Today we welcome Barbara O’Connor to Best Dog Books, a blog that features interviews with authors who’ve written a dog story for kids or young adults. Barbara is here to talk about WISH, which is a middle grade novel published by FSG/Macmillan for kids aged 8 to 12.
Best Dog Books: Who is your key dog character(s) and what kind of dog is he/she?
The dog in WISH is a feisty stray who is eventually named Wishbone by the main character, Charlie. He is a beagle mix.
Best Dog Books: Tell us about your story.
To quote the flap copy: Charlie Reese has been making the same secret wish every day since fourth grade. But when she is sent to live with family she barely knows, it seems unlikely that her wish will ever come true. That is, until she meets Wishbone, a skinny stray dog who captures her heart, and Howard, a neighbor boy who proves surprising in lots of ways. Suddenly Charlie is in serious danger of discovering that what she thought she wanted may not be at all what she needs.
Best Dog Books: What inspired you to write this story?
I grew up in the South and spent many happy times in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. After being away from the South for many years, I moved back about four years ago. I knew right away that I wanted to write a story that was set there and that the setting would be an important element of the story.
Best Dog Books: What was the biggest challenge you had writing your story? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was trying to add another layer to the story at the request of my editor. I see now that it was originally a bit one-dimensional. So during revision, I added her visits to church and to Vacation Bible School. That was a great way to give the main character a bit more development and complexity.
Best Dog Books: What kind of story can we expect next from you? Is it about a dog? If so, what can you tell us about it?
I’m working on another middle grade novel set in the South, but no dog in this one! It’s unusual for me to not toss a dog in somewhere, even if it isn’t a central focus. But this story just developed in my mind without a dog.
Best Dog Books: What else would you like us to know about you or your story?
I get many letters from both kids and teachers telling me that they or their students can relate to various elements of the story – such as foster care or an incarcerated or depressed parent. A sometimes sad reality of the lives of many children.
Best Dog Books: Can you remember the first book that made an impact on you? Why?
MISSING MAY by Cynthia Rylant. I adore the strong sense of place. (Rylant grew up in the mountains of West Virginia.) And her writing voice really speaks to me.
Best Dog Books: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Write the book that only you can write. Write in a voice that makes you YOU. Study structure and pacing. Think about the books you love and why you love them.
If you’d like to learn more about Barbara O’Connor, you can check out the author’s website or follow the author on facebook or twitter.
Thank you Barbara for joining us at Best Dog Books for kids. We look forward to reading your book!
Barbara O’Connor is the author of award-winning novels for children, including Wish, Wonderland, and How to Steal a Dog. Drawing on her South Carolina roots, Barbara’s books are known for their strong Southern settings and quirky characters.
In addition to seven Parents Choice Awards, Barbara’s distinctions include School Library Journal Best Books, Kirkus Best Books, Bank Street College Best Books, American Booksellers Association Best Books and ALA Notables. She has had books nominated for children’s choice awards in 38 states and been voted the winner by children in ten states. Barbara is a popular visiting author at schools and a frequent speaker at conferences around the country.
For other great books about dogs, check out 101 Best Dog Books for Kids.
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