Today I’ll be hosting author Jennifer Dovey on my blog. Her debut children’s book “The Clever Little Mouse“ will be available for purchase on Kickstarter.com
Jennifer Dovey is an English teacher, writer and author of children’s books. She is also a busy mum to three girls and one fur baby! She always loved to write and to share her ideas with the world. Crafty forms of expression constantly inspire her as well her writings which are so on point that you want to reach through the page, shake their hand and marvel at their genius. She writes for the sheer joy of writing. For its own reward.
It is my pleasure to welcome Ms Dovey to this episode of the author interview.
- When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Ever since I was young – perhaps around the age of 8, I realised I could write stories and make up rhymes easier than other children in my class. As time went on, I developed a love for the aesthetics of good writing and loved sharing my work with others. It didn’t matter if it was a play or a short story, I simply enjoyed writing and sharing my work with others.
- How long have you been writing?
As an English teacher, I have done my fair share of writing. On the side, I have worked as a professional writer for a few years now – mainly writing content for others to put on their website. ‘The Clever Little Mouse’ is my first children’s fiction book.
- What inspired you to write The Clever Little Mouse?
The story just came to me one day while I was hanging out washing. I literally stopped what I was doing, went inside and wrote it down. I had read somewhere that ‘children don’t want boring books’ (I believe Aaron Blabey said this) and being a fan of ‘Pig the Pug’ I knew I didn’t want to do a boring book either. My own children love funny stories and I guess I wanted to write something they would enjoy too.
You can now order a Hardcover copy of The Clever Little Mouse on Kickstarter.com
Are your characters created from scratch or are they based on people from your life?
All three characters are created from scratch and are not based on any animals I know.
- What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
I think good stories should have a clever or unexpected ending. Once you have worked this out, the hard part is over.
- What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book?
I learnt more about how rhyme should really be used to weave a story together whilst deploying a high standard of the writing craft. Rhyme shouldn’t be used with reckless abandon for the sake of it, but to embellish what is already a decent story. Sometimes, when authors try to rhyme, they go on a rudderless hunt for rhyming synonyms and end up choosing words that are out of reach for young children. Rhyming should be complimentary to the story with words that are not bent and contorted just to fit in.
- Who is your favourite author and why?
My favourite children’s author would be Roald Dahl. His books never fail to capture my imagination and draw me into his stories. He once said, “Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful.” His books certainly are and he is truly inspiring.
- What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
‘Pig the Pug’ by Aaron Blabey; ‘The Very Cranky Bear’ by Nick Bland; ‘Green Eggs and Ham.’ By Dr Seuss; ‘I Want My Hat Back’ by Jon Klassen; ‘The Wonderful Things You Will Be’ by Emily Winfield Martin and ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’ by Giles Andreae.
- What is the best piece of advice you received about writing?
Children’s books should be able to be read by the child and not just by an adult reading to a child. If there are some words that children can’t pronounce or understand, then they’ll end up disengaged and disinterested pretty quickly.
- What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
My children are big motivators in my life but equally the belief and value in the work I do, motivates me to get out of bed in the morning. I like knowing that I’m appreciated for my skills and efforts and that the work I do is making a difference. I’m also motivated to provide for my family and afford them with the absolute best life possible.
- If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Entrepreneurial, creative and positive.
- Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
You need to love the writing craft and be highly driven to take your dream from conception to publication. Practice writing as much as you can in all forms and read great books with language choices that inspire you.
- Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?
My next book teaches grammar principles through amusing pictures and a narrative. As a teacher, I see a need for this, as there are common grammar mistakes that children make over and over again. I think it would be wonderful to have a book that illustrates the point to make it memorable for young readers.
You can follow me on Instagram @JenniferDoveybooks to keep up to date with my projects.
Reach out to me for more
The Ultimate Reviewer 