Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the author of two children’s book (with more on the way!) and I’m passionate about seeing children and young people develop positive character formation, and make wise and healthy life choices. My books reflect this passion and are designed to not only be engaging and fun, but also to stimulate thought and discussion regarding behaviour and life choices.
I have worked within the area of International Community Development since 2004, and have a Masters Degree in Intercultural Studies, with a concentration in ‘Children at Risk’. I have lived and worked in Uganda, India, North America, and South Africa, at various levels of project management and leadership.
My work has allowed me to combine a number of my passions – football, community development, and children’s and youth work, and I’ve developed and run numerous football projects as a means of supporting community and personal transformation around the world.
I currently work as the Global Coordinator of Oasis Football for Life, supporting the implementation, development, and resourcing of ‘Football for Development’ projects across the global Oasis family.
I wrote my first children’s book, “Kolo and the Mighty Mangoes”, as a tool for helping children in Uganda think about positive character formation and to help equip them to make wise and healthy life choices.
The book has been well received there, but also in the UK, particularly with schools and children’s groups, where children have enjoyed exploring the discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
Away from working and writing, I enjoy reading, running, and playing football.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new book is called “Kolo and the Mango Park Mystery” and it continues the story from my first book, “Kolo and the Mighty Mangoes”, although both books can be read as single books.
I lived and worked in Uganda for many years and I wrote the first book initially as a way of teaching and mentoring children in the football programme I was running. The first book was well received in the UK and elsewhere and so I decided to continue the story with the second book (and there’s a third on the way!)
The first book seems to be having an impact in helping young people think through life choices and decision making, so I wrote the second one to continue that, and hopefully have greater impact.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, I tend to write when I have an idea or simply when I have the time. I’m constantly thing through ideas however, and carry a notepad to jot down thoughts until I can get to my computer. When I’ve started a story, I try to write a chapter at a time, and tend to just write straight off and then go back to edit it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like books and authors of all styles and genres, but Matt Haig has been fine of my favourite authors of recent years. In terms of influence I suppose I’ve been inspired to some extent by J.K. Rowling. The Harry Potter world is one of fun, adventure, and numerous challenges. The characters in the stories require good skills and good character to overcome these challenges and to some extent my books do the same.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the third book in the “Kolo and the Mighty Mangoes” series which I hope will be available before the end of the year.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve not done a huge amount of book promotion but find ‘word of mouth’ has been quite successful. I’ve also recently set up my own website, and Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, and have author pages on Amazon and Goodreads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write about what you know – and what you are interested in. That way writing will be a joy (most of the time) rather than a chore. I think for children’s books it’s important to make your writing humorous, and to capture the imagination of the author. Think of extraordinary things and themes that children might get excited about.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To just write! Don’t be too stressed about having everything perfect or planned out as you begin. Once your ideas are down, or you start to write them, things will start to flow, and then you can edit your writing later.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
What’s next for you as a writer?
My new book in the series! And hopefully to get the first two books made into audio books. I’ve also got a school visit planned in May, to talk about my books and my writing.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irvine
The Beach by Alex Garland
Author Websites and Profiles
Dave Caswell Website
Dave Caswell Amazon Profile
Dave Caswell’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account