Clare Davidson is a delightful British author I had the pleasure to meet on the tweetverse. She introduced me to the wonderful world of Friday Snippets, and so I find it rather fitting her interview is out today. She is also the mind behind this great Indie Giveaway I’m proud to be part of. Her fantasy novel, Trinity, is filled with mystery, creativity, great characters, setting, and suspense. It could be yours by entering the Indie Giveaway.
When you were a kid you wanted to be…?
A teacher. A show jumper. A teacher. A yard manager. A teacher… can you see a theme here? Now I’m an adult and I AM a teacher, all I want to be is a writer 😉
The first book you read was…?
I honestly can’t remember. Probably one of the Peter and Jane primary school reading books. My Mum frequently tells me that I’d struggle through Peter and Jane and then sit and read comics fluently. The first book that I remember reading and having a strong impact on me is The Book of Three, by Lloyd Alexander. Although come to think of it, Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat probably came first! Both lovely books for very different reasons.
You discovered you were quite good at writing when…?
When I got high marks in creative writing during my GCSEs. Although in hindsight, I’m not sure how much of that depends on true creative flair, rather than jumping through curriculum hoops.
As a reader, your favorite genre is…?
I should say fantasy, as that’s mainly what I write, but my reading tastes are actually very eclectic. I’ll happily read most things, as long as the blurb catches my interest, I enjoy the writing style and get on with the main character.
No, really, what’s that title you’re hiding in your kindle…?
I don’t think I’m hiding any dubious titles in my kindle! I have quite a bit of YA fiction in there, including Rick Riordan and Anthony Horrowitz. I’d have been embarrassed to admit to either of those in the staff room in my old job, where all the English teachers used to read quite high brow stuff or popular literary fiction.
You write…?
Fantasy, mainly, although I’m dabbling in some science fiction as well. I’ll broaden that 
out–I write speculative fiction 🙂
The praise about your writing you like the most is…?
That people enjoyed it at all. Maybe that’s a little trite! I love it when people specifically say that they enjoyed the world and characters I created. I’m especially pleased to hear/read praise about the magic in Trinity. I spent a lot of time agonising over how it was all going to work.
What’s next…?
An urban fantasy novel, titled Reaper’s Rhythm. I’m not sure when it will be out, as it’s in my editor’s hands at the moment, but stand by for more information when I have it! Reaper’s Rhythm is the first of a series and I’m already working on the second book. It’s quite different to Trinity and also darker in tone, but still aimed at a young adult audience, albeit the older end of the range.
Thanks for having me over, Monica 🙂
My pleasure, Clare!
About Clare:
Clare Davidson is a character driven fantasy writer, teacher and mother, from the UK. Clare was born in Northampton and lived in Malaysia for four and a half years as a child, before returning to the UK to settle in Leeds with her family. Whilst attending Lancaster University, Clare met her future husband and never left. They now share their lives with their young daughter and a cranky grey cat and an insane white kitten. Clare juggles family life with writing, teaching and a variety of fiber craft hobbies.
Where to find Clare:
https://www.facebook.com/ClareMDavidson
https://twitter.com/ClareMDavidson
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6445758.Clare_Davidson
Today, I have a special guest on my blog, author Julia Hughes. She just released a YA fantasy novel, The Griffin Cryer, which I recently read and highly recommend. One of the many five stars reviews this novel has already received says: “Among the vast sea of titles labeled for young adult readers, The Griffin Cryer is a gem worth discovering. Julia Hughes’s novel is a fresh take on griffins’ folklore, and her fifteen years old heroine, redhead Frankie Shaunessy, is fierce and full of life. The story flawlessly intertwines the expected drama of a teenager in high school with the unexpected factor of parallel universes temporarily opening into ours. By calling her dog, Frankie accidentally summons a griffin and his Rider. What happens next is a ride full of action that will make you laugh and cry along the way. I couldn’t put the book down. For young adults and adults young at heart.”
Monica La Porta 