1 1. What inspired you to write Reaper's Rhythm? How did the story
come about?
I’d been working on a lighter mid-grade WIP [Work In Progress], which I was waiting
for feedback on and needed something new to write. So, just for fun, I decided
to write a darker version of it. Other than a character name and some of the
world background, there are very few similarities between Reaper’s Rhythm and
that original WIP (which is a good thing).
2 2. What authors and books did you read growing up? Who were your
influences?
Lloyd Alexander and Tamora Pierce immediately spring to mind.
I loved Alexander’s characterization in the Chronicles of
Prydain, as well as his meshing of fantasy and Celtic mythology.
Tamora Pierce’s Song of the Lionness series were great for
adventure and had a really strong female lead. Although they were young adult
novels, they didn’t shirk away from issues such as death and sex. As an author,
she didn’t treat her teenage audience as children, but presented them with
story lines they could relate to, even though they were in a fantasy setting.
3 3. Your Author Bio says that you teach high school... What do you
teach? Tell us a little bit about that...
I taught English for five years. This last year I’ve been
teaching Drama and Performing Arts. I try to make literature and drama as
inspiring as possible for the pupils I teach. Judging by one of my thank you
cards this year, I’ve succeeded for at least some students!
4 4. If you could travel back in time to any period in history for
one day, where would you go and what would you do there?
I’d like to go back to 1291 to see the first of the Eleanor
Crosses being built. Edward I had them built in memory of his wife, Eleanor of
Castile. Twelve crosses were built from Lincoln to Charing (now Charing Cross –
probably more famous today as a tube station!), to mark all the places
Eleanor’s body rested when it was taken back to London, for burial in
Westminster Cathedral.
I’ve always loved how there was a British king who actually
loved his wife, so much so, that my daughter is named after Edward’s queen.
5 5. Most people who know me know that I'm a bit obsessed with
British television. So I have to ask... Are there any good TV shows you'd
recommend that the average American wouldn't be familiar with?
That’s quite tough, because quite a few of our really good
series, get an American makeover. Sherlock (which is amazing) became
Elementary; Waking the Dead became Cold Case. I’ll also admit I watch more
American TV series than British ones these days. Wow, that was a really
unhelpful answer. Sorry!
6 6. What advice would you give to aspiring writers, or people
looking to turn writing into their profession?
Never stop learning and improving. At the same time, don’t try
to use someone else’s writing strategies verbatim. There are a lot of writing
books out there, which offer advice on how to write and not all of it will work
for you. Take what does, ignore what doesn’t, find your own way. Most of all,
keep at it. Writing isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
7 And, a few rapidfire questions...
1 Favorite mythical creature?
Dragons (although you won’t catch me writing about them
anymore). I have over 150 dragons at home of various shapes and sizes.
2 Best topping for ice cream?
Chopped nuts.
3 Morning person or night owl?
Morning person.
4 Best time of day for writing?
Whenever I have the time. Morning for preference.
5 How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck
wood?
How big is the wood in relation to the woodchuck? ;-)
6 How many houses of parliament are there?
In the
UK? Two. The House of Commons and the House of Lords.
About Reaper's Rhythm:
When everyone thinks your sister committed suicide, it’s hard to
prove she was murdered.
Kim is unable to accept Charley’s sudden death. Crippled by an
unnatural amnesia, her questions are met with wall after wall. As she doubts
her sanity, she realises her investigation is putting those around her in
danger.
The only person who seems to know anything is Matthew, an
elusive stranger who would rather vanish than talk. Despite his friendly smile,
Kim isn’t sure she can trust him. But if she wants to protect her family from
further danger, Kim must work with Matthew to discover how Charley died –
before it’s too late.
About Clare Davidson:
Clare
Davidson is an independent writer, based in Lancaster. Clare is a high school teacher,
mother and character-driven fantasy writer. 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, a cranky grey cat and an insane white kitten.
She
published her first novel, Trinity in July 2012. Trinity is a young adult,
fantasy novel, which currently has seventeen five star reviews on Amazon UK.
Her
second novel, Reaper’s Rhythm, is due to be released on the 26th
July 2013. Also aimed at a young adult audience, Reaper’s Rhythm is an urban
fantasy with a dash of mystery.
Ways to connect with Clare
Davidson:
Website:
http://claredavidson.com
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/ClareMDavidson
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ClareMDavidson
New
releases mailing list: http://eepurl.com/zpjGf
