MG Author Cathy Ringler: Where Horseback Riding Meets Imagination

Meet Cathy Ringler, a storyteller whose love for horses and storytelling inspired her to craft compelling middle grade fiction. In her soon-to-be-released "Miya’s Mountain," readers join Miya Skippingbird and her friends on a journey through the majestic Beartooth Mountains. Cathy's unique characters and captivating narratives aim to empower young readers, offering them hope and inspiration.

Could you share a little about yourself and your current middle grade novel?

I am a storyteller, cowgirl, and retired teacher. I live at the foot of the beautiful Beartooth Mountains and ride in them as often as my busy schedule will allow.

My soon to be released sequel, Miya’s Mountain, features Miya Skippingbird, her horse Dream, and her best friend Jake. Miya is a gutsy yet vulnerable teenage girl who shows herself to be a survivor in the pristine, dangerous mountains that form the setting of Miya’s Mountain. She tackles family problems while fighting to control her anxiety and prove herself in a world filled with uncertainty.

What inspired you to start writing middle grade fiction?

My two girls grew up on horseback and when we’d ride home in the evenings, they’d often say, “Mom, tell us a story.” So, in the cool of the evening I’d invent the most amazing, courageous characters I could dream up and tell their tales. Before we knew it, we’d be home!

I also embraced the power of story when I taught in a two-room rural schoolhouse. No one is a discipline problem when they are wrapped up in a story.

I taught my main characters Miya and Jake for a short period of time. They impressed me so much that I always knew that I’d write about them one day.

How do you approach crafting characters that resonate with middle grade readers?

In the initial stages I go for a hike or a bike or horseback ride and picture some of my middle grade friends. I combine them into a middle school personality and invite them into my imagination as they travel through their day. I watch them dealing with problems and emotions. I laugh at all of their silly jokes, I empathize with their pain, I cheer for them when they have a victory. I have even been caught talking out loud to them. (I’m blushing now.)

Do you have a favorite middle grade book?

There are so many wonderful middle grade books out there that I couldn’t begin to choose a favorite. A Wrinkle in Time changed me into a reader when I fell in love with the book in fifth grade.

Can you describe your typical writing day?

I try to work out the first thing in the morning and then for two days a week I have about three uninterrupted hours of writing time. I watch my adorable grandchildren three days a week and, on those days, squeeze in writing during naptime.

I outline my books loosely, because my middle grade friend referenced in the previous question will often suggest the next scene. I try to continue writing until I have a good idea of how the next scene will play out. When I get up in the morning, I’ve slept on it, my subconscious has worked on the dialog and conflict, and I’m eager to hit the keyboard.

What do you hope young readers will take away from your books?

On your FB page, you wrote that “Great characters are ones that are reliable and interesting enough to stay with the reader long after the book is closed.” You also said that you want your young readers to believe that “Nothing is impossible.”

My sentiments exactly! I also want them to understand that by taking action, even one tiny baby step, they can change their situation. Perhaps even the world.

Can you share any tips or advice for aspiring middle grade authors?

I suggest that they get involved with the Young Authors program through their schools if one is available. If not, many local libraries offer writing classes or seminars for youth. Practice and feedback are important in mastering any skill.

Become an observer. Listen to what people are saying beyond the words they speak. Even if it’s scary, embrace as many new experiences as possible. You might want to write about them one day!

How do you incorporate humor and adventure into your middle grade stories?

My stories are set in the mountains, so there is danger and adventure around every switchback. Horses, dogs, and people…plenty of opportunity for humor!

Is there anything else you’d like to share that I haven’t covered in the interview?

In Miya’s Dream, the first book in the series. Miya is fourteen years old and being bullied at school. Her parents believe that if they get her into barrel racing, she’ll make friends. The drawback is they can’t afford a $10,000 horse. All the family can afford is a fat lazy mare named Dream.

Interspersed throughout the story are Miya’s attempts to overcome bullying as she grows in self-confidence and the sport.

Miya is fifteen in Miya’s Mountain. It is an upper middle grade book, and there is a little handholding. (Mostly for support!) Miya’s Mountain provides strategies for managing anxiety. Miya tries many suggestions that she’d found on YouTube. Some work, some don’t, but she prevails in the end.

Thank you for taking time to read my interview!

My website is: www.cathyringler.com. It’s in the process of being updated to include Miya’s Mountain.