I’m a fan of Bobbie Pyron’s books, especially A Dog’s Way Home. When I learned she had a new book out, I asked her if I could read an advanced copy and interview her. When I got the book, I was intrigued by the cover art and title. And when I read the first page . . . I was hooked. I had no idea it was going to tackle the topic of depression. And through verse! So here is a behind-the-scenes interview with Bobbie about her wonderful new release Octopus Moon.
About the Book
Hi Bobbie! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Octopus Moon. As someone who has also written a book on mental illness (on OCD), I appreciate how you show the ups and downs of depression.
Can you give us a short summary about the book?
Octopus Moon is a middle grade verse novel about a ten-year-old girl and her struggle with depression and anxiety. For as long as Pearl can remember, she’s had times when a dark cloud descends upon her, and she also worries about everything. Still, she’s been able to manage these feelings by running, hanging out with her friends, and spending time at the aquarium where her mother works. But as fifth grade approaches, these coping mechanisms don’t work as well. And then, with all the changes fifth grade brings, Pearl becomes overwhelmed by depression. Octopus Moon follows Pearl’s journey from crippling depression to hope.
When you began writing Octopus Moon, do you intend it to be more of a window or a mirror?
Excellent question! I think when I began Octopus Moon, I was writing it for my ten-year-old self. Having struggled since about the age of five with chronic depression, it was a book that would have been incredibly reassuring to me: I would have felt less alone, and also felt a sense of hope. But as I took a deep dive into the second and even third drafts, I also wanted readers who don’t live with a mental illness, especially depression, to understand what it’s like. How it’s different from “being down,” or “having a bad day.” So yes, at the beginning, I intended for the book to be a mirror.
About the Author
I read in your Author’s Note that growing up, you experienced something similar to Pearl (I think it’s wonderful you share this with your readers). Did you set out to do this or did the story shape itself?
Photo by Todd Blackley
As a former librarian, I was all too aware of the lack of novels for middle grade readers in which the main character had chronic depression. They are abundant in the YA world. Middle grade, not so much. Yet, I knew from my own experience that children, even young children, can have chronic depression, and certainly anxiety too. Back in the ‘60s when I was a young kid, there was no concept of children having depression. As a matter of fact, back then, any kind of mental illness in anybody was not talked about! And taking a kid to therapy? Ridiculous! Needless to say, even though I was a passionate reader, I never saw myself reflected in a book. It took quite a few years (and having success as an author) to get up the courage to write such a personal book.
What books and movies have influenced your writing style and/or topic choices?
Hmmm…Well, I love novels in verse! So I thought I’d try to write Pearl’s story that way. I will say, it was much harder than I’d expected it to be! Still, I think it was the right choice for this story. I was also very impressed by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s novel FIGHTING WORDS, which is inspired by her childhood. It’s so very honest and beautiful, heartbreaking and hopeful.
Guess which one is Bobbie?
Do you share any personality traits with Pearl?
I also live with this insidious illness, depression, so I share that with her. And like her, I wanted to be a mermaid when I grew up. I love the sea and all of its wonders. I also had a very close relationship with my paternal grandfather.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
Like Pearl, I need to be physically active. I hike, kayak, bike. I love working in the garden. And like Pearl, I love being with my friends.
Research/Writing
Little Bobbie and her beagle, Puck
What is something FUN from your childhood that you snuck into the book?
When I was young, we had a wonderful beagle named Puck. He was the most patient, loving, gentle, non-judgemental soul on the planet. I loved having him in my book!
Addressing Mental Health
You tackle a number of tough topics in this book—the main one being depression. I know it can be difficult finding a balance on what to include in a middle grade novel. Did you have any difficulty deciding how in-depth you wanted to go on the topic? And did you contemplate where to have Pearl in her journey with depression (having the book address diagnosis vs starting the book in the middle of managing depression)?
LOL, my editor, Stacey Barney, will be soooo glad you asked this question! I originally started the book on the first day of fifth grade. So right out the gate, the readers sees Pearl being overwhelmed by anxiety and depression. But my editor wanted me to back it up so that we get a sense of Pearl before things become so difficult for her. I think that was a brilliant suggestion.
Yes, I did have some difficulty deciding how in-depth to go into depression. I wanted to be honest and I didn’t want to sugar coat what living with a mental illness is like. At the same time, I wanted the story to be gentle and hopeful. I hope I achieved that balance.
What did you learn while writing this book?
First of all, I learned that writing a whole book in verse is very hard! In my book, Stay, half of the chapters are written in verse. It was fun and not that hard, so I thought, “Let’s do a whole book that way!” Ha!
I also learned that, while Octopus Moon is inspired by my own experience with depression, this is really Pearl’s story. I gave her things I didn’t have at that age: a supportive family, and a wonderful therapist. But I did have a dog.
For Teachers
Are you doing school visits related to this book?
I love doing school visits! I can usually tailor my presentation to what the teachers would like me to talk about. My presentations are best suited for grades four and up.
How can we learn more about you?
You can visit me on my lovely website www.bobbiepyron.com
I can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter under Bobbie Pyron.
Thanks for your time, Bobbie.
