– Thanks for joining us here at YALC. We would love you to introduce yourself
I’m Catherine Doyle, and I write MG and YA books. My most recent trilogy is an upper YA romantasy called The City of Fantome. It follows Seraphine and Ransom as they try to make their way in a city of thieves and assassins, all while grappling with dangerous new magic and forbidden feelings for each other.
– Can you give our readers an overview of your YA novel The Dragon and The Dove
The Dragon & the Dove is the final instalment in the City of Fantome Trilogy. The Age of Saints has dawned, and Sera has been imbued with the power to gift magic to others. Every time she makes a new saint, it comes at great personal cost. As the city unites against the insidious Silvertongue Saint, Sera has to choose what she is willing to sacrifice for the greater good, and whether her love with Ransom can withstand that decision.
– And, if you could do it in just 5 words or less, what would they be?
An epic, romantic trilogy conclusion!
– Who was your favourite character to write and why?
I love writing Caruso because he’s completely unhinged and yet totally besotted by Val. I’m also partial to Madame Josephine Fontaine. I do love a cantankerous old woman!
– Is there a character that you relate to?
I think in some small way I relate to all of them. I have a soft spot for Ransom, in particular but I can’t quite work out why (maybe that’s for the best!)
– Is there another character’s backstory you would love to explore in another book?
I am quite charmed by the idea of writing about Madame Fontaine as a young daring Cloak called Josie who drags herself out of danger and poverty to become the Head of the Order in her early twenties. I can only imagine all the escapades she got up to!
– Did the story for The Dragon and The Dove change while you were writing it, or was it planned all along?
It changed a lot, mainly around the level of each sacrifice each character ultimately gave towards the end, and also what magical gifts they received.
– What do you enjoy the most about the world you have created?
I love the belief system. It makes it feel more real to me and provides a lot more scope emotionally and psychologically when it comes to world-building.
– Was it difficult to say goodbye to the characters after spending so long writing about them?
No, I think it was time! Their stories all felt complete to me.
– What was the most challenging part of writing the final book?
Tying everything up and honouring the characters in the best way while also accepting that some of them weren’t going to get a big happy ending.
– Without spoilers, what is the one thing you think readers should look out for in the final book?
There are extra viewpoints in book three, and I think viewers will enjoy getting in the heads of Val and Caruso!
– Which book in the trilogy was your favourite to write, and why?
I loved writing book 3, it felt the most exciting and magical to me.
– How did you come up with the title? Was it a hard process?
The title arrived quite naturally this time, thankfully.
– Where do you write?
At my kitchen table in the evening times with lots and lots of coffee.
– What is your favourite genre to read?
I love, love, love romantasy, romance fiction and funny MG.
– Where can our readers find you on social media?
@CatDoyleAuthor on Instagram and TikTok
– Finally can you give us your favourite quote from a novel (it can be yours!)?
From the Dragon & the Dove: “Dreamer, said the old voice, this is who you are.”