Author Interview: Caitlin Rush

• What inspired you to write your latest book?

My most recently published book is called Lies That Princess Told You, and it is the Cinderella story told from the stepmother's perspective. In the beginning, my intention was to show how, to borrow the words of the late Queen Elizabeth, "recollections may vary," and also to highlight how differently people can react to the same pressures/situations. Along the way, however, I went through some hard losses and experiences in my own life, dealing with loss, grief, and a difficult familial relationship, and all of that is reflected in pieces of the book. 

My current work-in-progress is inspired partly by life in my hometown in South Carolina and the infamous Murdaugh murders that occurred there.

• What is your favorite book/genre to read?

I read everything--my different moods lead me to different genres constantly! Sometimes, I want to laugh, other times to think, or just escape to a pretty, romantic world. That's the beauty of books, isn't it? So many different paths that can be taken on any given day. I'm a sucker for pretty prose.

• What themes do you find yourself returning to in your work?

When I read back through old work, it becomes clear to me that I am fascinated by the concept of time. The way it passes unnoticed, changes, heals, or carves chasms between us, little by little. I also just love exploring relationships of any kind--friendship, love, siblings.

• How do you handle writer’s block?

Badly. Haha. Getting out in nature helps, and being active. There is something about a good run or walk outdoors that can get the words flowing.

• What do you hope readers take away from your stories?

I hope firstly that they are entertained and enjoy the story! Secondly, I hope that they find something, big or small, that they relate to on a personal level so that they know they are not alone in whatever they are experiencing in their life at any given moment. 

• What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a writer?

To read, read, read. 

• If you could meet any character from your books, who would it be and why?

My first book, Curses Beneath Her Feet, was a Young Adult fantasy featuring several immortal curse-keepers from different regions of the world. (Notice the "time" theme emerging?) It would be interesting to talk to Kira, the immortal MC. She'd have interesting stories to tell! I'd also love to talk to all the side characters to learn more about them since I don't get to explore them quite as much while writing.

• Where can readers find your books? Where can they follow you online?

Currently, they are available only on Amazon! I'm on Instagram @caitlin_rush, and I have a poorly kept-up website, caitlin-rush.com -- I'm working on getting better at maintaining it!