Dandy Smith Book TV Adaptation
News
From Frome to France - BSU alum has book picked up by French TV company
Monday, 6 January, 2025Author and BSU Alum Dandy Smith has recently seen her third book, ‘The Wrong Daughter’, picked up by French TV company Quad Drama in a hotly contested auction. But it was a voyage of dedication and multiple rejections that led her to this point.
Speaking to Dandy, she reflected on how her writing journey really began on the BSU ‘Writing for Young People’ MA course. After completing her undergraduate degree in Creative Writing, she landed a job working in a small publishing house in Bath - but quickly realised her passion for writing books over selling them. She stated:
“Being accepted onto the course was the springboard into a life I had always wanted."
During an intense year dedicated to her writing, Dandy met her agent Thérèse Coen and went on to write two young adult fantasy manuscripts, which were sadly not taken on by publishers for being too ‘dark and twisted’ for a YA audience. Feeling disheartened by the rejection, it took her agent and former BSU mentor Joanna Nadin to convince Dandy her voice lent more towards an older readership.
Channelling all she had learned from the MA course ‘One Small Mistake’ was brought to life, an adult thriller that was quickly snapped up by Embla Books, an imprint of Bonnier. Since, she has written three best-selling novels and sold half a million copies across all three titles. Dandy said:
“None of this would have been possible without my studies at Bath Spa University. My upcoming book The Wedding Vow even has scenes set on the beautiful grounds of the Newton Park Campus!”
Continuing her upward trajectory, Dandy also shared more about the rights for her third book The Wrong Daughter being won by Quad drama:
“I think it’s every author’s dream to see their work adapted for TV or film. I never believed I’d be lucky enough to have this experience and I am endlessly grateful to every single person that has helped make it happen.”
Speaking to the Frome Times, Dandy stated that hopefully French Netflix would take it on where it would air for six months before progressing to the UK with subtitles. They have even asked if she would appear as a cameo in the series, which she says is very exciting.
Reflecting on the ups and downs of her own experience, she went on to offer some incredible advice to younger writers, believing that often it can be during the hardest times of rejection, that a spark of inspiration might strike. The premise of ‘One Small Mistake’s’ protagonist grew from her own desire to finally get a book published. She concluded:
“My advice is to surround yourself with people who tell you that you can, and never let the pain or fear of rejection snuff out your ambition to achieve your goals.”
If you are interested in beginning your own literary adventure, BSU has a wide range of courses to get you started. If you want to know more about Dandy and her books, you can find her on Instagram @DandySmthAuthor .