Author Interview: Kit Butler
We had an opportunity to chat with Kit Butler, author of The Magster Series. Read our interview with him, below:
1. When did you decide that you wanted to become an author?
I have always wanted to write at least one book. That started in my late teenage years and I did write small pieces throughout my life, but only for creative pleasure; none of it was seen outside of my own eyes.
When I truly decided to be an author was in 2018. I was about 3 chapters into writing an occult thriller, but then I got the inspiration and ideas for the Magster series, and it was then that I got really serious about writing and getting books out into the world.
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2. Did you read lots as a child - if you did, where did you mainly read? If you didn't, what was the reason?
Yes! I did read lots as a child. I mainly read at home and on journeys. Bedtime was a big favourite of mine, so not a lot has changed for me since then.
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3. What was your favourite book as a child and why?
Crikey! What a tough question!
There are quite a few, but if I have to put a name out there, I will say the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis and I love them all, but I will go with where it all began - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
I just fell in love with the array of characters and the world that C.S. Lewis built, and there's nothing better than a triumph of good over evil.
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4. How does it feel to see your books in shops and being sold?
Well, it's the ultimate goal for an author and feels wonderful. There is a big sense of achievement in seeing them there. We live in a world with a number of different retail options and methods now, but nothing will ever beat having your books in a bookshop and in the hands of the fab booksellers that work in them.
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5. What is the best part about being an author?
Meeting the people - other authors, librarians, booksellers, readers and potential readers, has been the highlight for me. Getting to do events in libraries and bookshops, where you can really connect with your audience is pretty special, too.
6. What are the "not so fun bits" in being an author?
The writing process is not without its stresses at times, when writing a series. When you find a plot hole or a disconnect from the overall story in the book you're currently writing, and you thought you were almost finished, it can be "not so fun".
Also, fighting off the monsters whilst walking through the deep and sludgy swamp of effective online book marketing.
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7. Why do you think it is important for children to read?
A child's imagination is the most powerful thing, untouched by the restraints of adulthood, so reading during these years stimulates them and develops not only what values and skills a child will later cherish in adult life, the stories also teach them about all it entails - relationships, caring for others, adversity, victories, failures, solving problems to achieve goals. They also get to create their own "mental film version" of the book world that they are in and shape their own individual creative abilities along the way. It's super important.
8. What is the inspiration for your books and writing?
The inspiration for the Magster books is my old cockapoo, "Maggie". My writing is inspired by life in general and all the facets of it, which provide me with so many ideas; the work of other authors also continues to inspire me every day, to strive and develop as a writer.
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9. Who gives you feedback on your drafts and how do you act on the feedback?
My Mum is an avid reader (did The Silmarillion in 13 days!), so she is a pretty good sounding board, and I send her various drafts in the earlier stages; she also starts the proofreading process for me, until it goes to the professionals.
I also have an editor who works with me, to get the manuscript finalised. I am always open to feedback and am very happy to listen, and if I feel that it works and improves the book, then I am sold. However, sometimes you have to stand your ground.
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10. Finally, if you could read for an hour, on your own, anywhere in the world - where would it be?
Another very tough question! So many places to choose from.
As it's October, let's go spooky season - 65 Prospect Street, Rhode Island. The house of H.P Lovecraft.
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