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We chat to author Jenny McLachlan about her new book, Dragon Riders of Roar
1. What inspired you to create the magical world of Roar, and how did it evolve into the Dragonlands and the Dragon Riders Academy?
When I was little my cousins and I played brilliant games at my nan’s house. We loved crawling through a folding camp bed – it was actually very scary – and these memories helped create the Land of Roar. Roar is now very much a combination of real places I’ve visited – Australia, Scotland, Thailand – tweaked by with my imagination.
Dragon Riders of Roar was also inspired by something real that happened to me. When I was about eleven I made up my own school. I didn’t like real school much so I invented one that was perfect for me. I drew pictures of the uniforms and drew maps of classrooms. I even made up the timetable with hours spent doing art. I remember being desperate to go there. Rose does something very similar at the start of Dragon Riders of Roar. She creates her own school only it’s full of terrifying dragons and even more terrifying teachers . . . and she gets to go there.
2. If you could attend Dragon Rider Academy for a day, what would be the first thing you'd want to learn?
I’d definitely love to learn to fly a dragon, but I’d also like to have a dip in the rooftop swimming pool. Perhaps I’d jump off a dragon’s back into the pool.
3. What do you think makes dragons such fascinating creatures for readers of all ages?
Dragons can be terrifying, funny, tame or wild. They can be changed depending on the needs of the writer and the book and there are endless dragon possibilities. This makes them very intriguing for readers. Plus, wouldn’t everyone like to fly?
4. If you could bring any one element of the Land of Roar into the real world, what would it be, and why?
Rose and Arthur have limitless freedom in the Land of Roar. They explore their magical world free from the worries of grown-ups and the distraction of screens. I think it would be awesome if children in the real world got to do more playing and exploring.
5. What was your favourite book when you were young?
I didn’t have a favourite but there were lots I loved. I really enjoyed the Moomintroll books and one that has a special place in my heart is Comet in Moominland. I particularly liked a scene where they camp in a cave hollowing out beds in the sand. It sounded super cosy.
6. Do you have a special place or routine for writing?
I like writing looking out over the garden so I can be distracted by the visiting squirrels and foxes. One day a fox just walked into the house. So cheeky!
7. You used to be a teacher – how does that influence what and how you write your books?
I became a teacher for the same reasons that I became a children’s author: I wanted to make children happy and fill them with wonder for the world. I suspect I’ve done a better job of this with my books than teaching because it’s hard to fill children with wonder when you’re teaching them how to use apostrophes for possession… but I tried!
8. Arthur and Rose’s adventures start from their imaginations - what advice would you give to young readers about turning their own imaginative ideas into stories?
There is a big jump between playing and daydreaming and turning these wonderful ideas into stories. Playing is usually lots of fun and effortless whereas writing can be hard work. I’d recommend starting small. I began writing 100-word mini sagas. This taught me how to perfect sentences and paragraphs, and how to choose my words carefully. It’s loads of fun and you’re less likely to give up. Give it a go!
9. Where can we find out more about your brilliant books?
For some writing inspiration of your own, keep an eye out on our competitions page for The Magic Map, which opens on Friday 21st Feb. For this competition you can take Jenny's advice and write your own 100-word mini saga for the chance to be published and win prizes!
