Catherine MacPhail  

 How long have you been writing for?

Since I was a wee girl I was making up stories and writing them down. My first novel for teenagers Run Zan Run came out in 1994.

 How long does it take to write a book?

I write quite very quickly - usually because the book is worked out in my head before I start.  I write a chapter every day.

 Have you any advice for people wanting to write a story?

Start writing.  Once you have something written down you can always change it.

Read as much as you can to get ideas.  .

 Out of all the books you have written which is your favourite and why?

That is like asking, who is my favourite baby! Run Zan Run was my first baby. Nemesis is my new baby- I want everyone to like it!

 Who inspired you to start writing?

My mother gave me my love of reading – but I always wanted to change something in the book - I was in fact writing my own endings.

 Who is your favourite author?

I love Jane Austen, Ruth Rendall and Charles Dickens… And- do I go on!

 What is your favourite book?

Pride And Prejudice

 When your book is published what kind of feeling do you get?

I wish I could put it into words? Every time is like the first time – exciting and unbelievable.

 Have you ever been spotted by a person who recognised you?

Oh yes! Unfortunately they thought I was Jimmy Krankie. Should I have told you that?

 What is the best thing about being an author?

I can’t think of a bad thing about being an author. I love everything about being an author especially meeting the people who read my books.

 Have you always wanted to be an author if not what did you want to do?

I always wanted to be an author

 

 

 How long have you been writing for?

Since I was a wee girl I was making up stories and writing them down. My first novel for teenagers Run Zan Run came out in 1994.

 How long does it take to write a book?

I write quite very quickly - usually because the book is worked out in my head before I start.  I write a chapter every day.

 Have you any advice for people wanting to write a story?

Start writing.  Once you have something written down you can always change it.

Read as much as you can to get ideas.  .

 Out of all the books you have written which is your favourite and why?

That is like asking, who is my favourite baby! Run Zan Run was my first baby. Nemesis is my new baby- I want everyone to like it!

 Who inspired you to start writing?

My mother gave me my love of reading – but I always wanted to change something in the book - I was in fact writing my own endings.

 Who is your favourite author?

I love Jane Austen, Ruth Rendall and Charles Dickens… And- do I go on!

 What is your favourite book?

Pride And Prejudice

 When your book is published what kind of feeling do you get?

I wish I could put it into words? Every time is like the first time – exciting and unbelievable.

 Have you ever been spotted by a person who recognised you?

Oh yes! Unfortunately they thought I was Jimmy Krankie. Should I have told you that?

 What is the best thing about being an author?

I can’t think of a bad thing about being an author. I love everything about being an author especially meeting the people who read my books.

 Have you always wanted to be an author if not what did you want to do?

I always wanted to be an author