Author Interview: Clare Davidson

As I promised on Friday, today we have a special treat: an interview with U.K author and writer extraordinaire, Clare Davidson!

Clare has a new book out, Trinity, that I highly recommend you check out. I even wrote a review, if you’d like to know my opinion (spoiler: it got five stars).

But enough of my opinion, this is Clare’s interview, isn’t it?  So away we go.

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Thanks for joining us today, Clare. So, you’re a writer. When did you decide to take the plunge and call yourself one?

In an art lesson in high school, when my friends were mercilessly ribbing my dream of being published. I told them then I’d prove them all wrong and that when I did I’d dedicate my first book to them by writing “Gutted!”. Obviously I didn’t do that! I haven’t seen most of those friends since we parted ways for university. However it was their teasing that made me realise I really wanted to be a writer. I might not have advertised it much at that stage, but that’s what I then called myself.

I think some of those kids are eating a big helping of crow at the moment. Next question: what initially drew you to write fantasy?

It was the genre that I read the most. I remember my Dad reading me the ‘Chronicles of Prydain’ quintet as bed time stories. I guess I was just drawn to the genre. I liked how fantasy allowed your imagination to run free, but could still be used to explore real world issues and relationships.

Your novel, Trinity, has a unique premise: the protagonist is the living embodiment of a goddess. Where did you draw that idea?

In the past, I’ve often played with the idea of the gods being dependent on humans for their survival: if a god has no followers, then they have no power. I took that concept a step further in Trinity and asked myself what would happen if an immortal god was killed, would there be any way to save the god? In many ways, I wanted to show the strength of humanity itself and how that can surpass the strength of the gods they believe in.

What advice can you give to novelists who are preparing to self publish for the first time?

Don’t rush it. Make sure that your work is the best it can be at the time. If you can afford to, work with an editor, copyeditor and cover designer so that your work looks professional. If you can’t, utilise your friends and critique network to help you do the same thing. If your novel/short story looks professional, then people are more likely to buy it after reading the sample. Also, good luck! It’s hard work, but worth it for the creative control that you’re able to maintain.

Quick! Outline or Pantser?

Neither! Both?

If you had to pick one literary character to do your day job for a year, who would you choose and why?

Jean Brodie, because unlike me she gave her entire life to teaching and was depicted as an amazing and inspirational teacher.

What adventures await the heroes of Trinity? Do you have further novels planned?

‘Trinity’ was originally supposed to be a standalone novel. That said, early feedback is that people would like to know more. There’s certainly scope for both a sequel and a prequel, as there’s unanswered questions in both directions. While I’m editing my current project, I’ll be working out which direction gets the most votes! Do you have a preference, Nic? 😉

Me? Opinion? I couldn’t presu…oh, alright. You twisted my arm. I would like two more, please. I have a soft spot for trilogies. Ok, you have one paragraph to make your best sales pitch for Trinity. Go!

‘Trinity’ is a tense, emotional, fast paced fantasy novel. It follows the plight of a sheltered young girl, Kiana, and her companions, who choose to rebel against the status quo within two, warring societies. Above all, they strive to do what’s right, no matter what the consequences. Filled with excitement, danger and intrigue, ‘Trinity’ is a fresh epic fantasy for a young adult audience, but there’s plenty in there for everyone to enjoy.

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And there you have it, a bright new star in the field of YA Fantasy and you saw her here first! (Unless you happened to see Clare at her blog, in which case you, uh…saw her second? Third? I don’t know. Stop wasting time and GO BUY HER BOOK ALREADY!).

Thanks again for joining us today, Clare. Can’t wait to see more of your work in the future.