What began as a personal project for Frankston local Dan Stroede is now starting to build momentum, with reader feedback, local interest and broader attention gathering around his debut novel Spencer Sparkles.
Stroede, who has worked at Trims Cafe in Frankston since 2015, wrote the book by drawing on his own experiences and shaping them into a coming-of-age story that blends LGBTQIA+ themes with magical realism.
The novel follows Spencer, a teenage boy dealing with bullying, identity and self-discovery after magical freckles begin appearing on his face. For Stroede, the story started with something simple: writing what he knew.
Turning lived experience into fiction
Stroede said he had wanted to write a book for years, but earlier attempts never went far.
“I’ve always wanted to write a book. I had started many times but it never really went anywhere. The key this time was to write what I know. And that is my own story, which then merged into the fantastical.”
He said the book was first and foremost something personal.
“I wanted to write something that was me, and that was true, and meaningful – to me.”
As he kept writing, though, he began to see the story could mean something beyond himself.
“As I kept writing, I realised that it is not only a story that means a lot to me but it’s a story that can resonate with others, too.”
Stroede said much of the novel is based on his own life, particularly his experiences of bullying, while other parts reflect the way he wished things could have been.
“A lot of the story is based or inspired by my own experiences. The bullying at school, for example. But other things are imaginary in a way how I would have liked things to be.”
“A story about finding your magic”
Asked to describe Spencer Sparkles in his own words, Stroede said the book explores the confusion, awkwardness and beauty of growing up.
“It’s a story about growing up in all its messy, sweet and awkward ways. It’s about being different and that being different is a beautiful thing. The story is about finding your magic.”
The paperback was released in October 2025, with an ebook version also available.
Strong response from readers
Stroede said readers began reaching out within weeks of publication, and the response had been stronger than he expected.
“It was within the first month of publishing the book that I have received messages from readers, feedback that I didn’t expect – hoped for, definitely… but the feedback exceeded that hope.”
He said the feedback had come from readers across different generations, each finding something familiar in the characters and themes.
“The response has been beautiful and overwhelming. From an older gentleman to a middle-aged woman to a younger boy. They all could see themselves in the characters, feel with them, connect with them and ultimately, immerse themselves in their world.”
Local interest builds
Stroede said the book has also attracted interest close to home.
He said Frankston Mayor Sue Baker met with him at Trims Cafe, where they discussed the book, its origins and how it might potentially be used in the community. Stroede said Baker also bought a copy.
He also said he had been invited back onto RPP FM to speak about the book and the journey behind it, that Midsumma Festival had supported the title in a recent newsletter, and that the ABC had agreed to do a profile on him.
Stroede has also previously said he intends to donate from book sales to Minus18, although there is no formal partnership in place.
Finding an audience of its own
For Stroede, Spencer Sparkles began as the book he finally needed to write.
What has followed is a growing sense that the story is connecting with others too, not just because of its fantasy elements, but because of the human experiences underneath them.
From Frankston to a wider audience, Spencer Sparkles is beginning to find its place.
