Kids' Bookline talks to Catherine Fisher
 
Name: Catherine Fisher
 
Where were you born and brought up?
Newport, Gwent
 
Where did you go to school?
St Joseph’s, Newport
 
What did you particularly like and dislike about school?
I liked art and disliked needlework.
 
What did you want to be, as a child?
A cowboy.
 
What was your favourite book as a child?
Alice Through the Looking Glass, Lewes Carroll
 
Do you have any hobbies?
Fencing, drawing, walking, gardening, exploring old castles.
 
What makes you happy?
Chocolate, woods in autumn, a good book.
 
What makes you angry?
Trees being chopped down.
 
When did you start to write?
Aged eleven.
 
Which one was your first book?
The Conjuror’s Game (Red Fox).
 
Do you find it easy to write?
No. It’s always an effort, like pushing a car, but once the thing’s moving it’s easier.
 
Where do you write?
In my study.
 
From where do you get your ideas?
Anywhere. Places, myths, books.
 
What advice would you give someone who is starting to write?
Read everything you can.
 
Are some of your characters based on yourself?
No.
 
Which of your books is your favourite?
Corbenic – my most recent book (Red Fox, July 2002). A retelling of the Grail Legend.
 
Which is your favourite character?
Cal from Corbenic.
 
Is there something you would like to change about yourself?
I wouldn’t mind being taller and I’d like it if my hands were warm.

Which are your favourite television programmes?
Star Trek and anything about archaeology.
 
What is your favourite food?
Chocolate.
 
What makes you laugh?
Dad’s Army.
 
My web address is www.geocities.com/catherinefisheruk