About Diamond Jack: Your Magic Or Your Life by Anna Rainbow:
While helping in Grandpa’s shop, Bramble discovers a strange scarlet mask. A tingling in her fingers tells her to try it on, but when she does she can’t take it off . . .
And when she looks in the mirror, the face of a famous highwayman Diamond Jack stares back.
It seems Bramble has been chosen for a mission. Time to stand and deliver – your magic or your life!
Tell us a little about the story.
Diamond Jack is a story about Bramble, a twelve-year-old girl, who discovers a Highwayman’s mask carefully hidden in her Grandpa’s emporium of strange and magical things. She puts the mask on and is transformed into the notorious highwayman, Diamond Jack. When her Grandpa is stolen by the Rippers, the most villainous highwaymen in the whole Queendom, Bram must overcome her fears in order to save him.
Where and when did you write the book?
I wrote the book at home a few years ago now. I have a summer house in the garden I like to write in, but in the cold months, I move onto the sofa.
Any tips for budding writers out there?
Don’t compare yourself to other people if you can help it. There will always be someone who writes quicker than you, or who wins that competition, or gets an agent quicker, or who bags a better deal. Just focus on your own achievements and be kind to yourself.
Where did you get your initial inspiration for the story?
My son was obsessed with highwaymen; he used to dress up as one and jump around the house shouting ‘stand and deliver!’ After we’d read the Highway Rat and watched Robinhood a few hundred times, I decided I’d write something new for him to enjoy.
Is Diamond Jack based on any real highwaymen? Do you have any favourites from history or fiction?
Diamond Jack is influenced by famous highwaymen like Dick Turpin, and also Robinhood and the idea of a good highwayman who robs from the rick to give to the poor. I used to love the film Plunkett and Macleane, which is filled with adventure and some fantastic Dandy fashions. It’s certificate 15 though, so not suitable for kids.
There is a thrilling magical transformation of Bramble Browning from young girl to highwayman! How did this open the possibilities for adventure?
Since her parents death, Bramble rarely left her Grandpa’s shop because her sister was scared of her getting hurt. Becoming Diamond Jack allowed Bramble to have some fun, explore the world beyond the shop, and have some great adventures, with a touch of danger and daredevil. She also made some awesome highwaymen friends and became part of a team – adventures are more fun with your mates.
What can we learn from Bramble Browning?
That everyone wears a mask sometimes and that’s OK.
- Diamond Jack: Your Magic or Your Life by Anna Rainbow is out now in paperback, published by Chicken House. RRP. £7.99 (Book provided as part of a promotional blog tour)
