PHOTO: Sally Odgers, celebrated Tasmanian author of over 400 books, continues to inspire with her creativity, curiosity, and love for storytelling.
A Prolific Tasmanian Author Who Transforms Passion, Place, and Curiosity Into Unforgettable Stories
Sally Odgers discusses her extraordinary career, inspirations from Tasmania, evolving creative interests, love for storytelling, advice for writers, and how her characters often reflect and expand on her personal passions.
Sally Odgers has established herself as a prolific and versatile author, having written over 400 books spanning multiple genres. Raised amid the serene beauty of Tasmania, her writing reflects both the tranquility of her surroundings and a keen insight into human nature. Her extensive body of work includes the beloved Jack Russell Dog Detective series and the genealogical mysteries found in her Lark Westerly titles, captivating readers with engaging characters and imaginative plots.
Odgers attributes her passion for storytelling to a lifelong love of crafting narratives with dynamic settings and proactive characters. She explains that writing allows her a sense of control and authenticity that she finds elusive in the real world. This passion is exemplified in her Jack Russell Dog Detective series, inspired by her own clever Jack Russell Terriers, especially one named Ace, who sparked the idea of a dog detective through her inquisitive nature.
Sally Odgers is a literary powerhouse whose boundless creativity, heartfelt storytelling, and dedication have enriched readers across generations and genres.
Her interests evolve over time, and this fluidity enriches her work. For instance, after becoming fascinated with genealogy while researching her own family tree, Odgers infused this newfound passion into characters such as Pippin Pearmain and Dove Larren, who explore their ancestries in her Lark Westerly books. She often transfers her interests to her characters, who frequently possess talents beyond her own—such as sewing or heightened imagination—allowing her to explore diverse themes creatively.
In addition to writing, Odgers works as a manuscript assessor, guiding aspiring authors through common pitfalls like motivation lapses, incorrect character perspectives, and overreliance on automated editing tools. To help writers improve, she authored the comprehensive guide Everything You Want to Know About Writing and More, Much More, which offers practical advice and exercises designed to strengthen their craft.
Growing up in rural northwest Tasmania provided Odgers with the mental space to focus on writing without many distractions. The influence of this environment often permeates her stories, which frequently take place in country towns or settings she knows well, such as Sydney or her own fictional worlds.
Odgers is also an avid listener of audiobooks, especially while walking her dogs. She appreciates the ability to multitask, getting exercise and fresh air while enjoying stories. Though audiobooks have not fundamentally changed her writing style—she began writing long before their popularity—listening to her own manuscripts aloud has helped her catch errors and refine dialogue.
Sally Odgers continues to captivate readers with her rich storytelling and imaginative characters, drawing on both her deep roots in Tasmania and her ever-changing interests. Her advice and experience serve as valuable guidance for both readers and writers alike.
Source: Reader’s House Interview with Sally Odgers
