Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors and welcome to The ToiBox of Words. I’m your host Toi Thomas, author of Eternal Curse, and today I’m sharing a special interview with author, C.A. Allen, about her fiction book entitled, A Dewdrop Away. Enjoy!
Amazon.com
Where did the idea for A Dewdrop Away come from?
I can’t remember the where or when of it, really. The world just popped into my head one day, and I built it up until I just had to write about it.
How did the title of this book come about?
The title of this book is based on one of the last things the main character Rupert’s mother says to him before she dies at the beginning of the novel- that though everyone is different in the divided world in which they live, their souls are “only a dewdrop away” meaning they’re essentially similar in the ways that really matter.
What genre is this book and why did you choose to make it so?
Fantasy. It’s really all I write (apart from poetry) and at the time I had the idea for this book, it was all I read as well (I’ve since branched out with reading, but fantasy is my first and best love).
What would you say is the overall message or the theme of this book?
I don’t really write with a message or theme in mind- I’m much more story and character-driven as an author. But I would have to say the core of the book goes back to the title and to the fact that it’s when we focus only on our differences instead of what we have in common- even if it’s just the experience of being a living creature- that we grow truly, hopelessly divided and lost. Also, think for yourself and give your intuition more credit than it usually gets- it’s often right (so much so that in Dewdrop, it’s considered a form of magic).
Tell me about the experience of writing this book; how long did it take.
From conception to finished, edited book this took me about ten years- though there were a LOT of breaks in there.
Where and when is this story taking place?
A Dewdrop Away takes place in the fictional, squirrel-run land of Arborand, in which there are six major territories: Oakwood, Pinewood, Firwood, Maplewood, Ashwood and Beechwood. Arborand is surrounded on all sides by water and it is unknown what other lands- or creatures- lie across the water, if any.
Who is your favorite character in this book?
I really like Rupert, I’ve put him through a lot and he’s been an amazing sport about it. Kyan was amazingly fun to write. I also love Perris the chipmunk, he’s a really genuinely good soul and someone I would like to know in real life. His interactions with Theo were some of my favorite parts to write, in turns touching and funny.
As you can see, I can never pick just one.
Are there elements of your personality or life experiences in this book?
There are probably elements of my personality scattered about through all of my characters.
What is one thing from this book you wish was real or could happen to you?
I sometimes wish that magical artifacts like the golden chestnut actually existed, though it might cause a lot of trouble- being immortal would be an experience. Also, running around in trees without breaking my neck sounds like a good time.
What is something you wish wasn’t real and hope doesn’t happen to you?
I am really glad mind-control doesn’t operate on the same level in real life as it does in this book.
Do you have any special plans for this book in the near or far future?
Not at the moment. I would love if this book were someday made into an animation of some sort, that would be baller on so many levels, but right now there’s nothing to report. I’ve already written a prequel trilogy to Dewdrop, consisting of the books Flight, Fall and Overworld, all available on Amazon as well. No further books in the land of Arborand are currently planned, but that could change.
~
Okay readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. To obtain your copy of A Dewdrop Away, please visit the link provided.
Please stop by to learn about a special author and the Middle Grade series she’s currently promoting.
“C.E. Vance is an avid reader and proud Indie author. Aside from dreaming up fantastical tales for her books, she also enjoys writing poetry and short stories. She loves all types of literature, but has a soft spot for children’s fantasy. “How Maxwell Grover Stole My House” is her debut novel and is the initial book in a trilogy for middle-grade readers. She happily resides with her husband and four children in Utah.” ~Jessica Wren
Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors and welcome to The ToiBox of Words. I’m your host Toi Thomas, author of Eternal Curse, and today I have a treat to share. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, Dakota Douglas. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.
Image provided by author.
Toi Thomas:Hi thereDakota! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ToiBox Blog. I’m excited to learn more about you and your work.
Dakota: Hello Toi, I am honoured and delighted to be invited here to share with your and your readers a little bit about myself and my work.
Toi Thomas:So tell me, who isDakota Douglas?
Dakota: As a kid, I gobbled up books and would read under the bedclothes by torchlight when I was supposed to be asleep. At school, I’d read a book concealed under my desk during a boring lesson. That’s a terrible confession – but true. Books fired my imagination and took me to fabulous places – real and imaginary. I started writing my own stories from about the age of eight. That led me into a career of journalism. Now I’m retired and have the time, I’m fulfilling my childhood dream of being an author.
Toi Thomas: What a sweet life filled with reading and writing. I can’t wait to learn more.
Toi Thomas: So, before we dive into your special message today, let’s get to know you, the person inside the author.
Toi Thomas:What makes you geek out?
Dakota: I play golf three times a week. Some people quote Mark Twain and say it’s “a good walk spoiled”. They’ve obviously never played the game. The great Arnold Palmer said: “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated”. It’s a challenge every single time you play.
Toi Thomas: I must admit, I tried it was not good at it, but I still enjoyed going through the motions. I do like sound it makes when club hits ball.
Toi Thomas: Now, what was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
From Wikipedia.
Dakota: I couldn’t get enough of Enid Blyton. I didn’t have one favourite. Her Faraway tree series transported me into a world of fairies, pixies, elves and goblins, and I wanted to be one of the characters in The Secret series, Famous Five series and Adventure series.
Toi Thomas: I think a saw a movie about her, though I admit I’ve never read any of her books. I think I also remember there has been controversy around some of her work, which I’m sure helped book sales. People will ban something just to go out and by it with complaint. I don’t get it.
Toi Thomas:In terms of interviews, whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
Dakota: Crazy Horse, ca. 1840-1877, an Oglala Sioux indian chief, visionary leader and legendary warrior who fought at The Battle of the Little Big Horn. He was an independent spirit who resisted oncoming civilisation and removal to an indian reservation. He fought to protect his people’s traditions and his way of life. I’m fascinated with the culture of the Plains Indians and would love to hear first hand about his dreams, hopes and fears; to know what made him laugh and cry and made him tick.
Toi Thomas: I like this choice. Aside from sounding highly esteemed, this would indeed be a fascinating interview because of who this man was and still is. This is a real answer, just the kind I like.
Toi Thomas: Now that we know a little more about you, the person, let’s learn about you, the author, and dive into your special message.
Toi Thomas:So whacha got for me today?
Image provided by author.
Dakota: My illustrated children’s book ANTics is for ages 7+. It’s a fantasy set in an English country garden about a nest of ants. Urghhh! I hear you say. But listen up, my ants are charming and cute. ANTics is a fun story packed with adventure and many exciting twists and turns The characters have names that describe their personalities and all end in ant. Interesting facts about ant life are woven into the story and there are some interactive ideas at the end. See a review here.
Toi Thomas: This sounds like a fun adventure that I bet will be quite a lesson teacher. Ants have their own special civilization so it shouldn’t be difficult to make comparisons about the way they live and we live.
Toi Thomas:So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read ofANTics?
Dakota: Zube – short for ExuberANT is the size of a grain of rice, has six legs, two antenna, two stomachs and fangs that pack a nasty bite – but don’t hold that against him. He’ll grow on you quicker than moss on a tree. As his names suggests he’s high spirited and full of fun. He’s cheeky, street smart and can read minds – which comes in handy when there’s always something bigger than he is and is ready to pounce on him and gobble him up for a quick snack.
Toi Thomas: I’m already in love with your character names if Zube serves as an example. I want to know more.
Toi Thomas:What’s so special about this story that’s going to reel in the readers?
Dakota: ANTics is funny and exciting. Reviewers have said they were so eager to read what came next that they couldn’t go to bed until they finished it. The way I write is to visualize a scene like a movie and describe what I see, so young readers can easily see the action as they read.
Toi Thomas: Funny and exciting is a good combination. If you can entertain people, any lessons learned along the way is what I like to call “gravy”.
Toi Thomas:Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
Dakota: I blast away as fast as I can to get my ideas down. I don’t worry about accuracy. At the next writing session, I edit to put me in the mood of the story. I don’t have a road map that I rigidly follow. I know where I’m going, but take different routes to get there. My characters take on a life of their own in my head and talk to each other, carrying the story forward themselves. I write on a PC in my office, drink orange soda, eat chocolate and with only the sound of nature outside.
Toi Thomas: I like your writing methodology. Getting the ideas formed into a story is the most important at the beginning. I also like that you consume chocolate while you work. Any mention of chocolate make me happy.
Toi Thomas:What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
Dakota: I adored JM Barrie’s Peter Pan and Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. They fired my imagination as a child. These days, no one author in particular influences me. I’m like a sponge. I absorb everything I read. A word here, a sentence there are like nuts that I squirrel away.
Toi Thomas:I can understand that and can relate it. I too find I’m influenced by many rather than a precious few. Also like you, Barrie holds a special place in my heart.
Toi Thomas: Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Dakota: Yes.
Toi Thomas:If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Dakota: Only one! Hmmmm, I could say, Lonesome Dove, Dances with Wolves, Thunderheart, Doctor Zhivago, Brother Bear, Baby Boom – but I’m not. I’m saying Some Like It Hot. Why? Boop-boop-a-doop! Because it’s fall over funny, sexy and I love the main stars; Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis.
Toi Thomas: I was just talking about this movie with someone the other day. Monroe walking down that platform is an iconic film image that’s tough to top…Did you make a Betty Boop reference? 😉
Toi Thomas:Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
Dakota: If it’s like the last five, it will be exciting. I worked for over 30 years as a journalist, then took early retirement with only a few weeks notice. I began writing novels and have two out so far. I have lots of ideas for other children’s stories – a sequel to ANTics, one about global warming, two inspired by my love of the American West, and an historical romance that came to me in a dream. So I should be pretty busy. And hopefully more organised than I am now. Maybe with a secretary paid for out of my Royalties.
Toi Thomas: I like this. Plans for the future filled with optimism is always a good sign. I truly wish you all the best in your endeavors.
Toi Thomas:Thank you so much Dakota for spending time with me today.
Dakota: Thank you, Toi for having me as your guest. It’s been a great pleasure to join you. I wish you well with all your writing endeavours and hope your readers get lots of enjoyment from their reading choices.
Okay readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more fromDakota Douglas, check out these great links:
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