Debbie Dadey is the prolific author of Mermaid Tales, and co-author of the Bailey School Kids series whose series has been reprinted and rebooted several times since its inception in the 90s. She graciously took the time to answer my questions about her long-time collaboration with Marcia Jones, inspiration behind the series and more.

1. When did you begin writing, and how did you break into the industry? 

My first book came out in 1990 and I had been writing about a year and a half before I sold that. It was Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots, co-authored with Marcia T. Jones. I actually sold a greeting card (co-authored) before that  It was my first official sale and I have it hanging in my office. 

2. What were some of your biggest influences?

As a school librarian, I noticed so many kids didn’t want to read a baby book (their term for picture books), but novels were just too hard. I wanted to create something that would be just right for those kids.

3. How did your collaboration with Marcia Jones start? 

Marcia and I actually worked at the same school and happened to exercising in the school gym one afternoon. We didn’t know each other that well, but started chatting and found we both had a desire to write children’s books. Marcia said, “Let’s try writing a book together. It’d be easy!” I can’t say it was always easy, but it was a wonderful journey.

4. What was the spark for the Bailey School Kids? Did it change drastically from conception to publication?

I noticed so many kids in my school library, really loved reading about monsters and creatures. Marcia and I were brainstorming in my library office when in walked our foreign language teacher with long red hair and bright fingernails. She even spoke with an accent! Mrs. Jeepers developed from her. The ending of the first book did change significantly as Scholastic deemed our original ending too scary for kids!

5. There are over a hundred books in the series, what was the planning/scheduling like?

There are 51 numbered books as well as super specials, holiday specials and three spin offs. For multiple years, we were writing a book a month. We created an outline and that helped us to stay focused. Right now, we are waiting to see if the production company that has the Bailey School Kids will turn it into a live action movie.

6. I know it’s like choosing your children, do you have a favorite character or story from the series you enjoyed writing?

My mom said I was a bit like Eddie as a kid so he is definitely a favorite. 

7. What do you think of the new adaptation of Bailey School Kids to graphic novels?

At first it was shocking to see the added diversity of the characters. I was so used to our original characters, but I’ve always believed that kids should be able to see themselves on the covers of books so it’s great thing for the BSK graphic novels to show that diversity.

8. How do you feel about it’s continued appeal for new generations? Are there any things you think would be changed to fit modern times?

For the graphic novels, we did update a few things but it is certainly a honor when parents tell me that they are sharing their beloved copies with their children.

9. You’ve since switched from monsters to mermaids, what made you decide you were ready for a new cast of characters?

I have actually done 13 different series. When Simon and Schuster contacted me to write a mermaid series, I was intrigued and spent six months creating their world before writing the first word in the first story.

10. What is coming next?

I have been working on a YA novel!

You can learn more about Debbie Dadey and her works at her website, and all relevant social media-https://debbiedadey.com/