Robert Dodds
Email:
mail@robertdodds.comWebsite:
www.robertdodds.comBRAW network:
yesLL funded:
yesBiography:
Robert Dodds was born in England and grew up in Yorkshire and Kent with his parents, a neurotic dog, and a tortoise. He went to Oxford University to study English and play golf, and then became a teacher. After a few years working in England, Mexico, and the USA, he settled in Edinburgh. By this time he was a filmmaker as well as a teacher, and he set up a new degree course in film and television production at Edinburgh College of Art in the late 1980s. He still works at Edinburgh College of Art for part of the year. As well as a variety of work for television, radio, and theatre, Robert has had four books published. His next children’s novel – a strange tale of sea-legends and genetic engineering - is to be published in 2008 by Andersen Press.
About writer's work:
For adults: a collection of short stories Rattlesnake and Other Tales, published in 2001 by Polygon. I’ve had nine of my stories broadcast on BBC Radio Four, and have abridged Playback (Raymond Chandler), Home is the Sailor (Jorge Amado) and The Secret of Iguando (my own novel) for BBC Radio Four. I have also written and directed a number of short films shown on television and at film festivals, and had a stage play produced by professional company Oxygen House.For children: three novels for 9 to 13 year olds, published by Andersen Press. The blurb from the back covers is the quickest way to get an idea of my themes and interests:
‘The Midnight Clowns’ (2000).
“What would you do if a sinister troupe of supernatural clowns had picked you out as their next victim? That’s the terrifying plight that faces Ben Swift and his sister Claire. If they can’t find a way to outwit their pursuers, Ben will be forced to drink the clowns’ magic blue potion – with terrible consequences!”
‘Nightland’ (2002)
“Another world lying unsuspected on the fringes of our own. A place where people can disappear. Do you dare to cross the boundary and find out what lies beyond?”
‘The Secret of Iguando’ (2004)
“Deep in a remote jungle region of Mexico, something supernatural is stirring, disturbed by a party of zoologists. Ben and Claire Swift are there with their father. They are the only ones who realise the danger that threatens them all.”
About writer's events and projects:
I have lots of experience in giving talks and readings to adults and children, and also running writing workshops for all age groups (including screenwriting). Autumn and early Winter is the best time to catch me.
Language:
EnglishAge groups:
9-12, Teens, AdultsBooks written
Thirteen year old Claire Swift is intrigued by Aidan, an Irish boy who is new to her school. He has a secret which he eventually shares with her - at night, he cycles into another world, one which ...
What would you do if a sinister troupe of supernatural clowns had picked you out as their next victim? That's the terrifying plight that faces Ben Swift and his sister Claire. If they can't find a ...
Ben and Clare are staying with Aunt Gwen in Antmouth for the summer. They've been told the coast there is haunted by the ghosts of smugglers, but they are soon much more alarmed by the living ...
Clare and her brother are used to strange animals as their father is a zoo vet. When he gets the chance to join an expedition in an unexplored part of the Mexican Jungle they are very excited even ...
