Blog

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Princess and the Spy (The Carentan Series)?

This is a spin-off story which takes two characters from the first two books in the Carentan Series, and progresses their relationship in the context of a local mystery and political upheaval. I was inspired by the characters of Etienne Martan and Jessamine Darron, and wanted to explore how they would work together when put into such a situation.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Princess and the Spy (The Carentan Series), what would they be?

"How Long Will I Love You" by Ellie Goulding.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I absolutely love reading fantasy and yes, writing it too! It’s been my joy from a very young age, when my mum first read the Hobbit to me.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson, and Witch King by Martha Wells.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The final scene, but I won’t spoil it by telling you why!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I can’t write with my cat on the laptop, although he does try! I like to write standing up in the kitchen with loads of coffee and snacks on tap.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Chance favours the prepared mind.” (Louis Pasteur)

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That happiness comes from being true to yourself. It is okay if you don’t fit into society’s expectations of you, have courage to live your life the way you want to and not worry about other people’s opinions – that is their issue, not yours.

 

FG Laval is the author of the new book The Princess and the Spy (The Carentan Series)

Connect with FG Laval

Author Site

Facebook

Twitter

Buy The Book

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write In Between?

In my 3d novel “Blame It on the Wind” a young man dies. “In Between” is about how his mother copes with his death, a theme that is near to my heart – for a long time ago, I had almost lost my child.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of In Between, what would they be?

For Brigitte, some Bach, definitely, but not that she would acknowledge it. For Christian, a French chanson, something emotional, touching, something that makes you cry.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Yes, literary and contemporary fiction above all. But I also love crime stories, especially the funny ones.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Where to start! Let me just say that on the top of the pile is Paul Murray’s “The Bee Sting”.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I have two favorite scenes: the dancing lesson and the storm scene.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

No, I don’t think so. I write at my desk, on my laptop, surrounded by bookshelves that cover all my walls. I drink my tea from different Disney mugs – and sometimes I listen to instrumental music.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“All is well in my world. Everything is working out for my highest good.”

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

It is ok to accept help: we all lead each other home. Everything is possible.

 

Nataša Dragnić is the author of the new book In Between

Connect with Nataša Dragnić

Author Site

Facebook

Twitter

Buy The Book

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Iseris: House of Power?

I've always made up stories in my head. I wrote my first "book" when I was six. It was about the adventures of me and my imaginary friend, based on the Magic Tree House series. Some ideas stuck around more than others, and with Iseris it was so recurring in my mind I just had to write it down. I've always been interested in things such as Star Wars and Pokemon, and later I got into the Avatar animated series, and Fire Emblem as well. I was fascinated by these stories, characters, and worlds. I began to wonder if I were to do things myself, how would I do them differently? That's how the formation of Iseris began, but it soon became something much bigger. I would jot down random notes and create miscellaneous documents on my computer just expanding the world and characters. Much of my brain space would be overtaken with daydreaming new scenes. It came to a point where it simply could not live solely in my head anymore, so on and off for a few years I wittled away until I was able to present this book I have today.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Iseris: House of Power, what would they be?

Hmm, for my main character I would use the song "Fade" by Alan Walker. There are no lyrics, but I believe the somewhat somber yet hopeful tone of the song resonates with her. There is a sense of longing to it, and throughout the book she does face some periods of deep longing. There is also a feeling of more, that there is more on the horizon, and Mora is character who both wishes for a new day and believes there to be one.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I tend to like fairly grounded stories. I like realistic fiction and historical fiction, but I do enjoy fantasy stories at times too. I wouldn't say I have a favorite genre to write. Ideas for stories pop up in my head, and they're not specific to any genre.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Little Fire Everywhere by Celeste Ng, The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, Bear Town by Frederik Backman, we are all completely beside ourselves by Karen Joy Flower, Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I tend to enjoy writing more somber, contemplative scenes. I enjoy scenes with a lot of subtlety and internal conflict. One scene that stands out to me is in the fifth chapter where Mora and another character are sitting outside of the room they're staying in. The city is awake around them and they're talking to each other, but also around each other. Mora takes a simplistic approach, but the unspoken dialogue underneath indicates that there's more going on.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I do enjoy writing near windows. I like scenic landscapes and looking outside helps me when I write. I also have pictures of various settings on my phone I use as motivation.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Sometimes all you can do is take the next step forward.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Change is okay, and often the lines that define us are written in sand.

 

A.A. Smith is the author of the new book Iseris: House of Power

Connect with A.A. Smith

Author Site

Buy The Book