1. The title The Day We Had Candy Floss is so evocative. Can you share more about its symbolism and how it relates to the story?

The title of my first book, I too, feel is evocative – very much in a personal way. My book is a work of fiction with its foundation based on lived experiences. My start in life, like the journey depicted by my main character, Roisin, is much the same. The image of candy floss held in a child’s hand may be idealistic, but it conjures up notions of giving, contentment and innocence – how one should remember their childhood. Roisin questions her own upbringing, just as I do: did we have candy floss, or is it just wishful thinking? Roisin’s path led her to great wealth and opportunity, but she fears it is all too good to last; like candy floss, it will all melt away.

2. What drew you to explore themes of resilience and the pursuit of love in your novel?

I believe the word love, in all its beautiful forms, is like food as it nourishes the mind, body and spirit. Without it, one can often feel diminished or left searching for completeness. In my experience, it takes resilience to wait for real love and, therefore, invest in what you truly need. It also takes resilience to find the strength within to walk away from the kind of love that destroys and lessens you as a person. I love to read stories of finding love through trial, war and heartache.

3. If you could pick a single message readers take away from Roisin’s journey, what would it be?

My message to my readers is this: regardless of your age or where you stand in life, look within and see who you really are. What you feel and need is at the very heart of you. Be thoughtful and patient. Take small steps, reach towards your goals, and never allow another to lead or exploit you, taking you to a place you then struggle to escape from. We all have the power to say no and to seek a better way.

4. What do you think makes your book a meaningful read for Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day resonates with many of us, especially those longing for an expression of love from another – someone who may be dancing on our heartbeat, teasing the possibility of a love story. And let’s not forget those longing for their story to begin, as well as those for whom the day is a painful reminder of emptiness.

Throughout my book, there will be many readers who resonate with Roisin as she celebrates the passions of love, while others will be reminded of how they, too, have mourned the rejection of unrequited love.

5. What inspired you to start writing during the pandemic? Did it change the way you approached storytelling?

The pandemic brought forth many emotions. For a time, the world changed dramatically. There was so much fearful uncertainty, and nothing else seemed to matter. But the change also gave some of us time to reflect, to evaluate and use the stay-at-home rule to look within and create. I believe this happened to many people everywhere. The chapter titled The Spinning Top Stops describes this feeling. The pandemic took that energy from our spinning world, and it stopped. But in its place came a new direction and the inspiration to reveal new thoughts – or in my case, new words.

6. The ‘Candy Floss Moments’ campaign is such a good idea. Could you tell us more about this and how does it connect to the themes of your book?

The ‘Candy Floss Moments’ campaign was a joint idea between Lucy, my marketing assistant, and me. We were heading in the same direction with our ideas until Lucy brought the images to life and the photobook was born. Roisin made a plethora of adventurous memories. Reaching out to others to take a snapshot and share their ‘Candy Floss Moments’ may take flight once people have the book in their hands and it becomes part of their journey, whether that be a far-flung destination or heading to their bathroom for a soak and an escapist read.

7. What’s been your favourite ‘Candy Floss Moment’ in your own life?

My favourite ‘Candy floss Moment’ was my wedding day. My book was with me on my big day – but only in mind, as the title had not yet come to fruition. The book launch on 14 February, I know, will soon become a competitor!

8. As a debut author, what surprised you the most about the process of publishing a novel?

The surprise must be the amount of planning involved in structuring a viable, believable story that maintains continuity – a read that holds the reader’s attention while also delivering intrigue. I do hope I have achieved a semblance of these characteristics.  One lesson that I will carry forward is the realisation of how much I had to learn along the way!

9. What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d known before starting your writing journey?

I wish I had taken the time to read more books with a clear perspective on story structure, the use of language and grammar and the elements that drive a narrative forward, as I may have saved myself a lot of juggling around and corrections further down the line.

Interested in finding more about ‘The Day We Had Candy Floss’ by Catherine Lock? Get your copy here.