Sophie Anderson’s debut novel, The House With Chicken Legs, is about to hit the shelves – a story about finding your own destiny, even when your future seems written in the stars.

Imagine if, 2/3 times a year, your house stands up and moves somewhere completely new? With such an intriguing plot, My Book Corner was keen to welcome Sophie in for a few of our questions – including our infamous Just For Fun section… but of course!

Tell us about you in 25 words or less.

I grew up by the sea, and now live near a shining lake with my husband and our three children.

Describe your debut novel, The House With Chicken Legs, in 20 words or less.

A Baba Yaga reimagining, telling the story of twelve-year-old Marinka who wants to escape a lonely destiny guiding the dead.

How would you describe your writing style?

I try to skip along a poetic tightrope without falling into a flowery field of purple prose.

What makes you happy?

Random acts of kindness.

Where is your favourite place to write?

The side of the beck near my home; where the water whispers, the sunlight sparkles and insects amble among long grasses.

What’s on your TBR pile at the moment?

Five from the top are The Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, The Toy Makers by Robert Dinsdale, The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden, I Am Thunder by Muhammed Khan, and From Here to Eternity by Caitlin Doherty.

What’s your worst habit?

Becoming totally immersed in my writing and not balancing it with real life.

Your favourite word(s)?

Imagination and kindness; because they make the world a better place.

Can you tell us a little about your journey to publication?

It’s been a long journey filled with stories that were immense fun to write and were all part of an important learning process. The House with Chicken Legs is the sixth book I have written, and the first one to attract the attention of an agent. Since signing with Gemma Cooper, my writing life has become a whirlwind of wonderfulness, and I have learned so much – especially about the importance of re-writing.

What are your top tips for budding childrens’ writers?

Have fun! Each stage has its own pleasures; the heady rush of a first draft, the cool clarity at the top of re-write mountain, and the calm, thoughtful polishing towards The End. Enjoy the process of making your story the best it can be.

Can you give us a glimpse / hint at your current WIP? (I can bribe you with cake!)

It’s a re-imagining of another Slavic folk tale. And that’s all I’m saying until I get the cake!

Did we forget anything?

Writers who inspire me? David Almond, Tove Jansson, Philip Pullman, Katherine Rundell …

Just for fun

Tea or coffee?

Hot Chocolate?

Paper books or e-books?

Paper books

Cake or chocolate?

Cake

Write or type?

Both.

Poetry or prose?

Poetic prose.

Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Slytherin?

Ravenpuff.

Hot or cold?

Hot.

Sophie Anderson’s debut, The House With Chicken Legs, is published by Usborne Publishing.

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