In this Q&A we chat to Dashe Roberts, author of ‘The Bigwoof Conspiracy‘ – the first installment of the Sticky Pines series published by Nosy Crow.
First off, tell us a little about yourself…
I’m a Californian who is now based in London, living with my wonderful husband and my adorable little old dog. Since moving out here, I’ve been enjoying wrapping my brain around the subtle differences between American and British life. “Zucchinis” are now “courgettes”, the trunk of the car is the “boot”, and if you end an email to a British person with “Thanks,” people think you’re cross with them!
Tell us about your latest book…
STICKY PINES: THE BIGWOOF CONSPIRACY is the first book in a middle grade sci-fi mystery series aimed at readers 9+. The story centers around a girl named Lucy who is obsessed with the supernatural, and who wants to prove to the world that the universe is much weirder than we think. When people start to go missing in her small town, Lucy is certain that aliens are to blame, but the truth turns about to be even stranger than she imagines. She sets off to solve the mystery, and in the process finds a hideous, hairy beast, a posh 13-year-old boy with unfortunate family ties, and a deep secret.
What was your nickname at school? (If you had one)
I didn’t have a nickname in school, though I had one teacher who enjoyed calling me “Dasher”. His name was Mr Peck.
Were you good at writing at school?
Writing was always one of my biggest strengths as a student, and it’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing. I was the type of person who felt tremendously relieved to get the essay portion of a test. (Please don’t ask me about maths…)
What was your favourite book as a child?
I had so many favourite books as a kid! I read everything I could get my hands on. A few standouts that come to mind are “Sideways Stories from Wayside School” by Louis Sachar, “Where The Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein, and “A Wind In The Door” by Madeleine L’Engle.
What was it that inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve always been a writer! But what inspired me to actually start writing a book was feeling like I had experienced enough of the world that I actually had something to say.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Not finishing a project. If you finish a manuscript, you have material to work with. And even if you don’t end up publishing the book, you will have learned so much about writing simply from the act of finishing a story from beginning to end.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Travel more.
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
There was a short period of time in elementary school (when I was about 9) where I offered my services as a speech writer for kids running for student council. I had a pretty good track record of getting people elected.
If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
Read lots, write lots, then read some more!
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I’m lucky enough to know a lot of lovely authors. I learn so much from reading their work, whether it’s looking at new ways to set a scene or getting a different understanding of characters or plot structures, or even just how and when to sit down and write. One of my dearest friends is Paula Treick DeBoard, who writes books for adults, and I find her so inspiring! No matter where she is or what she’s doing, she always makes time for writing (even if that means having to get up at 5am). She’s also the queen of dramatic tension. I love her stuff!
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing?
I’ve always wanted to try my hand at animation… of course, I can’t really draw… yet…
Has a book ever made you cry? What was it?
A book I read recently that made me cry was BLOOD MOON by Lucy Cuthew. It’s a YA verse novel about the pitfalls of puberty and handling cyberbullying. It’s funny and clever and heartwrenching in turns. It’s wonderful, and it’s due for release this summer so check it out!
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Having to walk the dog. When he needs to go out, there’s just no way around it.
Have you ever gotten reader’s block?
Sometimes you’re more in the mood for one sort of story than another. Fortunately, there are plenty of different kinds of stories to go around.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
On some days, writing is harder than others, and when that happens I find that going outside and experiencing the world a bit can really help (even if it’s just your yard or your neighborhood during quarantine!).
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
I do love my laptop computer, it’s just the perfect size. And it’s pink.
What did you do with your first paycheck?
Hmm… probably bought something tasty to eat!
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
My dog would write me an email and sign it “Thanks” if I chose anything other than him.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
None. BIGWOOF is my first. I’ve recently finished the second book in the STICKY PINES series, THE THING AT BLACK HOLE LAKE, which will be coming out in Sept 2020!
What does literary success look like to you?
Writing books that you’re proud of and finding an audience who really “gets” your stories, your characters, the worlds you create, and the ideas you explore.
Do you Google yourself?
Nope! My mother does that for me.
And most importantly… What is your favourite biscuit?
I’m currently into ginger snaps. So spicy!
Thank you so much Dashe! It’s so interesting meeting someone from across ‘the pond’. I had no idea about the signing off emails ‘thanks’ to brits means you’re cross ?
Want to find out more about Dashe Roberts… you can…
Lit Film Fest/Rothley Primary/Michael Rosen Video Book Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5HycQdYS_c
Lit Film Fest Interview: https://youtu.be/k_aQ6ZiBOqU
Twitter: @maddashe
Instagram: @dasheroberts
Pre-order The Thing at Black Hole Lake
Buy The BigWoof Conspiracy
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