Meet the Author: Robert Dalby

Hello readers! I'm Robert Dalby!

My Piggly Wiggly series has been out for over a year now. The debut novel, Waltzing At The Piggly Wiggly, went to trade paper in June, and the sequel, Kissing Babies At The Piggly Wiggly, was released in hardcover this August. Two more novels will follow in 2008 and 2009, continuing the adventures of the citizens of Second Creek, Mississippi, where people ballroom-dance in the aisles of the local Piggly Wiggly, strange weather patterns affect the characters in unexpected ways, and lovable quirks are not only expected but practically required for citizenship.

I'm a Deep Southerner by birth, growing up in historic Natchez, Mississippi, which gave me a boost in observing eccentricity with a smile. Then I spent four wonderful years studying English and Creative Writing at Sewanee (the University of the South) in Tennessee. There's not a lot to do on top of the mountain that Sewanee calls home, so I made the most of my liberal arts education--great for a writer! It might be said that I come by my interest in writing naturally. My father came out of World War II, went to New York as both an editor and writer and turned out scads of fighter pilot and detective stories in the genre that is now referred to as pulp fiction.
As for my writing motifs, I like to portray strong Southern women taking charge of their lives, just as they do in the Piggly Wiggly series. Humor is a big part of my plots, but I was taught that all novels, regardless of the genre, should be plotted like good mysteries. Leave your reader guessing and wanting to turn that page. So, there are a few twists, turns and surprises in my novels to keep my readers on their toes.

Drop on by Second Creek, Mississippi, if you get the chance. Find out who the Nitwitts are. Pull for Mr. Choppy Dunbar, second-generation owner of the Piggly Wiggly, to solve both his business problems and his troublesome romantic past throughout the series. I'll be there waiting for you in spirit!

Here's an interview with Robert Dalby

Q. Where do you see yourself as writer in five years?

A. In five years I'd like to be established enough to do stand-alone novels on a variety of Southern themes. I'm enjoying doing a series, but eventually I'd like to branch out.

Q. What’s the most satisfying part of writing a novel?

A. The most satisfying part of writing a novel is talking to readers after it's been released. It's great to see my work as a finished product, but I spend a lot of time doing library book talks. For me, nothing is more fulfilling than getting feedback from the people who've taken the time to read and think about what I've written.

Q. What writers have inspired you?

A. I've read fellow Southerners like Harper Lee, Ellen Gilchrist, Ellen Douglas and Rebecca Wells with great interest. In an entirely different arena of writing, I've also enjoyed Ayn Rand's work.

Q, What books are on your bedside table right now?

A. Actually, I have the manuscripts of two unpublished writers I'm reading right now. I'm just winding up teaching a writing/getting published course at a local community college, and I'm evaluating the manuscripts of two of my more promising students with a view to recommending them to my agent if I feel they are worthy.

Q. What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

A. Be wary of scams of all sorts--no reputable agent will collect a dime from you before selling your work and getting that contract and advance check on your behalf. Remain dedicated and persistent--don't be discouraged by rejection. Don't quit your day job!

Q. What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you at a book-signing?

A. Funniest experience has to be the time a reader pointed out to me after I'd done a brief talk before the signing that I'd ended my book with a preposition. I dug deep and remembered a Winston Churchill quote that my father had given me, and I replied: "That observation, Madam, is something up with which I shall not put!" Everybody in the audience laughed, including the woman