We have a very special interview today!
What
sort of books do you write?
Can
we contact you and how?
I write books for teens and pre-teens. They are real-life, growing up stories that focus on emotions, friendship, family and drama.
You can email me via the 'email Cathy' link on my website, www.cathycassidy.com or post on my Facebook fanpage, my instagram page or on my Twitter...
What
are your latest books?
Broken Heart Club, the newest, will be published in April and is the story of five best friends whose friendship group is broken apart in a very dramatic way, leaving them to pick up the pieces. Other recent books include Looking Glass Girl, a 21st century take on the classic Alice in Wonderland story, with quite a dark vibe and lots of twists and turns; and also Fortune Cookie, the series finale to my Chocolate Box Girls series.
What
is it like being a writer?
It's the perfect job for me... lots of daydreaming and thinking up characters and stories! It's not all perfect - there are deadlines and stressful moments, but mostly it's very cool. My favourite bit is going on tour and meeting my amazing readers!
What
tips would you give to want-to-be writers?
Read lots - you learn all kinds of style tips without even trying. Write a little every day - not just inside school but outside, too. And write 'from the heart', because that passion will show in your work!
How
did you get into writing?
I started out writing for the legendary teen magazine Jackie, and then earned a living as a freelance journalist and illustrator. The books came later!
Who is your inspiration?
Difficult... the inspiration for writing comes really from the characters and stories in my head, not from a particular person. But I guess I'd say my dad was my inspiration in life, even though he wasn't anything to do with books or writing. He taught me to dream big and believe in my dreams, and also to work hard to make the dreams happen. That combination of dreams and sheer hard work was a great lesson to learn early on in life - thanks, Dad!
Who
would you like to thank for giving you ideas, feedback etc.?
Interesting question... I'd thank my dad for believing in me when nobody else really did, and my kids and husband for being excellent 'first readers' and giving great (and sometimes savage!) feedback.
Thank you for your lovely interview!
Cathy has a blog: http://cathycassidydreamcatcher.blogspot.co.uk/ and check her website out for events and new books!
