Learn all about ‘Dorothy’, straight from the author. Jordon Collins shares what they want readers to take away from the book, their writing process and what their favourite books were as a child.
Congratulations on your new picture book, Dorothy. Please tell us what it’s about.
Thank you! The book is all about growing up as a biracial person in a country where I was not born. I talk about the struggle of finding ‘home’ for people like me, but with a fantastical spin.
What are you hoping readers will take away from your book?
I’m hoping readers can learn that the definition of home isn’t as narrow as we often think it is and that we can all find a place where we belong.
Can you tell us a bit about your writing process?
My writing process is a little chaotic. Often, I will have an idea and turn it over in my head for a long time until I find a phrase that I like. Usually, that phrase will be a metaphor, and the rest of my writing will lean into that metaphor.
What were your favourite books as a child?
I used to read absolutely anything and everything when I was a child, any book I could get my hands on! Though my favourites were anything to do with dragons, especially the Inheritance Cycle series by Christopher Paolini.
What advice would you give aspiring children’s authors?
My best piece of advice is to get out there! Even if it feels uncomfortable at first or makes you nervous. We all learn and grow by stepping outside of our comfort zone.
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