About a year before I wrote Dog Stayed, I wrote a story about a grumpy old man and a possum. I wrote the story from the perspective of the possum, and a lot of the old man’s personality wound up in the background. This upset me because I loved his gruff and stubborn personality. It took me a while to realise I was a writer, and I could just write another story! So, I swapped out the possum for Dog, and the story grew from there.

When I write a story, I’m not really thinking about themes. The story grows organically in my mind, then into words. If I laugh, smile, cry, or get a lump in my throat as I write, then I know it’s a story worth telling. I remember reading the story aloud for the first time. I was in the kitchen, reading it to my husband, and I kept getting a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. That’s when I thought, maybe, maybe I have something special here.

My nephew was also very sick at the time. My Nan had recently passed away, and my beautiful dog, Abby, was 16 years old, and not doing well. So, the theme of loss thread its way into the story because I was experiencing it in my own life.

Children can experience love and loss as much as adults, so I feel it’s important they have stories like this they can lean on, feel a connection with, and warm them.

Honestly, if, after finishing this story, it still resonates with readers in any way – hope, a full heart, a smile – what more could a writer ask for? And if there is just one person out there grieving, and this story gives them even a small glimmer of hope, then this story has defied all expectations I had for it.

If I could indulge myself for a moment, then I hope these two characters will be as alive in other people’s hearts as they are in mine.

It all started around September 2020 when I decided to write a story for my son. What was originally a simple Christmas gift, became so much more. It was also a gift to myself. I discovered a joy and creativity I had never known. 

Chaotic. I think about a story constantly until it's finished. I can barely eat or sleep when I am in the throes of writing. 

I never write from start to finish. For some reason I often write the ending first, perhaps so I know where I'm going. Then I fill in the parts of the story I feel inspired to write. At some point, I start at the beginning and work my way through to the finish, filling in the gaps as I go.

Anywhere. Anytime. The most important thing is quiet - so I can think. No easy feat with four young kids.

If I could pick anyone it would be Libby Gleeson, or perhaps Margaret Wild. They have a beautiful way with words.

Every story takes its own time.

I do spend days or even weeks thinking about a story and scribbling notes before I begin writing. So, by the time my fingers hit the keyboard, I know the story and the characters well. Dog Stayed took one day, but inspiration arrives at a speed of its own choosing.

Ok, let's just get it out there. I like broccoli. Yep. Sorry, not sorry. I love it. Love it. Love it.

I believe the closest things to magic are fireworks and microwaves.

I am very good at going cross-eyed, especially when my kids are talking to me.

If I had to change my name, I would change it to Anastasia Prohopenburger and I would only answer to Anastasia Prohopenburger, then I would sleep all day because no one would be able to call out Anastasia Prohopenburger.

If I could discover the absolute truth to one question it would be: Who on earth decided that a 'fear of big words' should be called 'Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia.'

My favourite Dr. Suess quote is: The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.

But the thing I love MOST is having fun with my family.