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Cathy Glass Interview
Posted on 28 December 2007. © Copyright 2004-2008 WriteWords
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WriteWords talks to bestselling author Cathy Glass
Tell us something about your background.
I used to work for the Civil Service which I left to start a family over twenty years ago. At the same time I became a foster carer, which now fuels my writing in the genre of Inspirational Memoirs.
How did you start writing?
I have always been ‘a scribbler’, for as long as I can remember, – poems and articles for the school magazine, then short stories and articles for newspapers, periodicals and magazines. For many years writing was a hobby, something I did almost furtively in my spare time. Now I am a full time writer and foster carer.
Who are your favourite writers and why?
I have always read widely including the classics – Dickens, Austen, The Brontes, Wilkie Collins etc. I tend to go through phases in reading contemporary writers – Fay Weldon, Susan Hill, Nick Hornby, Mark Haddon. It is difficult to say which writers have influenced me, but I greatly admire any new and exciting voice, for example Zadie Smith and Donna Tartt.
How did you get your first agent/ commission?
For many years I didn’t need an agent as I wrote largely for magazines, periodicals and newspapers where one submits direct. However, I knew I would need an agent for Damaged and Hidden, and the second agent I approached accepted me. The first did too eventually but took so long in responding I had already signed up with the first – Andrew Lownie, the best thing I ever did!
What's the worst thing about writing?
Nothing for me. I love every stage of the writing process, from that furiously scribbled first draft, to the endless revision where the manuscript magically transforms before your very eyes, to the final proof reading. To create a piece of writing, whether it is a paragraph or full length manuscript, is sheer joy for me.
And the best?
Sending the manuscript to my agent and publisher knowing I have done my best.
Tell us what kind of responses you get from audiences\ readers.
Since the publication of Damaged and Hidden the response from my readers has been completely overwhelming. Thousands of emails from all over the world, thanking me for writing the books, sending their love, support and best wishes, and asking when my next book is due out. Some of the emails I have received have been very personal where readers had been moved to share their own stories, and were for my eyes only. Others wanted their views aired so I started a blog on my website – www.cathyglass.co.uk. Without exception every single email (and letter) has been positive; I have been very touched.
What was your breakthrough moment?
When my agent auctioned my first memoir - Damaged, and the biggest publishing houses bid.
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