A Note from Claire Hastie: author of The Guardians of the Athame
I still think of myself as a newbie to this writing malarkey, when really I have been writing since I was very young. My mum will often say I wrote stories once I learnt to write with my left hand. My creations from my immature imagination would have me conjure monsters from inside haunted castles, to talking animals solving mysteries.
My imagination was endless, but as I got older, my writing focused on the adult version of my childhood fantasies, and of the darker side of my hometown’s secrets. Of course, all fiction! I have written three psychological thrillers, which I plan to publish once my Blackhill Manor series is complete. My notepads are full of ideas for future horror/thrillers. I think the reason for writing about my hometown of East Kilbride, on the outskirts of Glasgow, was by reading Stephen King books growing up. The reason he always based his stories around his hometown of Maine. I guess I just want to let folk know that we in East Kilbride really exist! I grew up next to the town’s large forest, Calderglen, and it was in here whilst playing, where most of my imagination ran wild. Everything was magical when you were a kid, and scary as hell!
The idea for The Guardians Of The Athame formed inside my mind back in 2013. I had the story mapped out, but now I just needed to find the perfect setting for Blackhill Manor. It was during a visit to my family in Northern Ireland, a trip to the beautiful forests of Glenariff – I had found the perfect settings for my book. Like the main character in my book, Luna Green, I would visit the Calderglen Woods, take my dogs for a walk for inspiration. Settings are a must for writers. Being in the moment where you can capture inspiration through your eyes, to bring home with you and transfer these images onto paper or keyboard.
There are no right or wrongs to being a writer, other than to keep writing and read a tonne of books. But for me, just let your mind open up to the surrounding possibilities. Your eyes and awareness are the windows to your storytelling. Good luck!
The Guardians of the Athame by Claire Hastie is available from all major retailers!