Here's an email interview I did with Hilary McKay, author of The Exiles series and those delightful books about the eccentric Casson family. (We were going to run it with my review of the latest Casson novel Permanent Rose in Star Mag on 16th April, but we had to hold it back at the last minute.)
Are the Cassons based on a real
family?
No, I am sorry to say they are not. I would like to know them if they
wre.
If not, before you started writing the Casson books, did you already
know all about the family and what would happen to them?
Again no, I only
intended to write one book. I got to know them as I wrote about
them.
Do you have a favourite Casson?
I am very fond of
all of them, but especially Eve.
What made you think of naming the
children after colours and is there really a colour called Cadmium Gold?
Yes,
there is a colour called Cadmium Gold. I think the names of colours are
interesting and often beautiful. If I was an artist I would name my children
after colours.
If you were named after a colour, which would it be and
why?
Yellow. I love yellow.
Was there a special reason why you made
the Casson parents as neglectful as they are?
They are not neglectful. The
children are loved, supported and never physically or mentally abused in any
way. I know neglectful parents. They are not like the Cassons.
How have children reacted to your portrayal of
the parents?
They have written me letters saying they wished their parents
were like that.
Why did you decide to make Sarah wheel-chair
bound?
Why not? Wheel chair bound children exist and read books. Should they
not have some one to identify with.
Do you draw or paint?
yes, I do!
What
would the Cassons do if they found themselves in a picture book?
They would
scrutinise the artwork!
How did you become a writer?
I wrote a book to see
if I could and it won an award so I carried on.
What advice would you
give anyone who wanted to write? Would there be different advice for anyone who
wants to write specifically for children?
I would say “Read” and “Listen” .
The same advice for any age. And the less self indulgent woffle you put in the
more you will be read, especially by children.
What would you say to
those who already write and want to be published?
What’s stopping you ?!
What is your favourite thing about
being a writer?
The children who read the books.
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