Interview With Author Kate Lucas
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Kate, I’m 25 years old, and based in California, USA. I graduated from UCLA with a degree in English. The Foxglove Fairy Mystery is my first published book and the second book in the series – the Foxglove Fairy Mysteries – is on its way!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new book is titled “The Foxglove Fairy Mystery,” an adventure story about a fairy detective named Foxglove, who solves cases for the other fairies! I was inspired by my love of nature and flowers specifically. As a child, I would spend hours making fairy houses down by a river, shaping mud with sticks and flowers to create tiny homes. I wanted to create a book that was beautiful to read and look at, but also something to inspire the same love of nature I have felt my whole life!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I seem to write best at night! The silence and solitude of nighttime allows my brain to fully focus. Also – TEA. Always tea.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are too many to count. In regard to children’s books, Jan Brett and Cicely May Barker deeply influenced by love of sophisticated books for children with magical elements. In regard to my other favorites of fantasy and science-fiction: Isaac Asimov, G.R.R. Martin, Ursula K. Le Guin, Frank Herbert, and Philip K. Dick. Special mention to the classic J.K. Rowling, whose Harry Potter series I have read over 45 times now.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on books 2, 3, and 4 of the Foxglove Fairy Mysteries Series. I have also story boarded 3 spin-offs in the fairy world, as well as developing over 20 further books in the literary world I hope to create!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is promoting my book through advertisements, but word of mouth goes a very long way! Additionally, I’ve found the Reddit and Goodreads communities to be so supportive.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you can’t finish something, it’s okay. I can’t tell you how many folders I have on my computer filled with stories, some only concepts, others half a book long. Many times, I berated myself for not finishing them, for “giving up.” The time for each story will come. Inspirations waxes and wanes. Just keep going, keep writing whatever makes you happy and inspired in that moment.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As long as we are satisfied with dreams and imaginings about our lives, we won’t make the effort necessary to actually live our lives. If we think we are conscious, we won’t struggle to wake up.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Circe by Madeline Miller – it is beyond fantastic.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to create a literary world of fairies and magic. I wouldn’t be a writer were it not for the magical stories I have read, that transport me to another planet. In the far future, I plan to release a fantasy saga that I have been developing since the age of 16.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. Pride and Prejudice (cliché, I know)
2. The World Until Yesterday
3. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
4. An encyclopedia