We chat with author Sophie Clark about Cruel Is The Light, which is a star-crossed, enemies-to-lovers saga about a war between demons and exorcists . . . and the forbidden love that could change the course of history.
Hi, Sophie! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m an Australian author living in Tasmania, which is the heart-shaped island at the bottom of Australia. It’s incredibly beautiful. My background is completely different to what I do now. I studied a master of international relations at Melbourne Uni and worked at the Australian Senate in Canberra. Now, I’m the author of CRUEL IS THE LIGHT which has just released in the US. This is by far my best and most rewarding job yet!
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve always loved writing but to me, authors were like a different species. Becoming an author myself with a book on the shelf didn’t feel like something to even aspire to. But I loved writing stories even as a kid. I just never realized it might, someday, lead to writing my own book.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: The Magicians Nephew
- The one that made you want to become an author: Red Rising
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Dark Rise & Dark Heir
Your debut novel, Cruel Is the Light, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Hard one! How about: forbidden love and heartbreaking secrets.
Where did the inspiration for Cruel Is the Light come from?
Cruel was inspired by some of my greatest loves. But first, and most importantly, Rome. This book is a love letter to the city and to the empire that was. My love for Rome and its history is embodied by Selene, who has a fierce desire to protect Rome and her people. I was lucky enough to be in Rome for part of the editing process. In fact, I’d just arrived in Milan the day before Easter when my very first edit letter arrived and I got to read it in the Duomo di Milano. Selene and Jules were my other inspirations, when they stormed in with such distinct opinions and intriguing backstories, I had no choice but write their story.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I absolutely love all my characters. But any time there’s banter on page I love it. Particularly whenever Caterina and Lucia get to play off each other. Extra special shout out to the moment when Selene, who is usually much too serious for that, joins in too.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
You always face challenges while writing! It’s impossibly hard. Luckily, I think our brains have a way of overwriting the pain so we still want to do it again. I do remember one time when I was just so tired of writing (it’s a state I call it the ‘drafting doldrums’) when every new word feels like an unmitigated disaster and beyond difficult to boot. As it turned out, I was only a few days from finishing and raced through the final chapters in record time. Later, when I read through it all, I realized it wasn’t nearly as terrible as I’d feared! That time, I overcame the challenges by barrelling through. Other times you just need to step away and read or watch a movie and refill the creative well.
This is your debut novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
Every author will tell you how difficult getting published is. They’re not kidding! Cruel is the Light wasn’t the first manuscript I wrote (it was my third!) but it was the first that felt truly special. I got into an incredible author-run program called Pitch Wars and my mentors helped me polish my manuscript for agents. A few weeks after I was finished, I queried my agent. That was the moment that changed everything. I knew I was shooting for the moon, and that probably nothing would come of it. Then my email binged. He’d already replied. It wasn’t long after signing on with Josh that I got my first offer. Then my final offer. And I signed a deal with Penguin Random House. Now here we are! It sounds easy, but there were countless moments where this felt like an impossible dream.
What’s next for you?
I’m currently drafting the sequel to Cruel is the Light which has been the hardest book I’ve ever written. It’s my first go at writing a sequel and the learning curve is quite something, but I’ve been having a blast with it even so. I love these characters and really enjoy writing the continuation of their story. More Jules and Selene, and especially Sparrow!
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?
Of Flame and Fury, my friend’s book, is coming out in July. She’s Australian, Michaela Bridge. Air of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray, that’s in June, which I’m looking forward to that very much and I’m also keen to read Mistress of Bones by Maria Z. Medina coming in August. And The River Drags Her Down by Jihyun Yun in September.
