What book feels like home to you?



“The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. It’s a book I know backwards and forwards, and one I return to every time I need to retreat to a known narrative place.” – V.E. Schwab 

“I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. Rereading this is like sinking into a warm bath. It soothes my soul.” – Cat Clarke 



What moment in your life felt straight out of a novel? 

“Life is rarely as crisp and clean in its symbolism, but here’s one: when I told my parents I wanted to try becoming an author, they gave me till Sept. 1 (I’d just graduated college). I got my first book deal … on Sept. 2.” – V.E. Schwab 

“The sudden death of my mother just before the release of my debut novel. The idea of the best and worst possible things happening at the same time is something I’ve been obsessed with exploring in my own stories ever since.” – Cat Clarke 

What’s the first thing you do after finishing a draft?  

“Immediately start the next thing. I tend to have a burst of elation right after I’ve finished, and I know too well that it’s temporary, and the moment it wears off my brain will enter a hibernation state, so I make the most of that momentum.” – V.E. Schwab 

“Pat myself on the back and put my feet up for a bit. There’s usually a glass of wine involved. Then the panic sets in.” – Cat Clarke 

Describe your writing process in one word?

  

“Chaotic. I am an intensive planner, but once I sit down to write the actual chapters, I work out of order, dropping sentences from across the scene—a line of dialogue here, an opening phrase there, then filling in the gaps between them.” – V.E. Schwab 

“When I actually get my act together? Regimented. I write in 50-minute sessions, sitting at the kitchen table. And there has to be a cup of tea next to me.” – Cat Clarke 

What book title best describes your life?

  

“Maybe This Will Save Me by Tommy Dorfman.” – V.E. Schwab 

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.” – Cat Clarke