Q&A: Rosie Storey, Author of ‘Dandelion Is Dead’
We chat with debut author Rosie Storey about Dandelion Is Dead, which is a modern love story about the courage it takes to live again after loss and finding hope in the most unexpected places.
Hi, Rosie! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a debut novelist and writing coach based in East London. I have a Masters in Creative Writing, and I spend a lot of my days and many of my nights writing about the intricacies of relationships and the strange poetry of life.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I was always writing stories from a young age, often about little girls jumping out of tall trees and feeling truly happy while they were falling, which sounds a bit worrying in hindsight. But the truth is that I was an anxious child and writing brought me comfort and happiness. I also loved listening to my mum’s music, like Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, and that romantic, lyrical storytelling hooked me in from a young age.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: I used to listen to Roald Dahl storybooks on cassette tape when I went to bed as a small child.
- The one that made you want to become an author: The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: All Fours by Miranda July.
Your debut novel, Dandelion Is Dead, is out January 13th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Mischievous, authentic, painful, hopeful and lusty.
What can readers expect?
Two people doing their best to figure out their messy lives and the meaning of love.
Where did the inspiration for Dandelion Is Dead come from?
I wanted to write about a woman who has no option but to work out who she is when she suddenly has to face life without her biggest protector – her mesmeric older sister. I always want to explore love in all its forms, and as someone who finds dating apps fascinating, I knew they had to make an appearance too.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I adored writing Jake, my male protagonist. The reader gets to laugh at him being a bit of a silly man at times, which I loved, but he is also genuinely funny and allowed me to lean into comedy in my writing. I’m very protective of him, even when he’s behaving badly.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Just a bit! I was trying to get a novel published for a decade before Dandelion is Dead found her supporters, and I was rejected by many agents along the way. I had to persevere and keep going. In terms of the work itself, I murdered a lot of darlings and had to lose a lot of words, pages and entire months, (possibly years), of my life.
This is your debut novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
Really hard and very long. However, I met my agent and got my publishing deal in the summer of 2024, and since then it has been a joy. Even on the tough, sad and scary days, I always come back to how grateful I am to be here, because there are so many brilliant writers struggling. Psychologically I certainly think being a writer is not an easy ride. Though, if you’re like me, it’s not a choice, it’s a compulsion.
What’s next for you?
I’m writing my second novel. More lust, love, life and bad behaviour.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?
On my list is Miriam Toews’ latest memoir, A Truce That Is Not Peace, and Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott, first published in 1929.
Will you be picking up Dandelion Is Dead? Tell us in the comments below!
