Interview with A.S.R. Gelpi, Author of The Dandelion Tree

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Dandelion Tree, Part One?

The story came to me when I was about 13 years old. My English teacher at the time made us keep a journal, and since my life wasn’t that interesting, I started writing stories. Well, I wasn’t exactly following the instructions, but my teacher loved the stories and encouraged me to keep doing it. At the time, I was taken with Greek sagas, and I wanted my character to have a journey like that of Odysseus and Hercules. Originally, she WAS the demon, but over time, the girl and the demon became separate entities. The main idea, breaking the curse, has remained.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Dandelion Tree, Part One, what would they be?

Anything by Audio Machine, honestly.

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

I love fantasy, and this is the genre in which I write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Hail Mary by Andy Weir; Life of Pi by Yann Martel; Theft of Swords by Michael Sullivan; Prince’s Gambit by C.S. Pacat; Anathema by Keri Lake; and I just finished Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo and The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Every scene with Kharis and The Voice was a delight and a challenge. After all, how does one write a character in somebody else’s head? And yet, these scenes are the most engrossing, in my opinion.

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

I just write, honestly. However, I have a YETI cup that keeps my tea or coffee warm, and I refill it a few times. I have three spaces where I write in the house: my office for the serious stuff, my room, when I need dark and quiet, and downstairs when I am revising.

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

This question stumped me, because there are so many I could list. I’ll sound cliché, but kindness and compassion go a long way and open many doors. Always be an eternal student, open to learning from others. And see the world with a half-full approach.

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

Kharis, the character. Her development in the series is enormous, and the sacrifice she makes to save her sister is literally and figuratively epic. I can’t speak to it just yet, since this will come in book 7, but when she figures out how to break the curse at last, she doesn’t hesitate. She doesn’t know it, because nothing matters except seeing her sister free and happy. There are incredible characters in the series, but Kharis, to me, is the ultimate epic saga character. Amazing character growth with a redemption arc that still makes me cry, even when I have revised it more than 10 times.

A.S.R. Gelpi is the author of the new book The Dandelion Tree, Part One

Connect with A.S.R. Gelpi

Facebook

Buy The Book