Discover Dragons in Modern-day New Zealand with Author Robinne Weiss
Robinne Weiss, author of middle grade novels, finds inspiration in the wide-eyed wonder of the world. With a background in teaching and a love for adventure, she crafts stories that resonate with middle grade readers, blending serious concepts with fun and adventure. From dragons at the Christchurch airport to characters who can talk to insects, her imaginative tales capture the essence of childhood exploration and curiosity.
Could you share a little about yourself and your current middle grade novel?
I’m a educator and entomologist by training, but I’ve never been able to control my writing habit. I published my first writing when I was nine years old (back in the days when I typed my writing on my Mom’s manual typewriter and mailed it to magazines). I published my first book about seven years ago, and have now published fifteen books. My most popular middle grade books are my Dragon Defence League series, set in modern day Aotearoa New Zealand, with dragons. This year, I am releasing a companion book to the Dragon Defence League books. It’s a fictional non-fiction book called Dragons of Aotearoa New Zealand.
What inspired you to start writing middle grade fiction?
I have never lost my wide-eyed wonder about the world, and middle grade fiction is the perfect place to express and explore a sense of wonder and a playful imagination. Middle grade readers are simultaneously quite sophisticated and astute, and also perfectly willing to imagine dragons at the Christchurch airport, or a girl who can talk to insects. I love being able to explore serious concepts in the context of fun and adventure.
How do you approach crafting characters that resonate with middle grade readers?
I teach kids aged 7 to 13, so I’m in touch with what resonates with middle grade readers. My characters tend to be everyday kids like my students—diverse in their cultural background, and with family histories that are representative of the setting.
Do you have a favorite middle grade book?
It’s really hard to choose a favourite, but I loved the Mysterious Benedict Society books. I love the characters and the fact that, while every character is exceptional in some way, none of them can succeed without help from the others.
Can you describe your typical writing day?
I’m a morning person, so I’m often at my desk by six o’clock. I usually start by clearing all the non-writing tasks off my to-do list—marketing, finances, answering email, etc. Once that’s out of the way, I can focus on writing. I take a long walk at lunchtime to refresh my mind, and then write until five or five-thirty in the afternoon.
What do you hope young readers will take away from your books?
Most of my books have environmental themes running through them. In addition to enjoying a great adventure, I hope my readers develop respect for the natural world and our role as its caretakers.
Can you share any tips or advice for aspiring middle grade authors?
Writing is hard work for little pay. You need to love it. And even if you love it, you need to have discipline. Find ways to keep yourself motivated and focused, even when the writing isn’t going well. I create quarterly plans for myself, with goals and deadlines. When I find myself spinning my wheels, I look back at my plan, and it usually gets me back on track.
How do you incorporate humor and adventure into your middle grade stories?
I have lived a life full of adventure—from running wild as a kid in rural Pennsylvania, to living in a mud hut in Panama, to teaching with a 2-metre-long python named Ka, to delivering a pair of goat kids during a dinner party, and much more. I believe adventures are the key to writing. Thankfully, I live in beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand, where adventures are around every corner, so whenever I’m feeling uninspired, I can get outside for some fun to fill up the inspiration bucket.
What upcoming project can readers look forward to from you?
My fictional non-fiction book, Dragons of Aotearoa New Zealand, will be coming out in early July.
Is there anything else you’d like to share that I haven’t covered in the interview?
For information about all my books and stories, and to sign up for my newsletter visit https://robinneweiss.com.
