Clare Povey Interview | The Rebel Reading Society

Author Interview: Clare Povey

We had an opportunity to chat with Clare Povey author of The Midnight Sweet Factory. Read our interview with her, below:

1. When did you decide that you wanted to become an author?

I’m not sure if it was ever a conscious decision, but I wrote lots of stories when I was younger so I always knew that it was something I enjoyed doing. However, it wasn’t until I got my first job after university in publishing that I was reminded how much I enjoyed writing. It definitely gave me a much needed kick up the behind, being surrounded by books and listening to authors talk about their own writing process.

2. Did you read lots as a child - if you did, where did you mainly read? If you didn't, what was the reason?

I was a voracious reader as a kid and spent most of my summers and weekends at my local library. Being able to get as many books as I could for free was like magic to me. I read a lot at home too as my parents have always been big readers, so they were incredibly supportive.

3. What was your favourite book as a child and why?

One of my favourite books as a child was Madeline, as this sparked my interest for all things Parisian (the city being the setting for my Bastien Bonlivre Adventure series). I also loved how Madeline was brave and confident; two personality traits that I definitely didn’t have as a kid. The book allowed me to go on adventures from the comfort of my own home.

4. How does it feel to see your books in shops and being sold?

It’s so surreal so see my books in shops, available for people outside of my own family to buy! The novelty will never wear off. It’s such a journey to see the story that was first in your head and then turned into a Word Document finally be a real-life book you can hold with your hands. I’m incredibly grateful to every bookshop and bookseller that has championed one of my books!

5. What is the best part about being an author?

For me, the best part about being an author is meeting my readers in real life. Going into schools and chatting with kids about stories and books doesn’t feel like a job. When a kid comes up to you and talks about the characters in your story like they’re real-life people, well, it’s honestly one of the most incredible feelings. To make an impact, no matter how tiny, on a kid’s reading journey is such a privilege.

6. What are the "not so fun bits" in being an author?

The not so fun bits about being an author, for me, can be the tendency to compare and to feel responsible if my books aren’t selling well. I’m not a fast writer and I definitely am guilty of comparing when I see other authors publishing 3/4 books a year. I’m learning to be way more self-compassionate. Publishing is also a business and I can only do so much as an author, as there are so many things outside of our control like getting review slots, prize shortlisting, huge marketing and publicity campaigns etc. So it’s remembering that and enjoying the journey, no matter what it looks like!

7. Why do you think it is important for children to read?

Reading is as essential as breathing and I’d like to caveat that my definition of reading is fairly broad. For me, it includes books, comics, graphic novel, audiobooks, video games, even watching a TV show with the subtitles on. All of these are stories with narratives that have been cooked up by creative, imaginative people. Reading stories in any form grows empathy and kindness, and allows children to experience thousands of different lives and experiences.

8. What is the inspiration for your books and writing?

I am inspired by my own interests and passions, and I always encourage any kid to look at their own when they start to write a story. The Bastien Bonlivre Adventure series was inspired by my love of French, which led to me studying French at uni and living in France for a year. For the Wanderdays, I tapped into my obsession with becoming a marine biologist when I was a kid, as well as wanting to share my own experience of living with anxiety and OCD/intrusive thoughts.

9. Who gives you feedback on your drafts and how do you act on the feedback?

My partner Adam is always the first person I bounce ideas off and show my writing to as he has a brilliant imagination. He’s also 34 with the playfulness of a 10 year old, making him the perfect person to test storylines and jokes! My agent and Usborne editors give brilliant feedback, as I’m someone who often has to do between three to four rounds of edits. I’m not precious about killing my darlings. After all, editors are experts and they have a great understanding of the market. But they’re always keen to stress that editing is a conversation. An editor shouldn’t dictate what must be changed, but rather encourage you to think about your story in a different way.

10. Finally, if you could read for an hour, on your own, anywhere in the world - where would it be?

If I could read for an hour on my own anywhere in the world, it would be on one of the tiny islands in the Stockholm archipelago. I went there for the first time this summer and found it incredibly peaceful.