Grey
asked
Catherine Ryan Hyde:
Hello Catherine. I have read 4 of your books, so far. You are my new (new to me) favorite author! The books I have read are Say Goodbye For Now, When I found You, Where We Belong, and The Language of Hoofbeats. In these 4 books, animals have such an important role. When you are writing, how do you decide on what kind of animal to write about? Did you grow up with animals?
Catherine Ryan Hyde
I don't know that I decide, exactly. I think I try to be open to what would draw out a character. Cause them to open up and show the world more of what's going on inside. And animals are great for that. We can be so guarded with each other, but animals go straight to our hearts. They go right over, under, or through our walls.
I grew up with two heartbreaking dog experiences. A puppy who was sick when we got him and didn't survive, followed by a dog who my parents did not keep because of behavior problems. Then we got a Siamese cat, and I loved her, but I really ached for a dog. I also rode horses growing up, though we couldn't afford for me to have one of my own.
Now I own "the full set." A dog, a cat, and a horse. I get to see the way they change my life, and of course observations like that will end up in my novels.
Speaking of the novels, so glad you are enjoying them so far!
I grew up with two heartbreaking dog experiences. A puppy who was sick when we got him and didn't survive, followed by a dog who my parents did not keep because of behavior problems. Then we got a Siamese cat, and I loved her, but I really ached for a dog. I also rode horses growing up, though we couldn't afford for me to have one of my own.
Now I own "the full set." A dog, a cat, and a horse. I get to see the way they change my life, and of course observations like that will end up in my novels.
Speaking of the novels, so glad you are enjoying them so far!
More Answered Questions
Kathy
asked
Catherine Ryan Hyde:
I stumbled upon your books by chance. I was searching the Kindle Lenders Library and one of your books was recommended. I have now become hooked and have read (and re-read) many of your books. I am now the library media specialist for a K-12 school library in Ohio. I am thrilled to finally introduce your books to our teen readers. I love that your books are age-appropriate for a school. I truly LOVE them?
Carol
asked
Catherine Ryan Hyde:
(?) Hi Catherine, I can't tell you how much I am loving your books. I haven't been captured by an author in a very long time. There is something about the way you put thoughts together and are able to say what most of us think but can't say. There is humor. There is depth. There is feeling and understanding. I am highlighting so many wonderful concepts and phrases to savor over and over. Thank you!
Trisha L Jorgensen
asked
Catherine Ryan Hyde:
This is not a question Catherine -- it's a statement. I have never had an author that I follow...until now! Every single one of your books (and I have read most) are amazing! I can't quite put my finger on the 'why', and I guess it doesn't matter. Maybe this is just to say thank you?
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