Wonderful Women Interview With Catherine Balavage Yardley

Catherine Balavage Yardley is a journalist and author. Her debut novel, Ember, came out in 2022. Her latest, Where The Light is Hottest, was published on February 27th. She is the editor-in-chief of Frost Magazine and has written for The Sunday Times, Mslexia, The Bookseller, Metro and Huffpost. She lives in London with her husband and children.

1. Describe a typical day for you?

It involves the chaos of the school run so I’m up at 7am, I get myself and the kids ready and get to school on time. I try to get home as quickly as possible because I always have a lot of work to do. Writing deadlines, a book to promote, and I also am the editor-in-chief of Frost Magazine. I make sure I do some exercise most days. Mostly pilates and strength training. I try to work as much as possible and then after I pick up the kids I focus on them. Sometimes I will work when they’re in bed. I love what I do so I feel privileged to call writing my job. Weekends are centred around the children’s swimming lessons.

2. What do you feel are your greatest achievements?

Definitely my children. Other than that, writing my books. Starting and running Frost for fifteen years. I have also written for The Sunday Times, The Bookseller, Mslexia and Metro amongst others. I have wanted to be a writer since I was in single figures so that is my ultimate dream come true.

3. What’s in your handbag/ satchel?

I usually just have my phone, keys and lip balm in my pockets or a bag with colouring books, snacks, children’s books and glittery pens. Nothing in-between.

4. What are your ambitions in life?

To write. I want to be a bestselling author who writes for lots of great publications. I used to work in the film industry and would like to get back into writing and producing. I would also like to become good at yoga. I’m a long way off with that particular ambition!

5. What do you wish you’d known at the start of your career you now know?

That it would take a long time but I would get there in the end. It took me years to get an agent. I have had hundreds, if not thousands, of rejections.

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I always find this question hard because I like to live in the moment. I want to keep writing. I have a lot of books in me, and ideas that I want to get out into the world. There are also publications that I love that I want to write for.
7. What advice would you give a budding writer?

Keep writing and read a lot. Don’t give up. There will be a lot of rejection but perseverance is what separates successful writers from the rest. Be brave. Be bold. For every rejection, send another submission or query.

8. What advice would you give to a new parent?

Be kind to yourself. Your life has completely changed. Take in the beautiful moments. Mum, you made a human being! Be proud. Dad, spend a lot of time with your kids and have grace for your partner. Talk to each other and know that this is the hardest time you’re likely to go through. You will both be tired but be kind to each other and communicate!

9. Finally, happiness is…

Spending time with my family. Reading books and writing. I love writing. It’s everything to me. I’m happy when creating. A cup of tea, a good hot chocolate. Good food and good company. I’m a simple person.

Portrait credit: Zara Bouait.

Author represented by Annette Crossland at A For Authors.
My new book, Where The Light is Hottest, is out 27th February. You can preorder here. I am also the author of Ember. You can buy it here.