Meet the Author

Spy Dog 2 - Andy Cope Spy Dog - Andy Cope Spy Dog Super Brain - Andy Cope

It’s Lara here, the star of the ‘Spy Dog’ series. Can I say what an honour it is to be interviewed by a fellow mutt. Especially one that works in a library! You and I are living proof that dogs have supreme intelligence. This is probably a world first? A dog interviewing a dog? Now, down to the questions...

	Have you always been a writer?
	Technically, I’m not the writer of the ‘Spy Dog’ books, I’m the STAR!! The inspiration. Think of me as the brains behind the project. Andrew Cope churns out the words for the book but he couldn’t do that without me having the adventures in the first place. He wasn’t always a writer. I think he’s had lots of jobs, like being a teacher and working in a shop and cleaning cars and stuff.
	Where do you get your ideas from for your books?
	I adopted Andrew and his family when they visited the RSPCA. I settled into my new environment but, let’s face it, I’m no ordinary family pet. I was brought up as a spy dog, the world’s cleverest, most talented, secret agent mutt. Think of me like a canine 007. So if there’s an adventure I absolutely have to sniff it out. And I guess that’s where the ideas come from.
	What is a typical day for you?
	There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ day for a spy dog. Some days are more normal than others. So sometimes I laze around, maybe cook sausages for tea and help the kids with their maths. Other days are just crazy. Chasing baddies, driving my car, using secret agent gadgets and generally being an all-action hero.
	Which of your own books/characters do you like best and why?
	My favourite character in the Spy Dog books is...well...me I suppose! And I also like the evil baddies that Andrew creates. Especially the spine-chillingly scary Mr Big. I’ve had a few close encounters with him!
	Who was your favourite author when you were a child?
	When I was a puppy I used to read anything doggie. So ‘Lassie’, ‘101 Dalmatians’ and my fave, ‘Marley and Me'.
	Are you working on any new material now?
	I’m helping Andrew out with his Spy Puppy series. He’s busy writing about my 2 pups, Star and Spud at their recent survival camp. He’s nearly finished it. Once I’ve added the finishing touches the book should be in the shops and libraries in January 2012.
	Do you have any advice for would-be authors?
	I always give 3 pieces of advice for anyone who wants to be an author. Firstly, you must read. It’s great for your vocabulary and your brain. Secondly, you must read. It’ll help your imagination. And thirdly, you must read. It’s an important life skill and the more you practice the better your life will be. So joining a library is a no-brainer. It costs you zero and you can choose oodles of books! How cool is that!

Find out more about Lara's adventures on the official Spy Dog website!