Behind The Words With Melody Horrill

5 August 2024

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Today, we’re excited to talk with author Melody Horrill. We be talking about her latest release A CAT CALLED Q. First tell our readers where you’re from, where you live, and is writing your full-time job?

Although I was born in England, I have lived in Australia for most of my life. I grew up in a city called Adelaide which is in South Australia but ten years ago I moved to Melbourne. I have been a broadcast journalist for most of my professional life but left the industry and managed the media and public relations for a large government science organization. Three years ago, I left my position to write my memoir ‘The Dolphin Who Saved Me’. Since that time, I have juggled freelance media and communication training, media management, and volunteer work with writing. I admire authors who can work full-time while writing!

How long have you been writing?

As a journalist, I have been writing most of my adult life, but I have only been writing books for three years.

What does your typical writing day look like?

I start my day with a walk to the beach as it is the place I feel most at peace. It centers me. I dedicate 4 or 5 hours in the afternoon to writing. If I have a paid freelance job, I put the writing aside to concentrate on that. During my book writing projects, I try to write 7 days a week, even if it’s just a few hours daily. My rescue cat, Q, is my constant companion. He curls up at my feet and reminds me with a tap on the leg or a strange little ‘brring’ sound when it’s time for a break or a snack. I often talk to him while writing – I know he will listen and won’t criticize my work!

Tell us about your latest release? Where the idea came from? Perhaps some fun moments, or not so fun moments?

It is a young adult fantasy titled ‘A Cat Called Q and the Magic Globe’. This book is a whimsical and at times, funny tale that features strong environmental themes. The story follows a ten-year-old girl called Sheri, who after finding a magical snow globe in a charity shop embarks on an adventure to save an enchanted world. Along with her bestie and Q, a majestic mischievous, sandwich-loving cat, she embarks on a treacherous adventure to save the land and its animals. Sheri is forced to draw on her inner courage as she faces a vain, evil, avocado-obsessed overlord and his ratty sidekick. ‘A Cat Called Q and the Magic Globe’ highlights the importance of believing in ourselves, being brave, caring for the natural world, and embracing our connection to it.

As a young girl, I escaped into books. I also loved snow globes and wondered what it would be like to enter into the world within the globe. As a child, I dreamed up the idea of writing a story about a girl who visits a magical world filled with fantastical animals encased in a glass orb. Almost half a century later I finally wrote the book! I decided to include an ebony feline hero called ‘Quasar’ (Q for short), based on my rescue cat and much-loved writing companion. I also still love snow globes and I have one proudly sitting on my writing desk. When I need to think, I pick it up and give it a shake. Call me a big kid but I still think there’s something magical about them!

Could you share one detail from your current release with readers that they might not find in the book?

The charity shop in the book is based on one that I visit frequently. I love old items and feel that each has a unique story of its own. I collect all sorts of weird and wonderful things from my favorite shop and my home is filled with old, eclectic bits and bobs. In many ways, Sheri, the main character in the is based on me and she loves many of the same things I do – including rummaging through charity shops.

Who has been the most difficult character for you to write? Why?

Mallum, a wicked, vain sorcerer, environmental vandal and villain of the book. I wanted him to be unique and somewhat quirky while also evil. He also needed to be both powerful and weak. Getting that mix right was tricky. I ended up basing his character on two people – one I used to work with during my media career and the other who resides in my current neighborhood.

If you could be one of your characters for a day which character would it be?

I would like to be Brian, the ancient owner of the charity shop and Keeper of the Globe. He has lived a very long time and has experienced many magical adventures in countless mystical realms. He is grumpy but also wise. His sage advice plays a crucial role in helping Sheri and Quasar save the world and its animals from ruin.

If you could spend the day with your character, what would you do? What would that day look like?

I would hang out with Brian at the charity shop and then, in the evening, I’d sit down with a cup of tea and a shortcake and listen to his stories. I imagine that we’d be seated on plastic chairs between rows of second-hand clothes, just as he did with Sheri, and he would tell me all about his adventures with Quasar. I’d then ask if I could shake the globe and join Quasar on his next quest.

What’s your take on research and how do you do it?

I drew on people, animals, and places that I have encountered in my own life. From the quarreling birds through to the hero octopus, Ollie, and the spark rays Ben and Delong. I love nature and animals and drew on that love to create characters and scenarios. I did quite a bit of research on some of the animals that I was not as familiar with – such as sloths and albatrosses. I also had to learn a little about castles in Scotland. Although this book is pure fantasy, it was important to include some facts as the characters still had to be plausible.

What’s the most fun thing about being an author?

Creating something new to release into the world. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, being able to see your words come to life in the form of a book is nothing short of magical. As I choose to focus on books that showcase our connection to animals and nature in some way, I always hope that my work will have a positive impact on the world – even if it’s a small one. When people read my books and respond positively or tell me that I have somehow influenced their own life in a good way, then that’s the cherry on top!

Do you write multiple books at once, or one at a time?

I prefer to write one book at a time. However, I found myself completing ‘A Cat Called Q and the Magic Globe’ at the same time as I started another non-fiction. I hadn’t planned it that way but I knew that embarking on my third book ‘Sheltered’ (to be released in September) would require a big commitment of time so I juggled the two for a while. It wasn’t ideal and I would avoid doing that again – flipping from fantasy to non-fiction proved challenging at times.

What’s your favorite writing tool? — software, app, notebook, etc.

My heart. If I am stuck or find myself overthinking, I reach into the place that led me to this writing journey. If my head is lost for words, my heart usually fills in the blanks. I think because I focus on connecting with nature, I find myself drawing on my love of the natural world to help bring my writing to life. Placing small notebooks around my house, my car, and even in my jacket pockets was invaluable as I often found inspiration striking at the oddest times. I always jotted down my thoughts which became an invaluable source of rich content for the books.

Are there any particular authors that have inspired how you write?

I have always loved Tolkien and his use of vivid imagery and symbolism. I haven’t consciously tried to emulate his style but it has influenced me. I’m also a fan of the beautiful simplicity of Paulo Coelho and admire his economic use of words to create an impactful story that oozes heart and soul.

Do you have a secret talent readers would be surprised by?

I consider myself a good cook and after an afternoon of writing, I like to create with my hands. That often involves baking a cake or pastries. I often fancied myself as a pastry chef, though I doubt I’d have the patience for the intricate decorative work. Often my creations taste great but aren’t very pretty!

Your favorite go to drink or food when the world goes crazy!

I love Australian wine and my favorite at the moment is Pinot Noir. I indulge in a glass with dinner every night. I also have a weakness for dark chocolate. If I am having a stressful day I like to combine them. There’s nothing quite like a smooth, fruity glass of Pinot and a square of deep, dark chocolate.

What is your writing kryptonite?

A sleepless night. If I am not well rested then I find it hard to summon the creative energy to write.

What is the one question you never get ask at interviews, but wish you did? Ask and answer it.

Why are books still relevant in this technological age where all sorts of content is available on demand?

Books are important because reading fiction or non-fiction helps us to engage with stories in a unique way. We use our imaginations, our minds, and our hearts to connect with experiences and knowledge that lie within the pages. When we read a book, it is an intimate exchange between the reader and the author – a sharing of events. Although books impact us in different ways, they also connect us. Sharing stories through written words is how we learn from one another, and how we grow. Books open our world, inform us, and entertain us in a way nothing else can even in this modern age where the world is at our fingertips.

Thank you so much for joining from ‘Down Under’ today! I really need one of those snow globes!!

Reader’s here’s a quick look at A CAT CALLED Q:

When Sheri shakes a mysterious-looking snow globe she discovers in a charity shop, her whole world is turned upside down when she suddenly finds herself inside it, along with her best friend, Shawn. Once in this strange new realm, she embarks on a dangerous journey to rescue a spellbound land and its weird and wonderful creatures from destruction. Luckily, a majestic, mischievous, sandwich-loving magical cat comes to her aid. A Cat Called Q and the Magic Globe is an enchanting fantasy about the importance of believing in ourselves, being brave, caring for the natural world and embracing our connection to it. It also serves as a reminder that magic does exist in nature and that love can heal and restore everything.