Deanna Dewey Interview Published on: 02, Mar 2021
What are some of the most memorable books you read as a child?
I was an avid reader as a child and read so many books and far too many to list. The books, which stayed with me the most, are probably Black Beauty - I loved horses. Plus, of course Winnie the Poo, Jungle Book, Charlotte’s Web, Anne of Green Gables and everything Roald Dahl.
What have been your most valuable out-of-school learning experiences?Working with different people and in different places and hearing their stories – everyone has a story to tell.
At what age did you write your first book? Did it get published?I was writing short stories from about 6 or 7 and wrote my first book when I was about 17. But I didn’t try to get published until later in life.
What are some interesting experiences you've had as a teen?Even though we were not rich we lived in a village and I saved hard and had my first pony when I was 12 years old - so my early teen memories are of ponies and friends and the adventures we had together.
What inspired your first original story? Did you share the tale with anyone?I wrote lots of short stories but my first actual children’s book was ‘The Secret Pony.’
How did you come up with the idea for your book, Whispers in the Wind?Living in the countryside so many different animals visit my garden and I imagined what would it be like if they could talk and had their own stories and adventures and the first book was born.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?Believe in yourself more – and never give up.
Is activity-based learning more suited in early childhood learning programmes?I do believe that activity-based learning is a great way to learn.
How would your life be if you could talk to animals?Life would be richer and we could learn so much from animals.
What was the first story you ever wrote and did you ever publish it?The first complete story was a children’s book ‘The Secret Pony,’ which I wrote when I was about 17 - but never tried to publish it.
How important are the data of your book sales for you? Are you using any services for book sales tracking?Yes, data of book sales is important and I do use Publisher Rocket.
What are you currently working on?I am working on a book version of ‘Adventures of the Crystal Skull,’ a feature film which I directed and will be released later this year. I am also working on the next instalment in the series, which started with ‘Whisper’s in the Wind’ and will be following the adventures of Whisper and Dal. I am aiming for a series of books with the two kids who can talk to the animals.
What do you like the most about AllAuthor? Do you have any suggestions for the website?I really like AllAuthor and believe they offer Authors a good service which is user friendly.
