INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR Cathy WARSHAW

Cathy Warshaw, Author

Q1. What is your favorite line from your book 'The Obsidian Eye'?

"The truth isn't just buried in the past - it's protected by those brave enough to find it." This line captures the heart of the Sisterhood Sleuths' journey - uncovering ancient mysteries not for glory, but because truth matters, even when it's dangerous. It reflects the themes of courage, legacy, and the powerful idea that young people can be the protectors of truth in a complicated world.

Q2. What would you say is your strength as an author?

My greatest strength as an author is my ability to weave empowerment into adventure. I don't just tell exciting stories - I equip young readers with life lessons through suspense, danger, and mystery. I create diverse, intelligent characters who are brave not because they're fearless, but because they choose truth, loyalty, and resilience even when the odds are against them. My writing blends entertainment with emotional growth, making my books thrilling and meaningful.

Additionally, my dedication to crafting an entire universe - with songs, apps, games, and merchandise - shows my strength in visionary storytelling. I'm not just writing books. I'm building a world where teens can learn, feel seen, and believe in their power to make a difference. That's rare - and powerful.

Q3. How do you manage your work schedule?

I want to say I'm a scheduling wizard - but truthfully, I'm not. The entrepreneur in me has taken the wheel for a while, which means my writing has been riding in the back seat. With an eight-book series in progress and currently working on Book Four, I haven't felt too much pressure.

Q4. How do you handle literary criticism?

I learn from it. I've only been writing fiction since 2024 and am always willing to learn.

Q5. What do you like about audiobooks? I'm a huge fan of anything audio! Honestly, I fall asleep most nights with an earbud in, listening to crime stories - yes, I know it's a bit unusual, but I love it. There's just something powerful about hearing a story unfold through voice.

That's why I'm especially excited to announce that The Obsidian Eye and The Land of Promise are both being turned into audiobooks. And these won't be your average narrations - It'll feel like stepping into the story itself.

Q6. What inspired you to start writing? I love telling this story. One morning, I woke up with a full story in my head - it just wouldn't let go. I had never written fiction before, but something told me I had to get it down. So I locked myself in a room for three days, told everyone (including the dogs!) to leave me alone, and started writing. That's how The Obsidian Eye was born.

Q7. What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

For me, good writing starts with the heart. If the writer doesn't feel something, the reader won't either. But beyond that, I believe the most important elements are: *Authentic characters - Readers connect with people, not just plots. Characters should feel real, flawed, and growing.

Emotional truth - Whether it's a mystery, fantasy, or real-life drama, the emotions have to ring true.

A strong voice - The tone and rhythm of the writing should feel distinct and natural, like the author is sitting across from you, telling the story just for you.

Pacing and purpose - Every scene should move the story forward or deepen the reader's connection.

Mystery and wonder - No matter the genre, I believe stories should spark curiosity and give readers something to unravel.

In my case, I always write with teens and young adults in mind. So I also try to include life lessons, moments of courage, and a sense that they matter - that their voice, their choices, and their future are powerful.

Q8. What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

I follow the energy of the story, and when inspiration hits, I go all in. That might mean shutting the door, telling everyone (even the dogs) to give me space, and disappearing into my fictional world until a chapter is done.

Balancing my work's creative and business sides can be tricky, but the story always comes first when I'm writing.

Q9. What is the significance of the title 'The Land of Promise, The Seven Seals'?

The title carries both spiritual and symbolic weight.

"The Land of Promise" refers to Israel, a place deeply rooted in history, prophecy, and hope. It represents more than a geographic location - It symbolizes a journey toward purpose, identity, and truth. For the Sisterhood Sleuths, it's a land full of ancient secrets, spiritual echoes, and modern danger. Their adventure there is about uncovering what's been hidden and what's worth fighting for.

"The Seven Seals" draws inspiration from biblical prophecy, where the seals represent revelation, judgment, and unveiling of hidden truths. In the story, the Seven Seals become a powerful metaphor for unlocking knowledge that The Society has buried for centuries. Each seal the team uncovers peels back another layer of deception, revealing not just conspiracies, but truths about humanity, belief, and destiny.

Together, the title speaks to the book's core themes: faith, mystery, legacy, and the courage it takes to uncover what others want to stay hidden.

Q10. What did you want to be when you grew up? Honestly, I didn't have a clear vision back then. I was a struggling student - concentration was hard, and life wasn't easy. My teenage years were difficult, being an introvert and terribly shy, without guidance or support, I couldn't see what the possibilities were. It felt like a lot of trial and error for a long time.

But looking back, I've lived an extraordinary life. I've lived in Israel, helped open a Hilton Hotel, owned a restaurant in West Hollywood, launched one of the first online dental management programs, and had several nonprofits. At 62, I went back to school and became a certified Life Coach for teens. And now, at 73, I'm an author and songwriter, still learning and creating.

I often say it's a miracle I even graduated from high school. But what I've learned is that you don't need a traditional path to create a meaningful life. I took every opportunity I could to grow, build, and give back - college or not.

"You don't need a perfect past to build a powerful future. You just need to say yes to the next step." ~ Cathy Warshaw

Interview took place with passionduniya June 7, 2025