Interview with Paige Dearth, author of Mean Little People

What can you tell us about your new release, Mean Little People?

The foundation of Mean Little People is built on a bullied child. Tony Bruno is not only bullied by his peers in school, but also by his father at home. The story is Tony’s journey from seven-years-old into his late teens and illustrates the impact of his childhood trauma. Feeling disconnected Tony will perform unimaginable acts to survive.

What’s the last book you read?

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon. It was a great story about an eighteen-year-old girl named Maddy, who has been sick her whole life. Then a boy moves in next door and changes the course of Maddy’s life forever. The book is a sad yet sweet love story.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

My childhood inspired me to become an author. Abused by an uncle when I was seven-years-old became the reason I made up stories. This helped me cope with my real-life nightmare. When I was older I decided that those experiences should be shared and so I wrote my debut novel, Believe Like A Child, the beginning of this book is based on my real-life experiences. The long-term ramifications of child abuse can ruin a life or lives. My goal is that through fiction I can help create prevention.

What’s a typical day like for you?

I wake at 4:30 a.m. and workout. Afterward, I drink my coffee and read. I try to be writing by 8:00 or 9:00. After I’ve spent three to four hours alone with my laptop, my husband and I enjoy wine and dinner together. I’m fairly structured in my life it’s the only way I have the discipline to write and still get other things done.

If you could invent anything what would it be?

A small device you can place in the ear to read minds.

What’s your favorite play or musical?

Jersey Boys is my favorite musical. Our Town is my favorite play, only because my husband and I fell in love while working on it back in our high school theater department

What scene in Mean Little People was your favorite to write?

The beach scene towards the end of the novel where Tony and his friends, Salvatore and Vincent are overcome with the emotions of love and loss.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” – Ben Franklin

This quote is the reason I write real-life horror.

Paige Dearth is the author of the new book Mean Little People. 

Connect with Paige:
Author Website