Five minutes with... Cathryn Constable

We caught up with the author The Wolf Princess for a quick chat about her debut novel

Hi Cathryn! So tell us about your new book, The Wolf Princess.

Sophie and her two friends are abandoned on a train on a school trip to Russia. Rescued and taken to a remote, dilapidated palace, Sophie discovers something about herself. The important thing being that she couldn’t have found this out if she hadn’t been lost.

What made you choose to set the book in Russia?

I was reading so much Russian literature, I just found it really hard not to write about Russia.

Before turning your hand to children’s books, you worked for Vogue, Elle Decoration, Elle, and The Independent among others. Do you think your career as a journalist has influenced you in your writing for children?

I don’t think it did except I think my fascination with old buildings and clothes probably influenced the setting and feel of the book. And I always wanted to know what people wore in the books I read as a child.

What was your favourite childhood book?

Anything by E Nesbit. And of course, The Chronicles of Narnia.

Which children’s authors do you admire?

E Nesbit. C S Lewis. The Philips, Pullman and Reeve. Catherine Fisher.

What are you working on next?

I’m trying out a couple of things at the moment... which is completely delicious. All I can say is there’s no snow!