What inspired you to write Dear Dylan?
I was inspired to write a novel for young adults after running loads of writing workshops in schools. My first four books were for adults but, because I enjoy working with young people so much, I wanted to write something they could read. Working in high schools also reminded me of how tough the teenage years can be, so I wanted to write books that looked at the issues teens face and that they would hopefully find helpful and inspiring.
Who is currently your favourite author?
Jandy Nelson, author of the YA novel, The Sky is Everywhere. It’s such a great book and her characters are so interesting and likeable, it leaves you wishing you lived in their world.
If you could have written any book in the world what would it have been?
I wish I had the imagination to have written The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I loved the Narnia books as a kid.
Dream destination?
America. It’s where my Grandma was from and I go back there a lot to visit my family. My dream destination in America is probably South Carolina for the beautiful scenery, lovely people and delicious food.
Cats or dogs?
I’ll have to say dogs so I don’t offend my dog Max! I got Max from a rescue centre and he was really badly treated by his previous owners. I’ve had him for five years now so he’s a lot more confident than he was when I first got him, but he’s still terrified of footballs, which is a bit random – and inconvenient, as my son is an avid footballer!
How would you describe your main character Georgie?
Georgie has been through a lot – her dad died when she was younger and her step-dad has a very violent temper, but she is one of those people who never gives up hope. She has a real zest for life and no matter what happens to her, she continues chasing her dream of one day becoming an actress. She is loosely based on a girl who came to a drama workshop I ran a few years ago. She was living in foster care after coming to Britain as an asylum seeker. She’d obviously been through a lot in her life and yet her energy and enthusiasm were infectious. I wanted to create a character readers would be inspired by – and who would hopefully encourage them to chase their own dreams.
Favourite spot to write?
In the winter I love writing on my laptop snuggled up in bed. In the summer I love to write outside, especially now I’ve moved to the countryside and have a much nicer view. Wherever I write though, my dog is always curled up at my feet, and sometimes, if he’s feeling a bit left out, he’ll start pawing away at the keyboard, like he’s trying to join in!
Any plans for a new book?
I have a new YA novel coming out next year called Finding Cherokee Brown. It’s all about a girl who’s being bullied at school and how she finds a unique way to fight back. I hate bullying and it makes me sick that it still goes on so much in schools and online. I wanted to write something that would inspire victims of bullying to find their own way of fighting back, just like the main character Cherokee does.
Thankyou so much Siobhan for participating in my blog and for doing an author interview for me.
Giveaway:
Being so kind and wonderful Siobhan has also kindly offered a copy of her books Dear Dylan.
Summary: A first crush. An unexpected friendship. A dream come true. Dear Dylan! Thanks so much for your email and I'm sorry about my last one when I said I love you. I hope you don't think I'm a weirdo mentalist?!!! It's just that I was watching Oprah yesterday and she said we should all say we love each other a whole lot more. Not to everyone of course. There's no way I'd tell my scummy step-dad that I love him because that would be lying. But the thing is, sometimes when I watch you on TV, I feel as if you're talking just to me and it makes me feel less alone. I know you probably get loads and loads of fan mail but I wanted to ask you - could we be e-mates? Yours hopefully, Georgie xxx
To win a fabulous copy of this book all you have to do is follow the rafflecopter rules.
