Q&A with Ally Russell

 

 

Ally Russell is the author of the new middle grade novel Down Came the Spiders. Her other books include It Came from the Trees.  

 

Q: What inspired you to write Down Came the Spiders, and how did you create your character Andi? 

 

A: Down Came the Spiders was inspired by a very common fear. A lot of people are afraid of spiders and bugs. (Even I keep my distance from creepy crawlies.) My editor and I wondered if young readers might want to curl up with a spooky book about arachnids, and it seems like we were right!

 

As for Andi's character--I thought back to my own middle-school years, and I remembered how difficult the transition to young adult/teen was, especially as a kid who loved Halloween and trick-or-treating, so I wrote about that experience from Andi's perspective. 

 

Q: What do you think are some of the most common perceptions and misconceptions about spiders? 

 

A: One common misconception is that a spider will be fine if you relocate it. This isn't always true. A spider that has lived in your house probably won't survive if you put it outside.

 

There's also a strange belief that spiders like to crawl in your ears, nose, and mouth while you're sleeping. Spiders don't want to be that close to you...promise. I blame the internet and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark! 

 

Q: Did you know how the story would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way? 

 

A: I usually start with a synopsis that details how I'm going to move the story from one chapter to the next. I wrote a synopsis for this book, and I followed it (mostly).

 

However, sometimes the story will take you in different directions as you're writing, and when that happens, you have to follow the thread. My awesome editor also guided me toward changes that improved the story. So yes and no, and yes!

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book? 

 

A: I hope readers walk away from the book with three things: 

- light thrills and chills

- the knowledge that they will grow and change during adolescence, but they're not alone--their peers are growing and changing too 

- an appreciation for arachnids

 

Q: What are you working on now? 

 

A: Currently, I'm working on a YA horror book, and I'm thinking about writing another middle-grade book that's equal parts horror, murder mystery, and museum heist. Stay tuned!

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: That spiders are interesting little creatures, and unless you're dealing with a spider like Charlotte 17, most creepy crawlies will leave you alone if you leave them alone.

 

Also, some spiders keep other pests out of your home or space. Think of them as little security guards with lots of arms. And please read the author's note at the end of Down Came the Spiders!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb