P.S. Brooks is an established illustrator, who has just released his debut novel with Pegasus. Deathcat Sally is a young-adult fantasy/horror story which features the author’s artwork alongside his story.  

1. How would you describe Deathcat Sally and who would you say it is aimed at?

I’d describe Deathcat Sally as a YA fantasy with elements of horror.  I hope that a broad spectrum of readers will enjoy the book, from young adults upwards.  It deals with teenage/adult themes, such as relationship and emotional issues. Despite some of the bleaker elements, one of the main characters is a smart-mouthed and hyperactive tabby who hardly ever lets adversity get him down. Parts of the novel might be too dark and intense for readers under 12 - personally, I quite enjoyed horror novels and films as an older child, but every young person is different.    

The book can be described as many things: a surreal paranormal adventure, an exploration of guilt and forgiveness, an allegory about searching for reassurance that those who have passed away still exist, or a journey into madness.      

2. What first gave you the idea for this novel?

In September 2010 I had a severe nerve injury that affected my neck, shoulder, arm and right hand.  Unable to illustrate, and on a heavy cocktail of painkillers and neuropathic medication, I spent more time volunteering at the local RSPCA looking after a large group of cats for some distraction.  These combined elements likely led to the lucid dream I had on 7th January 2011 of a teacher who accidentally knocked over a cat and then found his talking spirit was fused to her shoulder.  Bolting upright, I started scribbling down what I could, then began typing.  Gradually the characters of Sally and Zachary and their journey into ‘No Man’s Land’ – a realm of lost and vengeful animal spirits, took shape.

3. Although the book has a strong fantasy element, there are issues raised about very real problems: wildlife, ecological issues etc. What motivated you to write about these topics?

The animal welfare and conservation themes developed as I began to explore what the realm of No Man’s Land was, why Sally and Zachary kept being pulled into it and why they were bound together.  The last thing I set out to do was write a lecture or have a preachy agenda, and wanted to instead show events from the perspective of non-human characters and have readers form their own conclusions.  I hope that the way the book is written would encourage the younger generation and adults to contemplate the natural world and mankind’s place in it, and not just hit them over the head with ‘A Message’.   

The book also deals with grief and mental health issues - in particular depression and Bipolar Disorder (Zachary represents the manic phase of the illness, No Man’s Land represents the depressive phase – Sally is caught in the middle).  My reasons for this were a cathartic exploration of dealing with the injury, and also experiencing personal loss.  

4. If, like Sally, you gained the ability to talk to animals, what would be the first thing you would do?

Good question! Probably get to know my Sheltie Guinea Pig ‘Little Jupiter’ and my border terrier ‘Skippy’ better. They’re already good friends and it would be fun to find out what they wanted to do, or where they wanted to go. Perhaps like Sally, a trip to the zoo could be interesting.   

5. What are your future writing plans?

I’m mostly focusing on illustration at the moment, but do have other novels in early development.  There is a young adult fantasy/horror set on a planet where animal-human hybrids co-exist with humans – this is intended to be part of a series. I have an adult science fiction/horror set far in the future featuring a group of creatures such as werewolves, fairies and other creatures from myth.  Another novel is a young adult science fiction/horror following escaped mammals from a government facility that venture across America – this could potentially be a trilogy.       

6. As well as an author, you are also an illustrator, and readers will be able to see your work in Deathcat Sally. What most inspires your artwork?

I’m inspired by illustrators such as Mary Grandpre, Brett Helquist, Dave McKean and many others I’ve found through social media. Another early influence was my Grandfather Brooks who was a painter who worked in oils and acrylics. I was influenced growing up by Western and Eastern animation and films and continue to find inspiration through many science fiction and fantasy movies.

7. What were your favourite books as a child/teenager?

I enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland and the Roald Dahl books. They all have a lot of imagination and I liked many of the memorable characters in them.

8. What advice would you give to any young, aspiring illustrators/authors?

As a first time author who has certainly learned a lot through this publication, I’d just encourage other writers that if they have what they think is a good story to get feedback from others to help you improve and make the manuscript the best it can be. Joining a writers’ group is one option and having a professional editor and proofreader to look through your manuscript is also a good idea.  Prepare yourself to deal with making changes and amendments – sometimes losing characters and sub-plots in the process. My first draft of Deathcat Sally was 133,000 words and it took some time to get it into a more streamlined and YA-friendly 89,000. words.  Several characters had to go and there were other side quests and conversations that were cut due to the manuscript feeling too long in parts.  I think the edits worked out and the final book moves at a better pace.

I have more experience as an illustrator and would encourage young artists and illustrators to practice every day with their work and find what style and media they like to use.  Look at other professional illustrators and be inspired by them – always be open to improve your work and build your portfolio.  Be inspired by the natural world and connect with other artists, authors and illustrators on social media.  Don’t listen to people who say you’re no good and don’t give up if you feel you’re getting ignored.  Keep persevering and you will make progress.