Author Interview: Cay Templeton

No one ever knew how to harness her energy and enthusiasm and Author Cay Templeton believes it comes out in her writing. She says of her writing: “I dream big and I write even bigger.” Please welcome Cay to No Wasted Ink.

Author Cay Templeton My name is Cay Templeton and I’m a city mouse who grew up in the country and finally moved to the city. I have no intentions of ever leaving this amazing place!

When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing since I was a little kid. I love telling stories to everyone about absolutely everything.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I didn’t actually consider myself a writer until I was in college. I had written a few stories by then, sophisticated ones. It wasn’t until I was in college when I went into my mentor’s office and said, I’m going to be a writer. She was quite proud of me.

Can you share a little about your current book with us?

I am in the middle of a four book fairy tale in the Second Side Series. I found the first two were about Jack and the Beanstalk and the last two are about… I will say another fairy tale but I don’t want to ruin which one when you read it.

What inspired you to write this book?

When I was in 1st grade we had a storyteller come into my grade school with a huge pad of paper. She told us several stories while she drew pictures on the pad that matched what she was talking about. I still remember the first story she told ‘As much as meat loves salt’. You can find the story on the internet.

When I walked out of the gym when she was finished all I could think was I hope I can captivate people the way she captivated me.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I like to be conversational. So when you read my stuff, it’s almost like you’re standing next to me hearing me tell you the story.

How did you come up with the title of this book?

It’s the definition of a thorn in your side, which is what Jack is to Sarah.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I want people to find value in listening to everyone, even if you don’t agree with them, and decide for themselves what is going on in any situation.

Are experiences in this book based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Um… I would say more like there are a couple of moments that I wish I could be in the middle of. Sarah is certainly based off of me with her sassiness. Gregor is my ideal type of guy, I like the strong silent type which is just like my grandfather. I would give nothing to dance the Conti Rose with him.

What authors have most influenced your life? What about them do you find inspiring?

Dr. Seuss – Still my favorite. I love how he knows how to captivate such a large and diverse group of people. He finds the kid like playfulness and still speak to adults.

If you had to choose, is there a writer would you consider a mentor? Why?

Cliche I suppose but probably Austen. She showed me how to write strong women characters in their many forms in a society that would be inclined to think we are the weaker sex.

Who designed the cover of your book? Why did you select this illustrator?

Letty Moreno – She was the graphic artist on the tv show I was working on at the time. She wasn’t just talented but she is excellent t taking what I tell her I want and putting it down. She actually made the beanstalk cover from scratch but she did an amazing job. I could not say enough praise towards her.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

When you decide you are going to do something or write something, tell others. Tell your friends, tell your parents, tell your teachers because now it’s out there. just knowing that others know you are doing it, it will hold you accountable to get it done.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I just hope you enjoy the stories. I always want my readers to be under the blanket as they enter into the world of my story. I want them to become 5 yrs again no matter what age they are. I want you to have fun or what’s the point?

Cay Templeton
Los Angeles, CA