{Q & A} with Cat Clarke

Cat Clarke is the Author of this Amazing Novel:

I urge you all to buy it is this novel was most certainly beautiful, haunting and mesmerizing. It will make you sad and make you smile, it will leave you breathless.

      1) What inspired you to write Entangled?

I got the original idea in an English language exam when I was 18. It’s pretty much changed beyond all recognition since then though!

2) How long did it take you to write?

Three and a half years! That was with a few long breaks in the middle, so it’s not as terrible as it sounds... honest. Luckily I seem to have picked up the pace a bit for my next book.

3) Will there be any sequels?

Lots of people have been asking me this, which is interesting as it’s something I never even considered! I don’t have any plans for a sequel at the moment and I do like the fact that you can interpret the story’s ending however you want. I’d be reluctant to add to that, I think. But never say never!

4) You are not afraid to address sex and teenage pregnancy. Did you do this intentionally for Entangled? Was it something you planned to address in the book?

I never set out to intentionally address certain topics. The most important thing for me is the story, and if the story demands sex or pregnancy or dancing elephants, then that’s what goes in!

5) Did you base any characters on people you may know in real life?

No comment! Oh, all right then... the answer is ‘sort of’. My characters are often an amalgamation of a few people, some made-up stuff and a healthy dollop of me thrown in for good measure.

6) What are you currently working on?

A coming-of-age story about a dancing elephant. Kidding! I’ve just started working on my third YA novel, having just finished the edits for the second one (TORN, out in January). I’m in the very early stages of book three at the moment and enjoying it immensely! The first 10,000 words are always the most fun to write.

7)Would u ever consider writing outside of the YA genre?

It’s something I would definitely consider, and I’ve tried out a few things here and there. YA will always be my first love, though. Nothing beats it.

8) How does your writing process work?

I don’t really have a writing process as such. I write sporadically and I’m a master of procrastination. Writing is my favourite thing in the world, but I will do anything (and I mean ANYTHING) to avoid doing it. The human brain is a very strange thing indeed. Oh, and I’m not a planner. I tend to just start writing and see where the characters take  me. That’s half the fun!

                Thanks so much for having me on your blog!