I recently had a the opportunity to interview Cathy Cassidy. For me, this was slightly surreal as I had been a big fan of her writing since primary school. I also had the pleasure of meeting her at a 'Big School' event back in late 2011, in year 7, when my real love for her writing was just amplified!
She is a popular childrens author and has written books such as ''Cherry Crush'' and ''Marshmallow Skye''. Her novels are captivating, fun and normally follow wherever her frequent day dreaming takes her!
She is a popular childrens author and has written books such as ''Cherry Crush'' and ''Marshmallow Skye''. Her novels are captivating, fun and normally follow wherever her frequent day dreaming takes her!
Cathy gave some great, interesting responses, so I hope you love reading this interview as much as I loved writing it!
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| Cathy with her husband Liam and children, Calum & Caitlin |
What has been the highlight of your past week?
Well, last week has
been week one of a book tour around the UK and Channel Islands talking about ‘Sweet
Honey’ which has just gone into paperback. I met about 4000 readers in big
school and library events and I've genuinely loved every minute. My readers are
so amazing and enthusiastic, they make all the hard work worthwhile!
Do you have a favourite quote, or one that inspires you?
Follow your dreams...
Do you ever experience writer's block?
Yes, I guess we all
do at times… but it's important not to give in to it. You wouldn't get away
with having 'student's block' so why should writers be any different? If I'm
really stuck I talk to my editor who always manages to ask the right questions
to get me unblocked again! Daydreaming is also a great way to generate new
ideas!
Is there a message in your any of your novels that you would like
readers to grasp?
Friendship, family
and kindness can get you through the worst of times.
Is any of your work based on your life, or people you know?
No, the stories are
fiction - but they often deal with difficult themes which I have seen at first
hand. I daydream and the stories that unfold are always very different from the
starting point.
Are you planning to write any more books in the near future?
Yes, there's lots
more in the pipeline!
What book are you reading right now?
A book called 'Mrs
Hemingway' about the wives of famous American author Ernest Hemingway.
Where did your interest in writing originate?
I've always loved
inventing stories and have dreamt of being an author ever since I knew that
such a job existed. I'm not sure where that compulsion to tell stories comes
from, but I am very glad it's there!
What career path do you think you would have taken if you weren't an author?
I've already had a
number of careers…
I trained to be an illustrator and worked at
that for a while, then I was Fiction Editor on a national teen magazine, then
an agony aunt on a different mag for twelve years. I've been an art teacher -
and loved it - and also worked as a waitress and a petrol pump attendant! I
wasn't quite so keen on the last two! If I had to start over, I'd either have
an animal rescue or a craft business.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Believe in your
dreams… and work your socks off to make them happen.
Why did you decide to write ‘Looking Glass Girl’?
This year is the
150th anniversary of the publication of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and I
was asked to write a book with an Alice theme. I loved working the Alice
imagery into a story and giving it a dark, modern twist!
Where do you go to relax and get away?
For holidays, I love
adventure and exploration… or maybe a Greek Island if I need to unwind! Last
year we didn't get a holiday and this year looks likely to be the same, so
weekends away or having groups of friends to visit has been my way of chilling
out.
♥♥♥
*Next Post 7th March*
Coming soon....
*Next Post 7th March*
Coming soon....
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