Q: You’ve written more than 20 books for all different age groups. What particular goals do you have when writing for teens, and what feedback do you get from them? Why are teens an important audience to you?
A: In writing for youth, I hope to provide knowledge they need to be good leaders, both today and tomorrow. It’s important that youth have access to stories that teach them about themselves and about others, how the world around them has shaped who we were, and who we are. It’s the only way to help form a clear version of who we can be, both as individuals and a community. That’s why most of my books are for youth, and will continue to be for youth.

Q: Your novel Black Water, the story of a father-son journey, has a male protagonist. Your latest novel, The Barren Grounds, a fantasy series that has been called “Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories,” has a female protagonist. Any factors that help you decide which gender of protagonist to go with?
A: I think I’ve had a good balance of both male and female protagonists. I think a lot about representation, not only about what cultures I’m representing, but what genders. The more I learn, and the more I consult with people from different cultures and marginalized groups, the more confident I am in writing characters that help present an appropriately diverse cultural landscape in my literature. In this way, in my more recent work, I’ve tried to write characters that are non-binary, that are two-spirited, and that have significant impacts on the stories they are in. Meaning, they aren’t there just to be there. They have agency, and depth.

Q: You examine racism, sexism, colonialism and institutional failures in your stories, and yet the books are eminently engaging and entertaining. What’s your secret?
A: Truth. Truth is the only secret to my writing. In fiction or non-fiction. If you’re honest with your stories, if you’re informed and sensitive, knowledgeable, if you’ve done the work in a good way, you can walk that very delicate line. It’s also important to me to focus on the fact that we are not just victims as Indigenous people. We are vibrant, resilient and powerful. We’re also pretty funny. So, if I can write characters that embody all of these qualities, either some or all, then I think I’ve done a good job creating authentic characters that are real and relatable to readers.

Q: If going from graphic novels to non-graphic fantasy novels is an evolution, where do you see yourself going from here?
A: Anywhere and everywhere. I want to try everything, and I want to do it well. I’ve worked very hard to write in many forms of literature, and I’d like to explore still more. I’d like to write poetry, literary fiction, short story collections and more. I have a war book coming out in a couple of years, too. So, I see myself continuing to challenge myself to get better, and to reach more people with what I have to say.

Q: You’re clearly an important role model – to Indigenous and teen-boy readers in particular. How do you hope your work and presentations influence them? (And are you actively involved in mentoring the next generation of Indigenous authors?)
A: I think I’ve done a good job mentoring emerging writers, but I think you can always do more. When I have more time in the future, when I’ve decided to take on fewer writing projects and give myself a bit of a break in that regard, I’ll be able to take on a much more active role in the area of mentorship. But I think just by making an effort to be available, to visit schools, to answer emails, or just by being out in the community and visible, I’m being some kind of an example for youth or emerging writers. I don’t think of myself as a role model, though. Other people can call me what they like. I just want to have a positive impact on people, and encourage them to do good things for others, and the land.

Q: In 2014, the Winnipeg Free Press wrote, “Ghosts and spirits are just out of eyesight in the lives of Robertson’s characters, hanging back in a playful darkness. Their motives and origins are questionable; the power of transformation they offer, tantalizing.” It appears this continues to apply to your books. Your comments on this?
A: Accurate.