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Note: This is the original interview I conducted with Cate Tiernan, probably around Winter 2001. The edited version is found on Razorbill Zine.
- How did you get into the writing business and why have you have chosen to
be writer for teens?
I always liked reading, and consumed books like crazy from the time I
learned to read. Reading and enjoying so many books so much got me
interested in writing, and in wanting to do it well. In high school, I went
to a performing arts school half-days, and I took writing for two years
there. (It was called NOCCA--the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.) Then
in college I took many creative writing courses, lit courses, even
screenwriting classes. For me writing has been the most successful way for
me to express myself, express my creativity. I find it very satisfying; I
enjoy it. I love that my writing gives me a chance to connect with people I
don't know.
I do like writing for teens because since the audience is older, I can
expand on limits somewhat, I can address more serious relationship issues,
or talk about sex or drugs. The characters have more freedom, and that makes
it fun to write. But I've written many other books, and mostly I've written
for middle-grade (7-11 years old). I've also written picture books for
younger kids. I find something to enjoy and appreciate about writing for
every age group. Except grown-ups. I really don't have much to say to
grown-ups. Other writers are doing a much better job at that than I could.*
- Can you tell us where your ideas and inspirations come from while writing for the Sweep series? Are some of your characters based on real people you know?
Gee, my ideas and inspirations come from a lot of different places.
Sometimes they seem to spring out of nowhere, purely from my imagination.
Other times I'm aware that an idea was inspired by something I read or heard
about. My editors also come up with ideas, and we work those in. Many times
I'll be walking along, and something will catch my eye and inspire a whole
scene. It could be a snatch of conversation I hear, or how the air is full
of fluffy dandelion seeds.
In terms of emotions, and the characters' emotional lives, most of that
is me. I relate strongly to all my characters, good and bad, and can
empathize and understand their decisions and actions. I can't really say
that any of the characters are truly based on people I know, but certainly
aspects of some of them are reminiscent of people I've known. Robbie and
Selene are both characters who remind me of people I've known.
- Can you explain the appeal of Sweep beyond readers interested in Wicca?
Well, I would hope it's because though the series has Wicca as a backdrop,
as a theme and structure, still, the books are really about more universal
things: friendships, romantic relationships, parent/child relationships, the
whole angst and pain of being adolescent. Though many of the characters
practice Wicca, they're still mainly people interacting with other people in
challenging, difficult, rewarding, joyful human relationships. And I would
think most people can relate to that.*
- Even though the Sweep series deals with the Wicca religion, you've stated
at one time that you are not Wiccan. Do you find writing a series about beliefs and practices that are not totally your own a challenge?
I find it incredibly interesting. I love doing the research, and have found
much to appreciate and enjoy about Wicca. The parts of the books that are
truly Wicca-based (not the magickal parts), I try to write with accuracy and
respect, as I would with any religion. For myself I know that following any
kind of organized religion is not the right choice, but I still absolutely
appreciate and respect others' religions. I could write a series with a
Jewish background, or a Baptist, or a Buddhist with equal conviction and
sincerity. I feel that virtually every major religion boils down to "Love
thy brother as thyself." Wicca's no exception. And that's easy for me to
support.
- The Sweep series is very detailed about many real practices in the Wiccan
religion. How much research and planning goes into the each Sweep book?
A LOT. As I said above, I try to treat the Wiccan aspects of each book
with accuracy and respect. Of course, Wicca (like many other religions) has
some different schools of thought. I try to stick with the basics. I use
many of Scott Cunningham's books as reference, and also many online websites
devoted to the craft. I spend hours on research for every book--all the
stones, correspondences, Sabbats--it all takes time.*
- What is in the future for Cate Tiernan? Do you have any plans and/or ideas that go beyond the Sweep series?
Besides winning Lotto? Right now I'm enjoying Sweep, and it takes up all my
time. I would love for the series to continue for a while, because there are
things I want Morgan to experience on her journey, and I want to show them.
But I also fall in love with different characters, and fantasize about doing
a spin-off series--even an historical one, featuring Nuala Riordan (from
book #8--sorry) or other ancestors. Right now I'm writing from Hunter's
point of view, and it makes me want to give him several more books on his
own. But I could also see doing something quite different. I've always
wanted to write a medieval series. I have a few ideas, so we'll see what
happens.
- Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring teen writers out there?
Read a lot. Read everything, even things you think you won't like. Figure
out what you like and why you like it. Try to express your true self, not
the self you think people want you to express, or the self you think would
be most successful to express. Think a lot about what you want to say and
who you want to say it to, and why. Then write it.
Last Modified: Thursday, 01/15/09
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