If you asked me to recommend a good book for a kid who likes dogs, I’d immediately blurt out Barbara O’Connor’s name. She’s the author of seventeen novels and biographies for middle graders and the recipient of dozens and dozens of distinguished book awards. My favorite Barbara O’Connor books feature dogs: How to Steal a Dog, Wish (my dog’s favorite) and now Wonderland!

Ten-year-old Mavis has to move yet again when her flighty mother decides to take a job in Landry, Alabama working as a housekeeper for rich people. Her mother’s always so sure of her plans, that it will be the perfect situation for them this time. Mavis is bold and fearless but has grown tired of being constantly uprooted. She just hopes they stay put in Landry long enough that she can make a long-lasting friend for once. Then she meets Rose, the daughter of the haughty woman who hired her mother. Rose is a very nervous, timid girl who’s been extra sad lately for her neighborhood’s gatekeeper, Mr. Duffy. He’s pretty much been her only friend, but after his beloved dog died he hasn’t been the same. Mavis cooks up a scheme with Rose to make Mr. Duffy happy again.

Wonderland oozes with Southern wit, charm, voice, and many beautiful metaphors that have extra special meaning if you’ve grown up below the Mason-Dixon line. The characters are so vivid, they’re like neighbors. One of my favorite things about the story is that, like many of her books, the kids are trying really hard to right the wrongs of the world the best way they know how. Sweet and heartfelt, Barbara O’Connor has done it again!

And we are thrilled to welcome Barbara O’Connor to The Winged Pen! Welcome, Barbara! Henry is such a wonderful character in Wonderland. What inspired you to write a story featuring a stray Greyhound?

Barbara: I have a friend who has adopted a couple of greyhounds. They are such sweet-natured dogs. I wanted Henry to be a sweet-natured dog, so greyhound seemed like the perfect breed. But more importantly, greyhounds are important to the story line.

Your writing is full of lovely metaphors and imagery that truly capture Southern life. Could you share a few tips for developing setting?

The best way to develop setting is by totally immersing yourself and always keeping in mind the senses. Remember to note the smells, sounds, sights and feelings that come from a particular place.

Mavis, Rose, Mr. Duffy, and Henry are so well-crafted they become our friends. How did you do that?

I think the best characters are those that are most like real people, which means they are flawed. Not perfect – like real people. Of course, they need to have good qualities, too, so that readers will like them. But I think it’s the flaws that make them the most relatable. Just like real people, book characters need to get angry, feel sad, and maybe tell a fib now and then.

 I’ve noticed in your books the parents are often quite flawed, but the kids have a really great moral compass despite whatever horrible situation they’ve found themselves in. Could you talk about that?

I think that most kids are amazingly resilient and have the capacity to survive a lot of tough situations. All kids have one important thing in common – they want to be loved. I know from firsthand experience that having a flawed parent can help you learn how notto behave. Also, in all of my books, I try to add at least one character that the main character can rely on, confide in and trust.

What can you tell us about what you are working on now?

I’m in that scary stage of the writing process where I only have the tiniest seed of an idea. I’m waiting for it to grow so I can put pen to paper again.

Buckle up for the lightning round, Barbara! *hands you a piece of peach pie for strength

Wooden pencil or mechanical?  Mechanical

Coffee or tea?  Coffee

Sweet or salty? Salty

Dog, cat, or other?  Dog 

Plotter or pantser? Pantser (unfortunately. I’d so love to be a plotter.)

One last question: Any advice for all those aspiring authors out there?

Tip #1: This sounds like a no-brainer – but READ, particularly current works. I’m always surprised when writers don’t constantly read new books. By reading, you can learn craft, maybe find your voice, and learn the markets (who is publishing what).

 Tip #2: Don’t worry about writing something bad. You can make it better, but you can’t fix what you haven’t written.

 Tip #3: Work hard at SHOWING the story, not telling it. SHOW character traits. Don’t tell the reader about the character. SHOW the emotions of the story, don’t tell. And even the setting should be SHOWN, not told.

Wonderful advice! Thank you so much, Barbara!

You can preorder Wonderland from your favorite bookstore today. It will be available on August 28^th.

Barbara O’Connor is the author of seventeen novels and biographies for children. Drawing on her Carolina roots, Barbara’s novels have a distinctly Southern voice. Her books have received many distinctions, including ALA Notable, NCTE Notables and Parents Choice Gold Awards and have been nominated for young readers’ choice awards in 38 states. She grew up in Greenville, SC and now lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband and two dogs. To find out more about her, check out her website or follow her on Twitter.

Posted by Michelle Leonard.