Interview with Jackie McCarthy, Author of The Hybrid Cure

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Hybrid Cure (The Kaseath Chronicles Book 1)?

I have always been drawn to dystopian worlds, and visions of the future where humans haven’t learned to stop their worst nightmares from coming true. But I also love spreading hope. Even if the world is desperate, life can be full of adventure, love, and friendship. Maybe we’re all worth saving. I also have a soft spot for sci-fi and wanted to create my own alien species, which was loads of fun. Then, once I came up with my heroine, Ofelia, I was inspired to see how she would react to each new challenge she faced. She started a few adventures that surprised me as I was writing the scenes.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I read all genres, but my favorite genre is dystopian books about possible near-futures. I also enjoy science fiction books with tech that can go oh, so wrong once humans get involved! Throw awesome teen heroines into the mix, and there’s bound to be an interesting story. I also love characters to get behind who don’t avoid difficult situations. And yes, dystopian/sci-fi are also my favourite genres to write in.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

“The 100” (Kass Morgan), “Dry” (Neal Shusterman & Jarrod Shusterman) & “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” (Suzanne Collins).

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I had a lot of fun with the opening scene and imagining a game around the spires of Trash Mountain, where my main character scavenges for a living. It’s a dangerous place to host a high-stakes game, with trash piles collapsing and pointy objects all around. The game also develops the background of our hero and the fact that every choice she makes is to save her sister. There was an incredibly close bond between the two of them that is so sweet. So that scene was the most fun to write and imagine.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have a cat who interrupts my writing habits, does that count? No, seriously, Luna is my editorial assistant (in cat form) and she keeps me taking breaks regularly, which can be difficult when you’re in the zone. When she bites my feet, it’s time to play! I am also superstitious about the playlist I listen to during writing sprints, which has varied over the years (at the moment, it’s a lo-fi study playlist, but I used to listen to thunderstorms).

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I think Yoda said it best. “Do, or do not. There is no try.” I’m quite a Star Wars fan, but wow it’s hard to live up to that motto! Some things in life can be really difficult.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

However hopeless things look, there is a chance for a better future. And what gives me hope, is that the teens of today will create our tomorrow. I’m sure they’ll do a much better job of things. Yes, my books are about bleak subjects, but the characters always maintain hope. We’ll get through the tough times together.

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