Author Life - R Mcdowall

 R Mcdowall, the author of 'Cheeky Dragons', released her book in October 2019. We wanted to catch up with the new author and see how life had been treating her since she was published.

1. Did you always dream of becoming an author?

Yes, even as a young child being an author was something I very much aspired to, I can remember writing my own little folded paper version of Harry Potter for a family friend! Every trip I went on growing up a notepad and pen came with me so that I was always prepared to write should inspiration hit.

2. What was your first job?

My first 'proper' job was as a nursery assistant. I did this part-time alongside my studies and in my holidays.

3. How did you come about writing your book? Was that your intention or did you start writing for fun?

This is my first book in the children’s genre and it came about entirely by surprise; after all, I was in my element writing young adult fantasy fiction. My son loves me making up stories on the spot at bedtime, it’s routine for us. However, after I finished telling him the story of Cheeky Dragons, it became one he frequently asked me to retell him. He loved it so much that it made sense to write it down and take a chance on it.

4. What was your life like before you became an author?

Before I became an author, I was full-time mum, writing my first book, juggling a degree (which I have since graduated from) with also being disabled and the challenges that throws up. So I was quite busy to say the least!

5. Did you face any struggles before becoming an author? If so, how did you overcome them?

There were a couple of issues to overcome. The first is that I am Dyslexic which made submitting to publishing houses and agents an extremely nerve-wracking process. I used a mix of family reading my work and different apps to reduce the number of errors that were in my work.

Secondly writing is a physically painful process for me as I often dislocate when I write. This was reduced by wearing specially designed splints and typing however it didn’t eliminate the issue altogether.

6. Now that you are a published author, how has your life changed, if at all?

I have had the opportunity to do readings, have taken part in several fun interviews, have several school visits lined up! It’s exciting sharing my work with others and seeing them respond. I had fan mail the other week with a drawing from a reader who loved Cheeky Dragons, and it made my day.

7. Can you please describe a typical day in your life now?

I get up to make sure that I have planned what I’m posting on Social Media that day, then once the children are up we will go out often to a group like our local libraries rhyme time. Then in the evenings once the kids are asleep I will write, I aim to do between 1,500 – 2,000 a night followed by a review of my social media insights or I’ll go Live.

8. What is your most memorable moment of your life as an author?

My first reading of Cheeky Dragons was amazing. Had a far better turnout than predicted and I ended up needed to do two readings a more people just kept arriving.

9. In a few words, how would you review your experience with Pegasus Publishers?

For both my books, it’s been an enjoyable smooth experience and they’ve been incredibly supportive and understanding working around my health.

10. Why did you choose Pegasus Publishers?

I had received a few offers, and this was the contract that appealed most. Plus the communication from them had been quick and informative. No question was too silly, and they were always happy to answer.