Q&A with Paula Brackston

 

 

Paula Brackston is the author of the new novel The Cathedral of Lost Souls, a sequel to her novel The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish. She lives in Hereford, UK. 

 

Q: The Cathedral of Lost Souls is the second in your series featuring Hecate Cavendish--do you think she's changed from one book to the next?

 

A: Book one in the series - The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish - saw momentous events in our young heroine’s life. She started her job as assistant librarian at the cathedral, learned that she could see and communicate with ghosts, discovered her connection to the goddess Hekate, and began to develop her skills and powers as one of her followers.

 

Naturally, by the time we get to book two these experiences and revelations have changed her in all sorts of ways. She has grown in confidence and ability, learned to navigate the world outside her own home, become part of the community of the cathedral and come to care deeply about her family of ghosts there.

 

While she has gained a great deal, she has suffered loss too, and now has more to lose. She has found a strength she did not know she possessed which she will use to protect those she loves and defend the map and the library.

 

Q: What inspired the plot of The Cathedral of Lost Souls? The novel is set in Hereford--how important is setting for you in your writing?

 

A: This book very much picks up where book one left off. The series as a whole was inspired by the setting of Hereford Cathedral, its real chained library and medieval world map.

 

As I now live in this marvellous city, I often visit the cathedral. It is so atmospheric and ancient - it lends itself beautifully to the main setting for my books. And the mappa mundi is brimming with fascinating detail and obscure creatures and peoples - it would be impossible not to be inspired by it!

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?

 

A: I hope that readers will enjoy being transported to a time and place away from their own lives and the challenges of the modern world. I would love to inspire them to learn more about the places and ancient artefacts in the story.

 

I also hope they will come to love Hecate and root for this feisty young woman who is ahead of her time, independent, brave, and just a little bit unusual!

 

Perhaps a book so firmly based on real places and things (despite being fantasy!) could also tempt new writers to use inspirational settings and ancient treasures to fuel their imaginations.

 

Q: What are you working on now? Will there be more books about Hecate?

 

A: I am currently deep into the first draft of book three in the series, so yes, more Hecate on its way! The story of the Essedenes wraps up in book two, so Hecate faces new challenges in the third book. Of course she is still at the chained library, with her family of phantoms, but is growing into her role as a fearless Victorian ghostbuster!

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: If you are ever in the area, I thoroughly recommend a visit to Hereford Cathedral. They have an exhibition where you can see the original mappa mundi and the chained library.

 

Of course you will also be able to see all the parts of the cathedral mentioned in the Hecate books!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Paula Brackston.