I just followed the characters through that world, their world. When the story arrived, when I started telling it, I knew that I was in a different place and time from this one. You’re right! I never do say when and where it takes place, and part of the reason is because I’m not sure myself (I tip my hand about that uncertianity at the end of the book). Does this sort of world hold any particular appeal for you as a writer? As a reader? Why did you choose to Beatryce’s story there and then? While you never state precisely when this story takes place, it seems to occur in a medieval time and space. This goat! This girl! I have to tell this story. And then in 2017, I cleaned out a closet and found the beginning pages and I was like: oh, this. What happened was this: I started the story in the summer of 2009 and I worked on it for awhile and then forgot about it. Why do you think it finally decided to come out now?

In an author’s note, you mention that this story has been with you, kicking around in your imagination, for decades. I loved her (and her hard head and big teeth and powers of discernment) from the minute she arrived, and I miss her still. And I don’t know where she came from! She was one of those characters who just showed up–fully formed and full of surprises. I certainly won’t forget her for a long time! Was there a real life inspiration behind Answelica? Answelica! In your work, you’ve created dozens of unforgettable animal characters, but this menacing, fiercely loyal goat might be the most memorable for me.

It’s the story of how Beatryce claims who she is and finds her way home.īefore we get more into the story, I feel I need to ask about one character in particular. Mostly, it’s the story of a girl named Beatryce who can read and write in a time and place when it is against the law for a girl to do either of those things. The Beatryce Prophecy is a story about kings and queens, and prophecies and mermaids, and seahorses and goats. Would you care to start things off by sharing what the novel is about? Hi Kate! Thank you so much for joining us here at the MG Book Village to talk about your newest book, The Beatryce Prophecy.

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo