Recently, we caught up with Louise M. Dickens, our latest debut Author under Magic Mouse Books, with book one of her children's series; 'Alfred and Friends in The Mystery on The Golden Hind' - COMING SOON! Inspired by her gorgeous pugs, Louise has created hilarious characters, (we all know how much personality our pups have), as we follow them on their adventures that are full of mystery, surprise, excitement, and giggles! Keep an eye out for the pre-order release of book one...
Louise shared with us her love for Agatha Christie's, Poirot, how she defines 'success,' and how her struggles with her health helped her develop a love for storywriting! Read on to find out more...
When did you start writing?
I have dabbled in writing poetry, songs, and short stories ever since I was a small child. Writing is something that I have used over the years to express my feelings. In 2010 I was diagnosed with M.E. and during the summer of 2021 I had what I thought was a flare up - I became very ill and could not work, walk, or do any of my usual activities. I was subsequently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. After feeling so ill and exhausted, I felt that I should try to help my condition by starting to write a story that I had been planning in my head for some months, using the creativity as a distraction. My pugs and their individual characters were the obvious choice to be in my stories.
What does success mean to you?
Success, to me, is to be remembered fondly for my writing and for my stories to have touched people all over the world for many years to come.
Is writing your full-time career? Or would you like it to be?
Writing isn’t my full-time career yet; I do also work as a Payroll Manager, but I hope that I can write books full-time in the near future.
What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book(s)?
The most surprising thing that I have discovered whilst writing my books was how attached I have become to all of my characters.
Who is your favourite character?
I actually don’t have a favourite character; each character is special to me in their own way.
Where do you get your inspiration?
The inspiration for my books comes from ‘The Secret Seven’ books by Enid Blyton. A group of seven children who solve mysteries and crimes.
Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
Readers can find out about my books on my website – Alfred and Friends Books and also Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?
I think my first book was the most enjoyable to write because of how I created a connection with each of the characters throughout the book.
What was the inspiration for the story?
The inspiration for this story came from a daytrip to I had to Brixham, in which I went aboard the Golden Hind.
What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
I hope that my readers begin to love the characters as much as I do and look forward to reading about their future adventures.
If you had to describe your character, Prudence, in three words, what would those three words be?
I would describe Prudence the Poodle, as self-important, snooty and vain.
If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?
If my book was made into a movie, the celebrities that I would want to be voice-overs for the characters are:
Alfred – Hugh Bonneville
Stanley – Tom Hanks
Bertie – Lee Evans
Nelson – David Schwimmer
Prudence – Emma Thompson
Mario – Russell Brand
Who is your favourite author and why?
I have many favourite authors, but my all-time favourite is Agatha Christie, her plots have twists and turns that draw you in, allowing you to become an armchair detective, trying to guess who committed the crime.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading a thriller called ‘Sanitorium’ by Sarah Pearse.
What book is currently on your bedside table?
The book that is currently on my bed-side table is ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ by Helena Dixon, who is another of my favourite authors.
Favourite quote?
My favourite quotation is from Agatha Christie’s Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot who is referencing his ability to solve crimes, when he mentions his “little grey cells.”
Favourite book?
At the top of my favourite books list is a book written by Agatha Christie called, ‘And Then There Were None’ which is about a group of individuals who are invited to stay on an island off the coast of Devon, by a mysterious host and are each murdered one by one.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
When I am not writing I like to sing. I am a member of a local choir, and we are currently rehearsing for our next concert.
What was your dream job when you were younger?
My dream when I was growing up was to be in the Police Force and become a detective.
What’s your favourite food?
My favourite foods are pasta dishes and for dessert I love homemade Victoria Sponge!
Favourite artist and favourite song?
George Michael is my favourite artist and song writer. His hit ‘Fast Love’ from the album called ‘Older’ is my favourite song.
If you could invite one person to dinner, who would it be and what would you cook?
I would invite the Queen to dinner, and I would make a cream tea and put out 70 cup cakes for the number of years she has reigned as our monarch.
What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favourite place to visit is Greenway House, which was Agatha Christie’s holiday home for many years. It sits on the banks of the River Dart in Devon looking over at Dittisham and Dartmouth which is just down the river. It is now looked after by the National Trust, and I have visited it on quite a few occasions and as such it holds a special place in my heart.
