An Interview with Aylish Dowsett, author of In Case of Fire

Aylish Dowsett is an award-winning writer, tutor, and copywriter. She teaches creative writing at The Writers’ Studio, The Writing Quarter, Creative Writing Ink, and SGSCC. Her work has been published in Mythrill Fiction, Collider, Grapeshot, The Quarry, and many others. She loves cats and all things weird and British.

Read In Case of Fire: Please Call the Division of Magical Mishaps here!

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

My book’s current title is quite a mouthful, but I love it! It was tricky trying to come up with something that highlighted my genre and the tone of the book—I think I succeeded, though! The true meaning of the title is revealed inside the book.

Describe your dream book cover.

My current cover on the Mythrill app is my dream book cover! I helped to design it with an artist the Mythrill team selected.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

There would be a lot of moody songs on my soundtrack and some bright and happy ones too! I can envision my characters running around to songs by Panic! At the Disco, Paramore, Mika, The Spice Girls, and Coldplay.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

For comfort, you will always find me reading the Harry Potter series, or a YA romance/thriller. For research, I like to refer to In Search of Lost Gods: A Guide to British Folklore by Ralph Whitlock or A Modern Herbal by Mrs M. Grieve, amongst others.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I have worked in animal care and optometry! I’m also an identical twin, which gives me a unique perspective as Elva (my main character) is a twin.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

The Harry Potter series has had a major influence on me as well as my love for magic and anything out of the ordinary. Having been raised in the UK, I adore British folklore and all its wonderful creatures, so they had to be in my story.

Where is your favorite place to write?

I prefer writing in a quiet place with my laptop (usually in my bedroom!). For short pieces of writing, I always write by hand first.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

My readers should celebrate their differences! Each person is uniquely strange and wonderful, and everyone should be accepted and loved for who they are. And I don’t have a perfect reader! If you enjoy magic, quirky characters, British folklore, and a little teenage romance, you are my perfect reader.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.