Author Interview : Ross Welford, author of 'The Dog Who Saved the World'

Ross Welford (from Twitter)

Read up,  Interview with Ross Welford, author of 'The Dog Who Saved the World'. In this interview, he tells us, how the entire series first began, how he came up with the core idea and developed it, which book is coming from his desk next, what he thought was different about his book, which particular story, he felt most close to, any suggestions for anyone who is coming with a book next, his favourite authors and books, what he does on a daily basis, and much more, Folks…

 

How did ‘The Dog who saved the World’ happen? Could you describe the journey?  

It’s not really a “journey”.  I have a contract with Harper Collins to write books, so I write them!  This is the first in a new three-book deal.

How did you come up with the core idea and develop it? 

I started with an idea of a girl who could see into the future, but that developed into the story of a girl who tried out a virtual reality time-machine.  A lot of my stories start quite differently from how they end up.

What according to you is different about your book?

This one is set in the near-future.  It is not specified, but in my head it’s about ten years from now.  That was fun – and difficult!

Are the books’ characters like anybody you know in real life?

No, not really.  Likewise the dogs, they’re all made up!

What was the most challenging part about writing the book?

Finishing it.  Always finishing it!

What book is coming from your desk, next? When do you see it released?

I am writing a book about aliens coming to earth, and it will be published next January.

Who was it that told you that you could become the author, you are today? 

No one.

Do you have any suggestions for anyone who is looking to publish a book?

Most people who’d like to be published writers never actually finish their book.  It lies in a drawer (or, more likely, on a computer) unfinished and unedited.  So, if you finish it, re-write it and get it edited (professionally, if possible) then you’ll already be WAY ahead of the game.

William Boyd

Who are your favourite authors and why?

William Boyd is brilliantly versatile, he is very difficult to fit into a “genre” but his books are always captivating.  Harper Lee wrote my favourite book, 'To Kill A Mockingbird'. Sadly, she only wrote the one.  (I draw a discreet veil over the dreadful 'Go Set A Watchman').

What else do you do on a daily basis?

I walk my dog, play the piano, and practice magic. (I recently became a member of the Magic Circle).

You can Read the Review and Buy the Book, here as well.  

Book Review : 'Twice upon a Time' by Payal Kapadia

‘Twice upon a Time’ is by Payal Kapadia. The story begins with Princess Keya, who was yelling at the top of her voice, just one thing, ‘Aaaaaiiiiiieeeeehhhh’, over and over again. 

I won’t go into the ‘aaiieeahhh’s more than once, but you must have got the point! It was such a loud yell that it shook the royal window boy out of his wits. Not just him but also, the plumber, the paratrooper and the scribe too. 

And they all had the ‘word royal’ before, to make it sound regal!! Wonder what they would call me, a ‘Royal Reviewer’, perhaps? 

Finally, King Ferrlip made it to her room, and yelled to her to open up. Then the entire thing happened, the King, the Queen and the maid, the royal etc came in. The princess was throwing a tantrum, because she was too tired, of being the princess and she wanted a replacement, to take her place.

That was a little shocking and the palace went into a royal turmoil. An announcement was written and was spread around. One such statement made its way into the house of Amar, Akbar and Anthony’s, who lived with their parents and little sister, Nyla. Now, Nyla never thought that she would go, but her brothers, managed to convince the young girl, to try out for the same.

Nyla went through and though she was not expected to get in, because she was a tomboy, and ended up being liked by Princess Keya… but she was in. So, now begin the stories of the two of them. The two girls meet, break a few customs, and grow a few pink rose plants surprisingly, put on a few dresses, take a few pictures and fly Dragons!!

They also have to deal with a few whimpering women, who belong to the Society of Snobs, and then we also have a couple of scrawny princes, and the conversation with the dragon, is probably the highlight of the whole thing.  It does not end here, because the two of them get into a pool in a forest. Led by, Nyla, Keya ends up in the pool, and handling bullfrogs in lotuses and also looking at reflections of two girls on two horses.

Then, comes up the whole deal with Mountains and how they are climbed? But, see am told that I should stop now, unless I want to put the whole story out here! Yikes! 

You can Buy the Book, right here.