Interview with Australian Author – Cathryn deVries
“Australian Authors” – Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
Cathryn – I became a writer by accident after a spur-of-the-moment decision to chronicle the family DnD campaign my eldest daughter wrote for us to play. I studied aeronautical engineering (of course) and I’m a proud left-hander.
“Australian Authors” – What made you want to become a writer?
Cathryn – I absorbed stories from a very young age. My mum tells me I had memorised Cinderella at 3, and I started writing and illustrating my own stories as soon as I could write words. But it was my daughters who inspired me to take the (very awful) first draft of the chronicle and turn it into something publishable. They could see how writing brought me alive.
“Australian Authors” – What gives you inspiration for your book(s)?
Cathryn – My daughters are a big source of inspiration, but I always want to have a POINT to my work, and that comes from the things I’ve wrestled with through life–emotional wounds, insights, problems I see in the world. Plus of course the vast number of fantasy and science fiction books I read that are now a permanent part of my subconscious.
“Australian Authors” – Now, the big question, are you working on another book?
Cathryn – Yes! I am currently working on the second book of the romantic fantasy trilogy that the DnD game became. The trilogy was picked up by a small press, so I have a deadline!
“Australian Authors” – What genres do you prefer to write in?
Cathryn – Fantasy and science fiction of course!
“Australian Authors” – What do you think about the ebook revolution?
Cathryn – I’m glad people have that option, and I have ebooks from my indie author friends that I’d never be able to buy otherwise, but I will always prefer to read a print book.
“Australian Authors” – Do you start a book with a definite plot, or do you just write?
Cathryn – I need a climax and a point to begin drafting (usually). I need something to write towards, but I discover a lot of the details along the way.
“Australian Authors” – Pen or type writer or computer?
Cathryn – Computer. It’s easier long-term. But I always journal with pen and paper, and keep lots of notes in notebooks. I find free writing a lot easier with pen and paper too.
“Australian Authors” – Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or are you always in control?
Cathryn – They never hijack the story, but they do teach me things.
“Australian Authors” – Are your characters based on real people or completely imagined?
Cathryn – Many of them share characteristics with people I know, but none of them are a complete copy/paste.
“Australian Authors” – Have you thought about joining with another author to write a book?
Cathryn – I already have! My eldest daughter became my co-author for our trilogy. My youngest daughter wants me to ghost write or co-author with her as well!
“Australian Authors” – Who are your favourite authors?
Cathryn – JRR Tolkien, Brandon Sanderson, Anne McCaffrey, Raymond E Feist, Janny Wurts, Suzanne Collins, Isobelle Carmody
“Australian Authors” – What’s your advice to Authors? On writing? Publishing? Marketing?
Cathryn – Invest in yourself. Take a writing course or three. Don’t be afraid of feedback/critique, you need it to improve. I’ve actually written a blog post on this question. It can be found at https://eclectaperennial.com/blog/10-steps
