Pathways of Inspiration: An Interview with Cara A’court, author of Three People, Three Countries, One Path

Cara lives in Northumberland with her wife and menagerie of animals. She is currently working toward her English Literature Degree with The Open University and is also the owner of her own business Earth Soul. Cara was inspired to write Three People, Three Countries, One Path when she turned to spiritual practices due to her ill health. Suffering from Fibromyalgia and Hypermobility Syndrome, her writing provides her with escape and most importantly her dreams. Literature has always been her passion and one she now happily pursues.

You can buy Three People, Three Countries, One Path here.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title came quite easily from the plot as it is like a mini synopsis in itself. Although there is a lot of dimensions to the plot this title peels it back to its bones.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

When I saw my options of book covers it was hard to choose; they were all brilliant, but ultimately the one I chose stood out a little more and I love it, like, a lot! Holding my finished book in my hands didn’t feel real—it was like, wow, I have really done it, but even writing this and thinking back has put a massive smile on my face.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I have always wanted to write, probably because I have always loved books. I think actually writing 3,3,1 came from needing an outlet when I was going through a hard time due to my health. My love of literature is quite varied from J.M Barrie to Patrick Suskind, Rowling to Shakespeare (who I share a birthday with). Yet the one thing they all have in common for me is the ability to immerse myself in their world and that for me is a big influence, the ability to be lost in the pages.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I went to university to study Zoology but left at the beginning of the final year as it wasn’t right for me and my health was no longer holding up. I then volunteered at a holistic shop where I learned Reiki and other healing methods. From this I set up my own business, Earth Soul, which I still run.

Something readers wouldn’t know about me is that I believe one moment, a snapshot in your life, can change your path. When you go from accepting your fate to taking hold of your own destiny.

For me I have that snapshot literally on my wall, a canvas of that moment to remind me of where it all changed for the better.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

Honestly there are so many, but for me the one thing that hit me the most was when my youngest niece found out I had written a book, she started writing her own immediately. She spent a whole weekend writing a book and illustrating it.

So for me inspiring others is a major reward.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

If my book had a soundtrack it would be Buddhist chants and peace music.

Yet writing it, I had an indie/alternative with the addition of a lot of P!nk in there; I’m talking Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, and Bowling for Soup.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

That what is decided for you isn’t what you have to accept, you can take charge of it and even if the path might lead there you can take charge of your destiny.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I am desperately trying to start the second book in this trilogy. So if someone can give me some more hours in the day, let me know.

I am also working on Earth Soul for a bigger and better reach.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

Working with Atmosphere Press is/was amazing—they are so supportive and always on hand to help you out and answer any questions. They are a very talented bunch who made my dream a reality!

You can buy Three People, Three Countries, One Path here.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.