When did you first learn about Coles Book Arcade and what is the most interesting thing you learned about it?

I first learned about Cole’s Book Arcade at a friend’s place in 2017. She had a copy of Cole’s Funny Picture Book No.2 on her shelf and when I asked about it, she just about exploded from excitement. The following week, we went on a research trip to the last remains of Cole’s Book Arcade at Howey Place, the State Library of Victoria to look at the Cole family’s book and papers, and the Melbourne Museum to see the Arcade’s original Symphonion and mechanical chicken.

The most interesting thing about the Arcade to me is how thoroughly Mr Cole’s values were built into it. He didn’t just talk about educating the poor, or multicultural societies – he made the Book Arcade an example of those ideals through things like his ‘Read For As Long As You Like’ rule and his relatively diverse staff.

What inspired you to write a fictional story about a real place and real people?

When I started researching the Cole family and their Book Arcade, I thought they were too good to be true. The Victorian era could be a very dark time, under all the tea and lace and politeness. But the Coles didn’t seem to have any dark secrets or unsolved mysteries that would support the adventure plots I like to write. They were too nice! There was no conflict! So I

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knew pretty early on that I’d have to make it up, and I started from the idea that in contrast to all the wonder and positivity of the Cole family and their Book Arcade, something sinister would have to happen to them for there to be a story.

Did you always intend to include magical elements in your story?

Yes! It seemed like such a magical place when my friend first described it to me that I felt I would have to include magic. The more I found out about the Coles, the more it made sense. Mr Cole used trickery to make the Arcade feel bigger, and technology to fascinate and mystify children. Mrs Cole was into spiritualism and seances. The Funny Picture Books include lots of illusions and party tricks. Actual magic seemed like a natural step.

Who was your favourite character to write?

The Obscurosmith, because he forces the Coles to prove what they’re made of and defend the things they treasure. Every time he shows up, Pearl and Vally have to be brave enough to challenge him but clever enough to avoid provoking him.

What was the most fun/exciting scene to write?

Definitely the Toy Land scene, when Pearl and Vally turn into dolls. I really enjoyed writing all the creepy details, but my favourite part is at the end of the scene when Vally realises how much he loves his sister.

If you could have your own Book Arcade, what would you include?

Everything would be solar-powered and the main Arcade would be decorated with indoor plants. Mellor’s Book Arcade would put the children’s books, YA, sci-fi and fantasy in front and centre of the shop, not hidden away at the back. I’d like an art room where people could draw on the walls, a board game room, a silent room for writers to work in, a comfy room with a giant cushion for a floor, and a VR room where you could see the world through the eyes of a wild animal. The café would be

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What was your favourite book to read as a child?

I got Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights for Christmas when I was nine, and it remained my favourite for a long time. I returned to that world recently through The Secret Commonwealth, and it was just as wonderful!