Author Interview with Sarah Dobbs

Can you tell our readers a little about yourself?

I am a compulsive typer, a book thief and a serial liar. I should translate that. Firstly, by 'compulsive typer' I mean I can't help writing, literally can't help it and feel like it's something of a compulsion. Secondly, whenever I'm at somebody's house, I just crave their books. I'm always on the lookout for new authors and rarely go home from a visit without a new novel. I don't actually steal! Finally, by 'serial liar' I mean that writing is like lying for a living. The stories, the plots, the characters. Making everything up, throwing it all together and seeing what happens is so exciting. Apart from writing (I do have other passions) I love music, film, art, food and quaint little shops with sparkly things. There needs to be more second hand bookshops in the North of England. That's a great way to while away a sunday afternoon.

What made you decide to become a writer?

I loved reading as a kid but was often dissatisfied with the endings to books. I wanted everyone to have a happily ever after. First and foremost, I've always wanted to write stories that I would love to read. If I loved writing it, then hopefully other people would love reading it too!

What does a typical writing day look like for you?

At the minute, I'm working on lots of different edits so I get up about 7, walk the dogs, do some editing on one novel. Have lunch, work on a different edit for a different novel. Walk dogs about 5, have tea. Depending on what needs doing, try & write a few pages or tend to my oft-neglected email. When I'm working on a new novel, just swap 'edits' for 'writing'. I tend to work very hard during the week so I can have a proper weekend. For me it was important to write 9-5 (although often longer) so I thought of my writing professionally. Unfortunately, there is this necessity to also make a living, so I often do money jobs in the evening. I literally would sing for my supper if it bought me more time to write! Dog walking is essential for a writer I think - or at least some form of exercise. It gives you the space to think. Many plots have been worked out with my dogs on the hill behind my house!

Is there a character from one of your books that resonates deeply with you?

There are bits of me in all my books. In Game, Set, Love-Match, I identify with Cassie's passion for Filippo. Tennis players, well, athletes in general are undeniably sexy, aren't they? I really identify with Ruby in The Cavellini Curse (forthcoming from Aphrodite). I believe in love that can last a lifetime. It might be a rocky road to that love (to say the least!) but if it's a true love, then it will endure.

Can you tell our readers a little about what you ' re currently working on?

Right now I'm still working on the novella I'm doing for my MA in Creative Writing. It's called Drawing Alice and it's about a girl called Evelyn who hasn't seen her mother, Alice, in a decade. Upon Alice's death, Evelyn receives a mysterious photo album, which becomes a treasure trail of clues to the truth about Alice's tragic childhood. Along the way, as well as getting to know the real Alice, Evelyn discovers a lot of disturbing truths about her own past. Sounds like jolly stuff, doesn't it? But I am excited about it. It's very different from anything I've done before and I'm enjoying the challenge. I'm also excited about finishing Drawing Alice so I can write my next romance.

Is there something special you do to celebrate when one of your books is released?

Jump up and down. I also email all my friends and force them to go and look at the site.

Here are some fun and a bit crazy getting-to-know-you questions…

Favorite food? Everything, but I'm a bit of a chocolate junkie.

Favorite color? Bright blue.

Favorite movie? This changes on my mood. I watched Wizard of Oz hundreds of times as a kid. I have a DVD of it now that sings when you press the front. Magic! I also liked Donnie Darko, October Sky and Romeo & Juliet, of course. It was the set I loved the most though, so creative.

TV Show? I loved Alias. Jennifer Garner actually inspired me to do a few sit-ups (every other week).

Favorite time of day? Bed!

Favorite childhood memory? Fracturing my arm doing leapfrog at Brownie Camp. Admittedly, that part wasn't so nice but I got treated like a princess afterwards - first choice of cakes.

Do you have any strange habits or talents? Hm, I can roll my tongue over and I can stick it back so it's folded in half. That's not exactly a talent, is it? I am good at accents. Lock me in a room with a <insert any nationality> for a couple of hours and I‘ll come out sounding like I was born there.

Is there any anything else that you ' d like to share with our readers or advice you ' d like to give to aspiring authors?

For me, writing short stories was a great way of 'learning my craft' (she says dramatically). They obviously take less time to write and getting them published encouraged me to keep writing and working on novels, which for me were more rewarding. You must read, and read widely. It's so important and people often neglect to do it (me included). Join a writer's group or do a course. It's not just for what you might learn, it's for the sociable side. The actual process of writing is solitary, but the being-a-writer side of it shouldn't be. Don't be put off by people's comments either. Some writers get jealous at the sniff of other people's successes. Learn to know whose opinion you can trust. Be dedicated but not so blind you can't take a criticism. Tis the road to success! Good luck everyone!

Don't forget to visit Sarah Dobbs her website!

- interviewed for Euro-Reviews