Meet Horse Fiction Writer Catherine Hapka
However, she admits to having a soft spot for Appaloosas and drafts. But her all-time favorite breed is the Thoroughbred.
“All three of my current horses are Thoroughbreds,” says Catherine. “One is a former racehorse, one is a ‘failed’ racehorse, and one is an ex-polo pony.”
Inspiring Horses
Catherine still squeezes in time for lessons between writing projects.
As a horse fiction writer, Catherine has been inspired by countless equine friends throughout her career. “I’m lucky to have had lots of special horses in my life,” she says. “Each of them is inspiring to me in different ways—mostly good, and occasionally not so good!”
Like many equestrians, there is one extra-special horse she will always remember.
“If I had to choose just one (shh, don’t tell the others!), it would be my dearly departed old Thoroughbred, Ben. He was one of a kind, and I still miss him. He was a true gentleman who helped teach me to ride, and I was honored to own him for the last few years of his long, varied life.” Ben lived to age 31!
When Catherine isn’t enjoying a ride with one of her equine buddies, she loves the variety of being an author. “I’ve written a lot of books about horses, but I’ve also written about many other topics,” she says. Catherine has written about friendship, dogs and cats, starting school, high school romance, outer space, American history, mysteries, Disney princesses, and even tween zombies!
“Young readers are fun to write for, because they’re so enthusiastic and open-minded about the books they read,” she explains.
How to Get Started
What steps should Young Rider readers take who dream of someday being a horse fiction writer? Catherine says there is one important thing any aspiring writer can do.
“READ! Reading this magazine is a good start,” she notes. “But don’t stop there. Read as much as you can. Read books about horses and ponies, read anything else that interests you, read stuff you’re not sure you’ll like, and stuff you know you’ll love.”
