Interview with Ruby Knight, Author of Dark Clowder Cats
28 Nov 2023
What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Dark Clowder Cats?
Dark Clowder Cats is the second book in the Clowder Cats series. I started writing a series of picture story books for children about cats because one of the students I taught would only read books about cats. I wanted to write stories for children that were interesting and engaging. One of the ideas from this morphed into what became the first book in the Clowder Cats series, High Clowder Cats. Initially I started writing this for students who were good readers but too young for the content in some of the books usually given to readers at their level. It quickly felt right to turn it into a young adult fantasy series that also crosses over to adult readers. As Lewis Carrol said, “There is not really a book worth reading at 10 that is also not worth reading at 60”.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Dark Clowder Cats, what would they be?
I recently posted a Tik-Tok ad with the song “A Storm is Coming” as the main character’s name in Dark Clowder Cats is Storm. I have also used “I’m Just a Cat” by Simon and the Astronauts.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Young adult fantasy is my favourite genre to read as well as write. I only read fantasy but like a wide-range of fantasy including high fantasy, urban fantasy, historical fantasy and sword and sorcery. I also enjoy animal fantasy, such as Duncton Wood.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I have just finished reading all the Robin Hobb books again. I was a bit obsessed once I started and was reading as many hours as I could squeeze in every day. It was great to be able to read them one after another without having to wait for the next one to come out! I was a bit sad to come to the end of the books but this morning I decided I would reread The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss – that should cheer me up!
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
If you don’t want spoilers look away now…
I think my favourite scene in book two is where Storm masters the art of being still through using dance. It is always a great moment when the protagonist has a break through and moves a step closer to achieving their goals, and I think Storm’s problem is one that is particularly relevant to many readers. There are a lot of stressors in modern life that make being still difficult.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I love writing and feel quite peaceful when I am writing. Sometimes it is frustrating that it is such a slow process. I don’t mind where I am when I am writing. Normally when I sit at my computer for work, I really like eating snacks while I work but when I am writing I am usually so engrossed in it that I even forget to eat!
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
I think the High Clowder Cats three rules have become my motto as well! I came up with them when I was going through a difficult time to help me manage and have used them ever since: be still – see what is – find your balance. They help me to stop and reflect and put things in perspective.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
The Clowder Cats books are escapism adventure stories and not meant to be deep and meaningful, however some readers have found that the themes have had a profound impact on them. Each reader brings their own experience to what they read and reacts in a deeply personal way. My hope is that the Clowder Cats stories help people make time to think about what is important for them and of course, that they enjoyed reading them!
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