What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to write about a woman who had already been told her story was over. Elenora failed the Games at sixteen, lost the magic that should have defined her future, and has spent decades being treated as though that failure determined her worth. I love writing underdogs, but I especially love older heroines—women who have lived a little, been knocked down a few times, and are no longer particularly interested in behaving themselves. Ink Witch grew from that idea: what happens when a woman everyone dismissed discovers that perhaps she was never powerless at all? Then I gave her a kidnapped dog, because apparently I wanted to make her really angry.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
For Elenora, “Labour” by Paris Paloma. There’s something about its anger, exhaustion, and refusal to keep quietly carrying what everyone else expects of you that fits her beautifully. For Cáel, I’m tempted by “Take Me to War” by The Crane Wives. He’s controlled, diplomatic, and very good at appearing reasonable—but there’s considerably more going on underneath. And Mina, Elenora’s Belgian Malinois, obviously requires her own soundtrack. Probably the Mission: Impossible theme.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I read everything at an alarming pace—often a book a day—but urban fantasy is my forever favourite. Luckily, it’s also my favourite genre to write. Give me magic hidden inside the modern world, supernatural creatures, impossible problems and a heroine having a spectacularly bad week, and I’m happy.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Mostly pre-orders! I keep checking release dates because I’m terrified I’ll miss one. My actual TBR stays oddly small because I tend to read books as soon as I get them. I’m not very good at saving books for later.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The kennel rescue. Elenora has spent years surviving by being practical, careful, and very good at her job—but someone takes her dog, Mina, and suddenly all bets are off. I loved writing Elmo to the point where patience gives way to absolutely not. There’s magic, danger, a slightly ridiculous escape, and a Belgian Malinois who is considerably less impressed by the drama than everyone else. It captures so much of who Elenora is beneath all the armour she’s built around herself.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I write late at night, usually curled up on the sofa with my laptop on my knees, and there’s almost always a cat or dog nearby. Occasionally on the laptop, which is less helpful. I’m definitely a night writer. There’s something about the house being quiet and everyone else being asleep that makes my brain decide it is finally time to cooperate.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
Be kind. You never know what someone else is dealing with. It’s very simple, but I think the world would be a much nicer place if we all remembered it more often.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
That it is never too late to reclaim the parts of yourself you were taught to make smaller. Elenora is a middle-aged woman who has spent most of her life believing that one failure at sixteen decided who she was allowed to become. I hope readers finish Ink Witch remembering that being overlooked, underestimated, or written off doesn’t make you insignificant—and your most extraordinary chapter doesn't have to happen when you are twenty.
Brogan Thomas is the author of the new book Ink Witch (Arcane Magic Book 1)
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