Welcome to “Up Close and Personal.” For every interview I will be introducing a literary personality discussing his views and insights, as well as upcoming literary events around the world.Today’s interview is with Tom Dolby. He is the author of the best-selling novel The Trouble Boy. It was published in 2004 and was followed by his third novel The Sixth Form in 2008. He was a co-editor of , Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys in 2007. The rights to the anthology were optioned by Bravo TV in 2008 as a reality television series.
Mr. Dolby was born in London, but raised in San Francisco and now divides his time between Manhattan's West Village and Wainscott, New York. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Village Voice and San Francisco Chronicle. He is a graduate of Yale University, where he received his BA in the history of art.
Secret Society is his first book for young adults and is now available in every bookstore and on line.
E.I. Tell us about your latest book “Secret Society” for young adult? What drew you to attract the YA readers?
T.D. I had an idea to write a book about a secret society that was recruiting teens, and it seemed like the YA genre would be right for it. Secret societies are full of mystery and intrigue and it seemed like a good fit.
E.I. What was your biggest challenge or obstacle while writing and creating the characters Phoebe, Lauren, Nick, and Patch? Did you work them out in advance, or did they evolve as you wrote the story?
T.D. A little bit of both -- I knew the characters before I started, but they certainly evolved as the story developed.
E.I. If you were asked to read a chapter from this book, is there one that you would select to share?
T.D. I like the initiation scene a lot!
E.I. What inspired you to write “Secret Society”?
T.D. I was inspired by real-life secret societies, as well as classic adventure stories.
E.I. As a first time YA novelist, do you feel more pressure, feel insecure or are you able to separate all that from your own creative process?
T.D. I think a novelist just has to write the best book he or she can write -- you can't worry too much about the book's reception, particularly while you are writing it.
E.I. If you were allowed total control of the Hollywood version of “Secret Society’’ who would be in it? And who do you think should direct?
T.D. I would love to see a Wes Anderson version of it -- my favorite parts of the book are the quirky moments, and I think he would bring that out. As for casting, it's hard to say -- I'll have to think about that!
E.I. Mr. Dolby, thank you for contributing to my blog. It has been a pleasure for me to get to know you, and your work a little better. Would you like to end your interview with a writing tip or advice for young aspiring writers?
T.D. Just keep at it, and try to write every day -- it's important to stay in practice!
To learn more about Tom Dolby please visit his website at: http://www.tomdolby.com/about/
To buy his books please visit http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=tom+dolby&x=12&y=22
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