An Author Interview With Jemma Murdoch

I invited Jemma to share a bit about herself and her new children’s book, Suzie Strudel, The Baking Poodle.

“I hope to encourage children to believe in themselves, no matter their perceived weaknesses or strengths.” – Jemma Murdoch, author of Suzie Strudel, The Baking Poodle

Please tell us a bit about yourself. The basics, day job, how many cats you have etc.

Hey, there! My name is Jemma Murdoch, I am an Australian author interested in all things writing! I live in a coastal community and share my home with a mini rascal, of whom I am particularly fond. We have two fish, one named Rex and the other, aptly named, Fishy!

Can you tell us about your book, Suzie Strudel, The Baking Poodle? What inspired you to write it? Did you find it difficult to write in rhyme?  

Flashback to my childhood. I am running about my grandma’s house, bikkie in hand and lanky poodle in toe. The dog’s name . . . Suzie! Naturally. I have always admired the idea of writing for children, particularly with rhyme, and am all about making people believe in their abilities. Through ‘Suzie Strudel,’ the character, I hope to encourage children to believe in themselves, no matter their perceived weaknesses or strengths.

Do you have any other projects lined up? A sequel to Suzie Strudel?

Oh, yes! My purple poodle will be making a come back! ‘Suzie Strudel the Baking Poodle,’ is book one, of what I hope will become a relatively lengthy series. My illustrator, Makayla Clark, and I plan a continued collaboration on that front. Suzie’s next adventure will hopefully find its way to Amzon by end of year! In the mean time, I am furiously smashing out the words to a novel for us bigger folks. It is a fantasy in which I use each character to describe my observations and personal experience of Covid-19 isolation; particularily it’s impact on mental health.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Funnily enough, like my fury friend Suzie, this author loves to bake! I am trying to perfect a repertoire of deserts to serve at dinner parties. Aside from that, I love all things art! My middle name really should be something like ‘paint-covered.’ Don’t get me wrong, Grandma’s name is awesome, but that would be more fitting. Oh yeah, and you may or may not find me dancing around the house, singing at the top of my lungs on the regular. Shh! Schrodinger’s cat.

Do you like to listen to music when you write? If yes, what helps get your creative juices going?

Nope! My writing time usually consists of silence. Editing however, that is another story! Dance music is my poison, give me a heavy bass line and my minds focused.  

Do you find being a writer difficult? What is the hardest part? And the easiest.

I have enjoyed writing since childhood, so for me it feels natural. What has been difficult is learning the nuances of the English language—especially after I decided to take my writing seriously; around age twenty-three.

Are you an under or over writer? How do you find editing depending on your style?

Underwriter, who loves to edit. Yeah, that combo brings me undone occasionally . . . possibly often! However, I do feel that I am getting better over time, and as my writing style develops my novels are getting progressively longer.  

What is your favourite childhood book and has it had any influence on you as a writer?

My favourite book as a child was ‘Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy,’ by Australian author Lynley Dodd. It has most certainly had influence on my writing. The picture book and its lovable Main character, a scruffy dog, captivated my attention and bore my love for rhyming verse.

Finally, where can we follow you and receive updates about your work?

Jump on board this hippy train at Amazon, follow me on Twitter or Instagram . I hope to keep my content interesting and shall endeavour to give you the odd giggle.

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