Interview with Kim Cleary

Published 2013-10-29.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
The earliest story I remember was when I was seven years old. I wrote a story about ratty and mole on the riverbank. Ratty had to save mole when he toppled out of their little boat. It was Wind in the Willows fanfiction though I didn’t know it at the time! My teacher gave me A+ and had me read it aloud to the class. I was in heaven.
What's the story behind your latest book?
I’ve loved fantasy stories all my life. My heroine was always going to be a necromancer. I’m not sure I can explain why! Even as a child, I was interested in the culture of death and the dead. I’ve also always been a bit contrary; perhaps I just wanted to go against the norm. I‘ve tried to paint her as a compassionate character from the start of the story, and to show her own conflict with her power over the dead. In this story, it’s just one generation on from a man-made plague that killed more than half of the world’s adults. After the plague, zombies rose and attacked survivors. In this world, people are comfortable with magic and witchcraft; they accept, and fear, life after death in a variety of forms. Judy accepts that she has a responsibility for the dead, she not only speaks to them she cares for them as well.
What are you working on next?
At the same time as marketing book one and writing book two in this series, I am researching for a new series - which will be a romantic suspense with paranormal elements.
What do you read for pleasure?
An eclectic mix of fantasy, science fiction, horror, crime and suspense. And of course romance. I’ve recently finished reading The Scrivener’s Tale by Fiona Mcintosh, Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn, and Bride by Mistake by Anne Gracie – and I very much enjoyed them all!
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I love my ipad!
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I'm a debut author - experimenting with various techniques and trying to engage with readers.
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