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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Snake on a Red Velvet Throne and Other Stories?

My inspiration came from witnessing the triumph of those who had the courage and resilience to escape the grip of negative control, whether from a partner, a parent, or an institution.

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

I enjoy literary fiction, both contemporary and classic, and will also occasionally indulge in a good mystery novel.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Cheryl Grey Bostrom’s Sugar Birds, Tana French’s in the woods, and Barbara Kingsolver’s Deamon Copperhead.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved writing the scene in “A Lion’s Grace” that reveals the real truth behind the puzzling death of its most charismatic character. Done in flashback, the scene moves fast, its pace reflecting its character’s imperative to cover up a well-guarded secret before it’s too late.

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

I do my writing in a small cabin in sight of the mountains and tall evergreens of the Olympic National Forest, usually accompanied by a snoring dog or two. I am legally blind, which means that I need to use a screen reader that speaks each word as I write. It’s a slow process, and I get frustrated sometimes, but as anyone who has a passion for writing would agree, it’s well worth it.

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

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

Celebrate yourself-quirks and all-knowing that appreciation of uniqueness is a natural defense against those who would try to squelch what is best in you.

Bess Hendrick is the author of the new book Snake on a Red Velvet Throne and Other Stories

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Color of Fire?

This series was inspired by my love for Caribbean history. As an author, I am drawn to exploring and writing about epochs in time we have forgotten. The entire series wrestles with challenging the patriarchal society and dynamics of power in Regency England, especially on the edge of the British Empire, which sought to rob women and enslaved people of agency. I am always looking to challenge preconceived notions and perceptions, and I love introducing readers to pockets of little-known history and bringing the time period to life.

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

My favorite genre to read is the classics. I don’t think there’s a better way to get inside the minds of people from the past other than reading their own words. I love analyzing how they view the world and the words they choose to describe what they see. I especially enjoy Victorian literature, and devour anything written by the Brontë sisters. My second favorite genre is non-fiction, which I read voraciously for my research.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The books on my TBR pile right now are two huge stacks of research materials for my next WIP. But I’m keeping that under wraps for now. Rest assured, my readers will return to the Caribbean sun and a different century.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

In Color of Fire, my favorite scene to write was the long-overdue confrontation between my FMC, Eliza, and Captain Hiram Bruin on the porch. That scene was with me from the very beginning in 2017, and it took two previous books in the series to prepare readers for the epic conclusion between these two characters. I love writing scenes with tension, and even with a bit of awkwardness. And I especially love delivering emotional wreckage.

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

My quirky writing habit is that I start with the ending of a story and then work my way back from the beginning to the end. I really hate writing the first chapters because I want to get to the drama. I enjoy writing in my kitchen, surrounded by my six cats, and do not work at an official desk. I also handwrite many scenes first, then type them up later. It takes more time, but I love being disconnected with only my words and the paper I write on.

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

I can’t think of one I personally use, but my FMC Eliza relies on the words of Captain Woodes Rogers, “Dum spiro, spero.” “While I breathe, I hope…” I thought that was a beautiful message of hope and inspiration for a character about to endure one of the darkest chapters of her life in the colonial Caribbean.

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

Overall, my goal is to help inspire readers about our past and help them learn about history in a way that doesn’t feel like reading from a textbook. My favorite moment is when a reader new to historical fiction reads one of my books and gets hooked. I love highlighting stories from our past that might be overlooked, and I love teaching the world about Caribbean history. It is so important to understand our past because only by learning from our mistakes can we make better-informed decisions for our future.

Gina Giordano is the author of the new book Color of Fire

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