The Proust Questionnaire, popularized by the French novelist and essayist Marcel Proust, is said to reveal a person’s true nature through a series of probing, soul-searching questions. In the hot seat today: Daka Hermon, author of the middle-grade debut, HIDE AND SEEKER (Scholastic, 2020).
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Quiet nights with books and chocolate.
What is your greatest fear? Hurting others and not fulfilling my purpose.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Doubt and the inability to accept a compliment.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? A lack of empathy. Selfishness.
Which living person do you most admire? Michelle Obama. Her intelligence, grace and strength inspire me to do better, be better.
What is your greatest extravagance? My superhero toy collection and fancy cupcakes.
What is your current state of mind? Anxious and hopeful.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Meekness.
On what occasion do you lie? To spare someone’s feelings.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? “No way!” and “Like, really?” Recently it’s been “I’m tapping out” and “I can’t…” (when I’m exhausted and can’t deal with a situation any longer).
Besides writing, which talent would you most like to have? Singing! I would probably annoy everyone because I would find a way to turn normal conversations into a song.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? At this moment, it would be this novel. It’s been a very long journey. Hopefully, this is the first of many great achievements both professionally and personally.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? A dancer. I want to be in a musical.
What is your most treasured possession? Well, a material possession would be a ring that belonged to my grandmother and mother. But more importantly I treasure my family and true friends.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Watching someone you love suffer.
What do you most value in your friends? Honesty, acceptance and a sense of humor.
Who are your favorite writers? I have so many favorites. I don’t want to leave anyone off the list, so I’ll name the authors with books I’m currently reading and loving! Kim Johnson, Ronald L. Smith, Kwame Mbalia.
Who is your hero of fiction? Aslan.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Can I pretend Bruce Banner/the Hulk is a historical figure? <Sure, you can, Daka. It’s your interview. 🙂 –M.R.>
What is your motto? “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, be better.” – Maya Angelou
DAKA HERMON was born in Tennessee and spent her childhood huddled under a blanket with a flashlight, reading and writing fairy-tale and fantasy stories. She works in the entertainment industry and is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She loves sweet tea, chocolate, cupcakes and collecting superhero toys. Daka lives in California. Learn more about Daka on her website and follow her on Twitter.
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