I once accidentally wandered onto the set of a Mexican soap opera.
2. What is your nickname?
Trace and Tray.
3. What is your greatest fear?
Having to answer these sorts of questions on the spot. It’s truly terrifying!
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Trying to paint a fresh picture from my chaotic imagination.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Quirky, tenacious, inventive, feisty, mischievous.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
I would love to be Pippi Longstocking — because she is super strong, goes on wild adventures and gets to spend the day hanging out with her pet monkey and horse.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would love to go back in time to meet Frida Kahlo. She was a creative genius.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
I’m so happy you found your imagination again. Hey, you wanna go play Nintendo?
9. Who is your greatest influence?
My kids. They remind me how best to look at the world.
10. What/who made you start writing?
My love of books is what got me started as a kid. But it was reading to my own kids that reignited that spark as an adult.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Kismet. It is an old Yiddish word that essentially means ‘fate’ or ‘meant to be’. It makes the universe feel orderly.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
What!!! Only one book??? Well then it would have to be something rich, delicious and moreish, like a piece of chocolate mud cake. Maybe something by Margaret Atwood or Neil Gaiman. Or perhaps an anthology of fairy stories or folk tales from around the world.
Tracey Dembo is a children’s author who is passionate about encouraging big questions, daring dreams and wild imaginations. She believes in the power of good stories, well-timed jokes and freshly baked cakes. Tracey lives in sunny Perth – on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar – where there are many excellent beaches. When she is not writing or sitting on a beach (or writing while sitting on a beach) she likes to spend time with her family and friends. Tracey loves that her official job as an author involves inventing lots of mischief and nonsense. In her other life as a lawyer and a community-based director, she does not do that. Ever. For more information, see www.traceydembo.com.
