Interview with Australian Author – Dave Blumenthal
“Australian Authors” – Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
Dave – I’m not your typical author. I’m best known for the puns and dad jokes that I draw daily on my childrens’ school lunch bags, under my moniker @sandwichbagdad on Instagram or Facebook. You can find out more about me at www.sandwichbagdad.com
“Australian Authors” – What made you want to become a writer?
Dave – Although I’ve been doodling on my kids lunch bags for around 10 years now, my quirky ritual shot to fame last year when I was featured on a range of global websites and media. My humble little drawings have now even had their own exhibition at Australia’s National Cartoon Gallery! On the back of all the overwhelming support and positive feedback, I’ve now published a book of my cartoons called “The Cartoon Chronicles of Sandwich Bag Dad”
“Australian Authors” – What gives you inspiration for your book(s)?
Dave – There were 3 reasons for publishing my book. Firstly, I wanted to create a physical record of my work for my 3 daughters. At the moment, they groan and roll their eyes at a lot of my lunchbags puns, but I hope it will be something they will treasure in the years to come. Secondly, I’ve realised that my bag cartoons seem to make lots of people around the world chuckle and smile. With all the depressing news around at the moment, I think its really important for people to stop and just smile if they can. Thankfully there is a dad joke in practically any situation so I’m always happy to oblige (I always say I’m just trying to use my dadjoke superpowers for good rather than evil). Perhaps most importantly though, the 3rd reason for the book is to help support the Leukaemia Foundation. I will be donating at least 15% of the profits from the book to the Leukaemia Foundation. My dad passed away from Leukaemia so it’s a cause close to my heart. He was the king of dad jokers in our household, so I think the book is a great way to acknowledge and honour his legacy too.
“Australian Authors” – Now, the big question, are you working on another book?
Dave – Having only just lauched this one, the answer is “not yet”. I still draw and post my lunch bag art almost daily to social media, so who knows.
“Australian Authors” – What genres do you prefer to write in?
Dave – Definitely humor/comedy.
“Australian Authors” – What do you think about the ebook revolution?
Dave – The immediacy of an ebook download is great and super convenient. I still love the feel of an old fashioned paperbook though – and personally I think my own book is just more suited to sitting on a physical coffee table than in the virtual world.
“Australian Authors” – Do you start a book with a definite plot, or do you just write?
Dave – I start with an idea. Usually something that makes me smile.
“Australian Authors” – Pen or type writer or computer?
Dave – Definitely pen.
“Australian Authors” – Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or are you always in control?
Dave – As the cartoonist, I always call the shots. I have an eraser and am not afraid to use it on delinquent characters or scenes!
“Australian Authors” – Are your characters based on real people or completely imagined?
Dave – Both.
“Australian Authors” – Have you thought about joining with another author to write a book?
Dave – I’m always open to collaborations.
“Australian Authors” – Who are your favourite authors?
Dave – I love the nuttiness of Douglas Adams and his novels.
“Australian Authors” – What’s your advice to Authors? On writing? Publishing? Marketing?
Dave – Do it! And if in doubt, just do it anyway 🙂
