Unique Blend of Horse Racing and Storytelling
Dawn LeFevre discusses her transition from music journalism to horse racing fiction, the
authenticity in her novels, and how personal experiences and heavy metal influence
her storytelling.
Dawn LeFevre is a remarkable storyteller whose journey from the world of heavy metal journalism to the thrilling realm of horse racing fiction is as captivating as her novels. With a background that spans reviewing albums and training Thoroughbred horses, Dawn brings a unique perspective to her writing, infusing her stories with authenticity and a touch of humour. Her debut novel, Backstretch Girls, not only won the Best Horse Racing Fiction award at the 2021 Equus Film & Arts Festival but also captured the hearts of readers with its vivid portrayal of life on the racetrack. Her follow-up novel, Racetrack Rogues, further cemented her reputation as a talented author, earning a finalist spot for the prestigious Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award. Dawn’s ability to weave intricate narratives that explore themes of family, love, and resilience is a testament to her skill and passion for storytelling.
In this interview, Dawn shares insights into her creative process, the influence of her diverse experiences, and the inspiration behind her compelling characters. Her candid reflections reveal how her years in the racing industry and her love for heavy metal music have shaped her writing style, allowing her to capture the raw emotions and drama of the worlds she knows so well. Join us as we delve into the mind of Dawn LeFevre, a writer whose work continues to inspire and entertain readers with its depth and authenticity.
Your journey from a heavy metal album reviewer to a successful novelist is fascinating. How did your experiences as a music journalist influence your writing style in your novels, particularly in capturing the intense emotions and drama of the horse racing world?
I never took myself too seriously as a music journalist. My album reviews had a fun, facetious tone (I once suggested that a certain hair metal band would be better off doing shampoo commercials instead). That sarcastic voice has carried over to my novels, especially in the characters of Teagan in Backstretch Girls and Sapphire in The Metal Sisters.
Both of your novels, Backstretch Girls and Racetrack Rogues, delve deeply into the world of horse racing, a field you know intimately. How did your years of training and racing Thoroughbreds shape the authenticity and depth of the characters and settings in your books?
I hate the Hollywood version of the racetrack where the barns are pristine, the horses are perfect, and no one ever has mud on their shoes. My characters walk around in manure-stained jeans and it’s a good day when their horses don’t try to run off or throw them. While the majority of backstretch workers and trainers love horses, I don’t shy away from portraying those who abuse their charges or view them as mere moneymakers.
In Backstretch Girls, you explore the lives of two young women struggling to find their place in the competitive world of horse racing. What inspired you to write about these strong yet vulnerable female characters, and what do you hope readers take away from their stories?
When I first started on the track, women trainers and jockeys were still relatively new in the industry. I was lucky to work with several strong, independent women over the years and their spirits carried through to my characters of Backstretch Girls. I hope that my characters inspire other young women to pursue their dreams.
Your novel Racetrack Rogues deals with themes of family, love, and loss, set against the backdrop of horse racing. How did your personal experiences and connections within the racing community influence the emotional depth of this story?
Racetrack Rogues is a love letter to my mom. She was a huge horse racing fan and shared her passion for the sport with me. So many of my memories of her are tied into horse racing – cheering on Seattle Slew from the crush of the Belmont grandstand as he swept the Triple Crown, Secretariat trying to bite us when we visited him at Claiborne Farm, experiencing the beauty of Saratoga. I was devastated when she passed away suddenly in 2018 and writing Racetrack Rogues was my way of dealing with the pain of that loss.
As a 2021 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award Finalist and winner of Best Horse Racing Fiction at the Equus Film & Arts Festival, how has recognition from these prestigious awards impacted your writing career? Have these accolades influenced your approach to future projects?
Winning the Equus Film & Arts Festival award helped boost my confidence as a writer. It’s scary publishing your first book, putting yourself out there, the potential for negative reviews, etc. Winning that award made me more willing to tackle the emotional complexity required for Racetrack Rogues. Being selected as a Finalist for the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, traveling to Kentucky for the ceremony, and meeting Caton Bredar was incredible. It also made me realize I was ready to step out of my comfort zone (horse racing) and move on to something new (The Metal Sisters).
You’ve mentioned being a lifelong heavy metal fan. How does your love for this genre of music play a role in your creative process, whether in writing or in your day-to-day life? Do you see any parallels between the intensity of heavy metal and the adrenaline of horse racing?
Well I certainly don’t listen to metal while I’m writing! (laughs) However, I do tap into heavy metal’s feelings of anger and aggression when I’m writing specific scenes, or in the case of Destiny, certain characters. In The Metal Sisters, Destiny’s rough upbringing has made her as volatile as the music she plays.
Both horse racing and heavy metal give me a head rush – whether it’s seeing my horse turn for home five lengths in front or hearing an awesome song for the very first time.
