Cathy Cassidy

molly kan says...

hey, im molly i love your books my favourite is sundae girl. can you tell me what interested you to write this book? thanks moll ..x..x…x

p.s how do i get to meat you?

Cathy Cassidy says...

I wanted to write about a mixed up family, and also about what it’s like to live with someone who has a drink problem… it’s an issue I feel quite strongly about. Lots of things from my own childhood, liking coping with the death of a grandparent, found their way into the story, too. To find out if I’m visiting a town near you, check out the Cathy’s Camper page of my website and come along and say hi!!!!

Name says...

Hey Cathy, I was just wondering, How did you get the idea of writing Scarlett?I mean she seems really troubled,and you make it all sound so real,was it your childhood or something?

Thanks,

Sarah xxx

Millie says...

hey i’m millie i love your books one of my favourite is scarlett what inspired u to write a story like that?? luv millie xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Cathy Cassidy says...

Hi Millie & Lisa. Scarlett wasn’t based on my childhood, but I did want to write about a girl whose parents broke up as it’s a subject I do feel strongly about… my parents rowed a lot when i was a teen. Ireland was a big inspiration too… all the magical stuff really inspired me! Cathy xxx

Lisa says...

Why did you choose to write for teenagers, instead of younger children or adults?! xxx

Cathy Cassidy says...

Hi Lisa! It’s just the age group I like to write for – maybe I never quite grew up! Cathy xxxx

Emma says...

Emma As a child did you ever think off being an author or did that just come as an adult? If you did want to be a author who was your inspiration?

Cathy Cassidy says...

Hi Emma! As a child I loved daydreaming, and writing just took that idea one stage further! I longed to be a writer, but I didn’t really have a role model – I never met any authors when I was a teenager! Cathy xxx

Liv says...

Cathy – do your children model Kit and Hannah from Driftwood?

Cathy Cassidy says...

Hi Liv. Not really, but I admit little bits of my kids did go into those characters – the way brothers & sisters wind each other up, and the cloud of Lynx spray Kit likes to adorn himself with… hee hee! Cathy xxx

Sasha says...

Hi Cathy! I’m Sasha, and i wanted to ask you if you based “Dizzy” on anyone friends with you or related to you? Have you ever been to any travellers festivals? do you own a funky patchwork van??? sash x

Cathy Cassidy says...

Hi Sasha. I used to have lots of traveller friends and still have some hippy pals who love the festival trail. Dizzy is not based on any of them, but I wanted to write a book based in that weird & magical world. And yes, I like going to festivals, and I do have a cool Dizzy-type van! Cathy xxx

Chloe says...

Hey,my name is chloe and i live in ireland. My fave book is Lucky Star and I am wondering what makes Mouse your fave character?? xxx

Cathy Cassidy says...

Hi Chloe. Mouse has been a fave character for ages… I liked how he was so lost and lonely in Dizzy, but also quite fierce and independent. In Lucky Star, I was determined to give him a happy ending at last – I think he deserved it! Cathy xxx

Bethan & Luc says...

Hi Cathy! I have read all your books, and I loved every single one! I was just wondering have you started writing your next book? If so, when will it be out? Thank you. From Bethan

Do u think u will be writing more books soon?? cos i love them!!! Luv Luc xx

Cathy Cassidy says...

Hi Bethan & Luc! Yes, there will be a new book soon. I’m writing a story called Gingersnaps just now that will be out in Summer 2008… and there’s lots more exciting stuff in the pipeline, too! Cathy xxx

Hayley says...

Every time i get the chance, i come online and check out your latest posts. And almost every time it is a post about a fantabulous fastival or something that i wished i lived in the UK to be able to see. I love all of your books, at least all the one’s i have read. (Still awaiting Lucky Star in Aussie Shops) I have also gotten my friends hooked on your books, which they fall head over heels for all the characters, plots and twists just like i and all of your fans do. My question is, do you think you will ever plan a tour around Australia. I know that i and all of your Auzzie fans dream of meeting you, and making an appearance at one of you fab festivals. Awaiting your reply XXXHayleyXXX

Cathy Cassidy says...

It’s fab to hear from my Aussie & New Zealand readers… thanks for the feedback! I’d LOVE to do a tour in Australia & New Zealand one day, it’d be AMAZING . Let’s hope it happens…. Cathy xxx

Sally says...

Lucky Star is my fave book of yours. I love Cat coz she is so confident and then ends up in a pile of tears, lies and kisses. Did you base this character on anyone?

Cathy Cassidy says...

Hi Sally! Cat isn’t based on a real person, but I had fun creating a cool, confident character who seemed the exact opposite of Mouse… but who was just as messed-up, inside. Cat & Mouse help each other through some tough times… glad you like them! Cathy xxx

Sophie says...

i really want to be an author but when i think of a storyline i’m doing something and when i want to write i can’t think. where do you get your inspiration? and do you plan your stories out before you write them?

Cathy Cassidy says...

Hi Sophie… I get ideas from all around me – things I see, hear, read, remember, imagine… all of that! Then I daydream, and sometimes the ideas turn into a story! It’s hard to find time to dream up a story sometimes, but you can do it. All my stories are planned in my head, as daydreams, never on paper… Cathy xxx

Millie says...

dear cathy, hi… when you make the names of your characters are any of them nicknames for your own friends??? Millie

Cathy Cassidy says...

Hi Millie! I do sometimes use the names of friends or family in a story, usually to make them smile! I am always on the lookout for cool names, either from the website or from readers I meet at booksignings… I have endless notebooks filled with readers names to inspire me! Cathy xxx

Sparky says...

hey Cathy, I love your books and have read all the ones that are out. I just want to know….will these wonderful books ever stop?? how can you make every story amazing?? how can i improve on my story writing?? when i write a story they normally start good but end really bad. how can i keep up the good?? the first story i wrote got me an A++ but i cant help thinking i can do better. xxx Sparky xxx

Cathy Cassidy says...

Practice is the way to improve your stories… keep dreaming and writing!!! Why not enter my Song Title Writing Comp? Go to the You page on the website and click Writer’s Workshop for all the details… plus my top tips for young writers. Cathy xxx

Pops says...

what will Gingersnaps be about? I think Lucky Star is the best book so far!

Cathy Cassidy says...

Gingersnaps is top secret for now… once I’ve finished the story, I’ll let everyone know a little bit more about it, but right now I’m still busy writing! Glad you liked Lucky Star! Cathy xxx

Kayleigh says...

you said that you were a veggie when you were a tenager. How long were you one or r u still one?

Cathy Cassidy says...

I started being veggie when I was 14 (I tried earlier but didn’t last very long!). I just didn’t want to eat animals, and used to feel sorry for the chicken every Sunday lunchtime… I am still veggie all these years later, and I know I will never go back to eating meat. I spent 8 or 9 years of that time as a vegan, a v. strict veggie who doesn’t eat dairy, eggs or anything to do with animals, but that was very tough and now I am back to being just plain veggie. Cathy x

Laura says...

hi cathy, i`ve read sundae girl and scarlett and when i got to the last page i didnt want it to end, now its got me thinking, will you ever do a series of books like harry potter that would be fab. Hope to meet u bye

Cathy Cassidy says...

Laura, I don’t think I’ll ever do a Harry Potter type series, but I have been thinking lately about a series of books all based on the same main characters… I think my readers would really go for that. I just need some ideas, now!!! Cathy xxx

Zoe says...

YEh!! a series based on the same charcters would be LUSH ! because you really get too know them and it would be great for that too cotinue book after book! x

Hannah says...

Wow Cathy it would be great if you did a series of books! I would really like it i’m sure it’d be fab!

Sarah says...

Cathy that would be amazing!I love all your characters!If you were to continue your books could you start with Scarlett?Thats my fav book!

Thanks!

Love Sarah xxx

Louise says...

how amazing would a series be! I would totally 100% read them! you are amazing!

Cathy Cassidy says...

OK… so a series would be good, then! I’ll have a think about it and see what I can come up with… promise! Cathy Cassidy x

Adelaide says...

Hey Cathy. I would just like to tell you how much I love your books and your different techniques of writing. I would love to write and finish a book. It would be a huge achievement for me. But I simply just do not have the patience that is needed for that type of thing. I enjoy English and Art most at school. I am very creative and imaginative, I would really love to meet you. You are so down to Earth and just an amazing writer, I wish that all of my teachers at school were like you! They are just, “Sit down and listen. Do as your told.” They don’t care about individuality, it doesn’t exist to them. I hate it ever so much. I love to read your books and just escape from it all. I think your best is Scarlett. I just really want to know, what makes you want to continue to write books? Like, if you messed up the storyline like half way through, what makes you want to fix it and end the story, not just throw it away and forget about it like I would do? Is it your fans, your passion for writing, or something else? Please answer this, I would really love to hear from you. I never want your books to end when I read them. It makes me sad when I turn the last page knowing that I’m going to have to wait for the next book until I can fall in love with one of your characters again. Please answer :) xxx Adelaide xxx

Cathy Cassidy says...

Wow, thanks for the enthusiasm Adelaide… I do know what you mean about school, but there are some switched on teachers out there, honest! I think the reason I can’t give up on a story is that I get so involved with the characters I’ve created that they seem real to me… I couldn’t just abandon them. I’m so hooked into the daydream/story that I have to go on writing! You’re right, though, my fans are so fab and supportive I’d never want to let them down, either… Cathy Cassidy x

Zahra says...

hiii cathy i just wanted to ask you when will lucky star be out in Australia cause im dying to read it=]

Cathy Cassidy says...

Hi Zahra… Lucky Star will be out in April 2008 in Australia! Cathy Cassidy x

Nicole says...

Hi Cathy,I love your new book Lucky Star and I was just wondering if you would ever plan a tour around Ireland cause I think your books are fab and it would be great to meet you!

Cathy Cassidy says...

I will be doing a mini-tour in Ireland from 15-19th October – I will be in Meath, Louth and Monaghan. Full details will go up on the Cathy’s Camper page on the website, soon. Hope to see you there! Cathy Cassidy x

Charlotte says...

I’ve read all your books and really enjoyed them, your a great writer, you make everything seem so real! I hate turning the last page and realising it’s ended. I think Gingersnaps already sounds like a great book, hope time will fly so I can read it!

Much love, CHarlotte x

Anna says...

You know I love your books!every single one of them (i acctually bought Dizzy twice because…well i think my cousin stole it:p)

all the books are really gripping and well written!! They are all mega cliffhangers!!! Why dont you write like Scarlett 2:magic of the Hazel or something. Or Sundae Girl2 i know you’ve kind of written mouse’s story but will you ever write others?

-mega fan— x..Anna-Jane..x

Cathy Cassidy says...

I’m not planning sequels to the other books just now… sorry! Your ideas are fab, though… you make it sound tempting! I am planning a series of books in the near future, though, so watch the website for further details in the months ahead…. Cathy xxx

fiqaa says...

Hey hi!

I love your books soo much. ♥ it brightens up my day! =D

i havent read lucky star yet, but i’m really hoping i will soon. i’ve been searching just about everywhere, but i cant find it. =(

xoxo your fan from singapore xoxo

Katrina-Hotaru Daly says...

Hi Cathy, You are a big inspiration to me! Your books are soooo interesting! Sometimes, when i find a good word or phrase, i write it down and use it in my school work!!I hope you carry on writing lots of books!!!! Good Luck for your new book! Katrina-Hotaru x x x

alice k says...

I’m reading lucky star right now and its sooo good. I’ve only read one book DIZZY it was realy good mouse was one of my favourite character exept for finn and I’m on page 132 and its great!

Stacey says...

Hi, I really love your books, Driftwood, Scarlett and Lucky Star are my faves. I just finished Lucky Star and it was so great, I love Mouse :) and I love the mix of realism and magic, it makes anything seem possible :D Keep it up, I can’t wait til your next book is done! :)

Lubna says...

Hi! oh man!I’m in trouble again cause my head is always at the computer JUST to think what comment that I should write to you..!! Still, I have some questions that always makes my head spin to think the answer… I so can’t wait for your newest book, LUCKY STAR … The title makes me feel so obsess with your book.. Moreover, the cover looks so cute! Anyway, when will Lucky Star be out in Malaysia?Oh and can’t you please come to Malaysia when a book festival are out?? I’m so obsess with your books..! So,if you really did come, then I’ll come too!Oh and please make an autograph session and I’ll really appreciate it if u accomplish this idea of mine..!! Please!!! Don’t make me suffer anymore!!!And keep up your good work! :D ty, xoxoxo FROM YOUR BIGGEST FAN , LUBNA . xoxoxo

Nora says...

Hi Cath ! I AM actually reading your newest book! Well, my friend lend it to me! I want to write something for your writing gallery but my scanner is not working at the moment, so how do u think I should deal with this prob! I look forward to writing to u next time!!!!!!! seeyah

Rosa says...

Hi! My favorite book of yours was a either Driftwood or Scarlett. Also though, I thought that Indigo Blue was second best. What were your school like?

Frankie Jane says...

Hi Cathy, I think you should Bring The Release dates of your books closer in Australia to The U.K. as I find it very Annoying when I come on your site and read The extract all the great things people say about your new books and then have to wait months patiently till it comes out in Australia.

coby says...

what is your writing tips

Cathy Cassidy says...

Hi, Coby! Look on the Writer’s Workshop Page in the YOU section of my website to find all my tips for young writers… and a fab new writing comp!

Rosie says...

Hi Cathy, you are my fave author ever and i just wanted to ask you… in gingersnaps have you ever been through something like what Shannon or Ginger or Emily experienced in the book???

Amy says...

hi i have read lots of ure books the only one i have not read is ginger snaps but i have reserved that at the library my fav is lucky star its really good

Helena says...

hi cathy!! I think you are an amazing writer and every time I finish your books I am always really upset that i have finished it. Will you ever write a series??? I think it would be brilliant if you did!!! Please reply!! XxHelenaxX

Duck says...

Hiya Cathy! I love your book Gingersnaps and was wondering why Sam didn’t say much about his old school, his mum sounded ok tho!

Claire says...

Just read Gingersnaps and it was amazing as per usual. It would be great of there was another book involving the characters of Gingersnaps, is there any chance of a sequel? also is sam based on a real person becuase he seems really nice ?

duck says...

have you got an idea of what your new books gonna be about? is it based on a weird girl with lion mane blonde hair and the name of an animal who daydreams all day for her life to change? Just an idea =D

Lizzie says...

Hi, let me first say how great i think it is that your this interested in your fans. I’m 13 and your books have helped me through a lot I’ve read them loads of times, Gingersnaps espicially (i love Sam Taylor). Your always vistiting fans and going to festivals i wish i could meet you. You’ve inspired me to write books about teenagers, and Mouse got me into graffiti ;)Anyway, I’ll stop talking about me there’s to much to say I’ll get on with the questions. Do you know when your next book is coming out, can you give us any clues? Also if you could giveone bit of advice to every teenager in the world what would it be?

Cathy Cassidy says...

Rosie, I haven’t been thru what Ginger & Shannon have, but I did have friendship troubles when I was a teen… we all do! Duck, Sam didn’t say much about his past as I was trying not to get sidetracked from the story – I think it would have been cool, though! Also, I do have an idea for a new book, but I can’t say too much about it just yet…. Claire, no plans for a sequel to Gingersnaps, but it’s fab to know you’re enjoying it! Sam isn’t based on a real person, though I do have a friend who plays sax! Helena & Lizzie…I have just finished writing the first in a new series for younger readers, about a Year 6 girl called Daizy Star, and this will be out in June 2009. Now I’ll go on to my next book for your age group, which will be called Angel Cake…. and will be out in July 2009!!!! Last but not least, my best advice for teens is, be yourself… and always follow your dreams! CCx

Emma says...

Any tips 4 wannabe writers?

treacle says...

hey cathy, i love english at school it is my fav lesson, we are reading a book called stone cold at the moment and so far it is really good, but my enhglish teachers is always saying that the characters arnt real and we shouldent talk about them like they are real , but the way you write makes them seem so real, how do you do that, because when i try and write stories my characters dont seenm real, , i try to base them on my friends so its easier but it never works and i just end up staring again, i have endless notebooks of story begings, yeh so how do you do it? by the way i love your and your books so much, i hope you never stop writing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

bianca says...

hiya cathy love all your books . you are to awsome and cool i wish i could write like you

Courtney says...

Hi,ur book lucky star is great my favourite bit of the book is when u put in a couple of pages of emm…. Ginger Snaps.and i have just finished reading Scarlett and what a naughty girl scarlett. Love from Courtney xXxXxXxXxXxXxX Foulford primary school,cowdenbeath,Fife

Sarah says...

My Fav book ever was driftwood. I REALLy want 2 know what happened next!! Will you ever write a driftwood 2 ? Sarah x

Caitlin says...

Hey Cathy I have a writing test coming out at school and my grade will pass onto the highschool. I am wondering if you could give me any tips?

Alex says...

hey cathy, i don’t know which one of your books if my fave, and most ppl find that wierd as i hav read the ALLL a gizzillion times! LUV ALEX xx

Georgia (YOUR BIGGEST BEST FAN) says...

hi you are the best eva,that is y i chose to do my topic for school on you.an you tell me by today(8th march) who inspired you to write Thanx your best fan evaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Kim says...

How many books have you written and what inspires you to write?

Holly says...

Hiya!Im writing a biography on you at school! Im having trouble finding out something: Have you won any awards or prizes for your work???

From Holly XxXxX

PS. If not, i know that you will soon because your books are so fab!!!

rebecca says...

i superly duperly want to enter a writing comp but there are none open at the moment

ruby says...

hi cathy i just wanted to say how much i love your books and you and i also wanted to ask if you hav ever considered coming for a holiday in australia? because i love you and ur books soooo much but you seem sooo far away

Sushi^^ says...

Hey Cathy…I LOVE YOUR BOOKS ! Only that,im dying to read Cherry Chrush and I never knew you had 2 other mini books other than Love, Peace and Chocolate!!!

So, may I know when is Cherry Chrush, Ice-cream and Dreams and Cupcakes and Kisses are in Malaysia????

And you could come here for a bookfair during Nov or Dec! I’ll be definately there!

Sushi^^ says...

Hey Cathy…I LOVE YOUR BOOKS ! Only that,im dying to read Cherry Chrush and I never knew you had 2 other mini books other than Love, Peace and Chocolate!!!

So, may I know when is Cherry Chrush, Ice-cream and Dreams and Cupcakes and Kisses are in Malaysia????

And you could come here for a bookfair during Nov or Dec! I’ll be definately there!

Chloe says...

Hello Cathy cassidy my name is Chloe i love all your books. You came to my school today at moria house junior school were the seniors came too. I have read all 3 of your books. I have got some quistions to ask you. 1: Were do you get all your ideas from? 2: How long does it take to write a book? 3: I love all your stories do you get your ideas from a story?

kaitlin says...

I really enjoyed reading the book Ginger Snaps , i really good and i would recomend it to anyone

Maisie-Belle says...

i LOVE dizzy and im writing a book reveiw problem—-can’t remember Dizzys lovers name!! he has dreadlocks please reply quick thank youu :) <3 x

immy says...

hi cathy your’e my fave author! i love reading your books they give me great insperation but am a rubbish writer. i was wondering ifyou could give me a fab storyline. thanks immy xxxx

Issie says...

Hi Cathy, I love reading your books, you’re my favourite author and they never disappoint me! I really enjoy writing as well, and once I get a story line I can get completely stuck into it, but I just can’t seem to get an inspiration right now. I was wondering if you could help … ? Thanks Issie xx

Laura says...

In angel cake what gave the idea of a boy who always gets into trouble at school who can be so king to his mum and when he works in the cake shop.

Michelle Hazell says...

Hey Cathy you are my favourite author of all time and i love reading your books!!! But I was just wondering if you have written an autobiography if you havent i would love it if you did!!! I am really looking forward to reading anymore books you write!!!

Lots of love from Michelle xxx

Bethany says...

I would like to know what chocolate is your favourite because i need to know by the end of this week please because im doing a english project about you.

Caitlin says...

Hi Cathy! I absolutely love your books and Ginger Snaps is definately my favourite. What inspired you to create a book with such troubles that Ginger had? And what inspried you to make Shannons personality like that? You don’t meet many people like Shannon.

Georgia says...

I absolutely luuuuuuuurve your books! I like them so much that I have ran out of books of your to read! Which chocolate box girl is next after Skye?! :)Georgia!