What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
Back in 2016, like so many other people in the world, I spent way too much time listening to the music from Hamilton. I've always been a fan of history and fantasy, and as I listened to the music, I asked myself: what if I wrote a political, military fantasy novel inspired by the American Revolution . . . and threw a metaphor for climate change into the mix? From that initial seed of a thought, the world of Endari was born. So many characters and events in Revolution, and its sequels, find their inspiration from history, but the story certainly won't go the way you might expect. The American Revolution served as an inspiration, but the story of Selina and Edward follows a very, very different path. I'm hopeful readers will love the world of Endari and appreciate its allusions to our own reality.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be? (Meant to be fun. Skip if you need to!)
Well, I already mentioned the initial Hamilton inspiration! I'm not going to give specific songs for any individual characters, because that would give too much away. But I enjoyed listening to the soundtrack while writing Revolution and its sequels. I imagine at least a few readers may appreciate listening to it while reading Revolution, too.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Of course, my primary genres for reading are Fantasy and SciFi! I'm currently in the middle of reading The Poppy War by RF Kuang, my latest fantasy read. I finished The Mercy of Gods by James SA Corey, my latest SciFi read. I'm a sucker for long, epic stories.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Years ago, I read The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu, and I need to finally read its sequels, The Dark Forest and Death's End. Those books intimidate me though, so it's more likely I'll first read The Fragile Threads of Power by VE Schwab. The Shades of Magic series is one of the best fantasy series I've ever read, and its fourth book is sitting on my shelf, ready for me! Otherwise, I have The Will to Battle (the third book in the Terra Ignota series) by Ada Palmer waiting for me, too. I'm envious of Palmer's ingenious writing style and the political systems she's conjured.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
So there's a chapter late in Revolution where a few characters attempt an infiltration of an enemy fortress. It was mad fun to write, and a few of my friends who are particularly clever with audio engineering are working with me to create a "radio" drama of the scene. It's an explosive moment for the "revolution"in Revolution, and I think readers will find it entertaining. Both on the page, and the radio drama version when we're finished producing it.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
There's nothing better than waking up at 6am and writing, especially on vacation. The silence is truly wonderful. Otherwise, nothing particularly quirky.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
I don't have any particular quotes or mottos I live by, but during the day, I'm a nonprofit environmental attorney. Through my work, I'm trying to leave the world a better place than I found it as an adult. I like to think I instill a similar theme into my stories, too. We should all be striving toward a better world, for ourselves and future generations.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Revolution can have so many different meanings. I named this novel literally, for there is, in fact, a revolutionary war in this story. But there are other revolutions in the book too, and I hope readers recognize what it means to pursue revolution in their own lives.
C.D. Tavenor is the author of the new book Revolution (Shadows of Endari Book 1)
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