. But once I am writing, it just flows. I haven’t written fiction yet. However, I have planned out work of fiction which I’d love to start writing one day. If I have a publisher waiting, I find writing very easy. If publishing is something I need to work out I tend to never finish my work. However, jumping right in is definitely my more common style no matter what I do. 

Where do you like to write?

At home. On my couch. With the laptop in my lap and a hot pot of herbal tea nearby. I live in the forest, so I wouldn’t want to write anywhere else but amongst the trees, only listening to the wind and the bird song.

What do you like most about writing?

As an introvert, I find the world overwhelming. Writing is both making sense of this world by speaking to myself and finding a respite from the loudness of it all. Writing makes thoughts real. Writing breathes life into ideas. To write is to be born, rebel and act. 

What do you find stops you from writing more?

Not having a publisher. I find it easy to fend for myself, but I often want to publish my work. If I don’t have a publisher, I usually stop writing. I would like to learn how to self-publish to feel confident about the process, which may help motivate my writing more. 

What genres do you like to write and why?

At the moment, non-fiction and poetry are my two most common genres. Queerness, nature and mental health have been my favourite themes for written conversations. I’d love to do even more of it and start diversifying into fiction in a couple of years. 

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

Surround yourself by that what you want to be. Sometimes, seeing is required to believe. Many of us don’t feel like writers. We are soaked in doubt and worry. And we also know that we are indeed writers, whether we write or we don’t. You can absolutely decide who you are an d act accordingly. Surround yourself with everything that is what you want to be and start embodying it. 

Showcase your books!

How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?

One. Bi & Prejudice.

How long did Bi & Prejudice take to write?

I was only given a few months to write it, so it was a sprint, for sure! 

Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?

It doesn’t really change anything about myself. I feel that authors are regular humans. However, I also suspect that we are a lot more introspective and curious. Authors are often buzzing with feeling, sensing and thinking; and I love it about myself.  

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