Introducing… Sophie Dewdney
Today’s fabulous new author is Sophie Dewdney.
Sophie is a writer from a cosy village in Somerset, where she has lived her entire life. An avid lover of romance, fantasy and ghosts, she loves writing stories that delve into the emotional complexities teens face, with the added challenges of first loves and spooky spirits. When she’s not reading or writing, Sophie can often be found singing with her friends at a concert, or curled up on the sofa binging her favourite shows, surrounded by her family and three cats. Sophie has a BA in Creative Writing, alongside an MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University.
What is your writing routine? I feel like I switch up my routine a lot, (as someone who loves to procrastinate), but I always need a hot drink next to me, (hot chocolate or tea is essential), some music or an ambience from YouTube, and some form of chocolate next to me for motivation.
Who is your favorite author and how have they inspired you? I love Holly Bourne’s books. I first read It Only Happens in the Movies and it was just so brilliant, I couldn’t put it down. I feel like it’s hard in the world of technology not to go on your phone and doomscroll before going to bed, but when I started getting into Holly Bourne’s books, the only thing I could think of all day was desperately needing to find some time to carry on with the story! She just had such relatable characters and story-lines, she’s inspired my WIP a lot when it comes to developing my own characters.
What was the inspiration for your manuscript?
Definitely watching ghost shows like Uncanny, ghost hunting shows on YouTube like Buzzfeed: Unsolved, which I used to watch all the time as a teen. Again, authors like Holly Bourne and Cassandra Clare, too, but also my favourite TV shows like Doctor Who. I like to have a little bit of my interests in each thing I write, just to make it feel more personal.
Who is your favourite character in your book?
I think I would have to say Willow, one of my main characters. Her voice just came to me so naturally when I was writing, and other people have said that she feels very relatable and likeable. She’s not someone who is easily pushed back. Whilst she’s unpopular and quiet, she’s also brave, independent and determined, a female character who I hope a lot of female teens can look up to.
What inspires you first: character or plot?
I feel like the two can go hand-in-hand with each other most of the time! I’d say thinking about it more deeply, I’d say plot probably inspires me the most. I tend to get a story idea first of all and then I can build on the characters once I’ve got a simple plot idea. Developing the characters can often lead to more plot developments, especially once you’ve got their personalities worked out.
Describe your perfect day.
Having a relaxed morning without needing to rush anywhere and being with my family; going out for lunch and coffee; perhaps some shopping; coming back to get ready for a concert where I see one of my favourite artists; and ending the night with a takeaway and some TV.