Grey asked Catherine Ryan Hyde:

Hello Catherine. I have read 4 of your books, so far. You are my new (new to me) favorite author! The books I have read are Say Goodbye For Now, When I found You, Where We Belong, and The Language of Hoofbeats. In these 4 books, animals have such an important role. When you are writing, how do you decide on what kind of animal to write about? Did you grow up with animals?

Catherine Ryan Hyde I don't know that I decide, exactly. I think I try to be open to what would draw out a character. Cause them to open up and show the world more of what's going on inside. And animals are great for that. We can be so guarded with each other, but animals go straight to our hearts. They go right over, under, or through our walls.

I grew up with two heartbreaking dog experiences. A puppy who was sick when we got him and didn't survive, followed by a dog who my parents did not keep because of behavior problems. Then we got a Siamese cat, and I loved her, but I really ached for a dog. I also rode horses growing up, though we couldn't afford for me to have one of my own.

Now I own "the full set." A dog, a cat, and a horse. I get to see the way they change my life, and of course observations like that will end up in my novels.

Speaking of the novels, so glad you are enjoying them so far!

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