What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I think it’s more a question of what stopped me from writing the book before now. I have been an avid reader since I was tiny, like, think Matilda without the cool telekinesis stuff. I had ripped through the kids’ section of the local library by age eight, and then I discovered The Hobbit, which opened the door to the Tolkien legendarium and a wider world of literature. And I wasn’t that much older when I started creating my own stories. But they never made it to the page or out into the wild. Mostly because I doubted myself, and harbored a deep sensitivity to rejection. Even when I wrote professionally, it was often hidden behind another’s name. So why now? Why this one? I aim to be a champion of diversity and equality in all I do. It took time to find my voice, but I’m getting there (eventually!), and I owe much of my own personal development journey to the words wiser people left for me on a page. So, I know the value of recognizing even a small element of yourself in a character. Then, I listened to an author I hugely admire speak about their fear of rejection in relation to publishing their content. I saw the shake in their hand and heard the nerves in their voice. And I thought, ‘If they can be brave, maybe I can too. If they can still be insecure with all their success, maybe that’s what is holding me back?’ So, here I am. Trying to be brave, and it is terrifying! Why this story? Many reasons, partly because a huge theme in Tolkien literature I grew up adoring is unity and collaboration. The premise that villains are made when arrogance about their own abilities stifles their willingness to listen to others. I see the pressures people are under, and the need for escapism growing. I wanted to add my voice to the cause, even if it is quiet. I wanted characters that struggle. For whom things don’t necessarily come easily, whether they realize it or not. And that’s why Daisy’s mum, Carrie, has her place in this story. Because adults definitely don’t have things all figured out, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have an important part to play. But most of all, I wanted characters that would come to life for me as an author. Characters that become so real and familiar that they move into your brain, set up camp, and wake you up at 3 a.m. because they thought of something they want to do. The kinds of characters that write themselves and surprise you from time to time. Because I believe that shines through to a reader. Daisy is chaotic, messy, and flawed, but I hope she has the fierceness that comes with having to fight for things. Dandé is the confident one, who has everything figured out, until you realize he isn’t; and Cameron—well, Cameron just is, because it hasn’t really occurred to him to be any different! And yes, they have “magic,” or “superpowers” in the wraiths. But I wanted to give them powers with teeth. Powers that can bite back. Powers as flawed and faceted as they are, that could be both a strength and a weakness. Because I believe that when you stop seeing the nuance, it’s as dangerous as when you stop seeing the magic!
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!)
Daisy – Flight of the Bumblebee – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Dandé – Tears of a Clown – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles Cameron – Come as You Are – Nirvana
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I love books, and I will read most things. I love seeing how others use words to paint pictures, and the angle that it gives you into another person’s mind. A brief opportunity to step outside yourself and wrap yourself up in someone else’s reality. Like some kind of magical coat that allows you to be someone else for as long as you wear it! I definitely used books as a form of escapism—from life, and also from a busy mind that seems to always be teeming with thoughts and no “off switch.” So, I guess that’s why the fantasy genre always appealed doubly on both fronts.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Four Roads Cross – Mark Hayden Time of Contempt – Andrzej Sapkowski The Power of Love: The One – Ross J Kinnaird The Name of the Wind – Patrick Rothfuss The Copper Heart – Sarah Painter The Quantum Curators and the Missing Codex – Eva St John And I’m too ashamed to list the many others on the ever-growing pile of half-started and TBR. I hoard books like a dragon hoards gold!
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
It should probably be one of the action or reveal scenes, but I think it was actually Dandé’s scene with Carrie. It’s small, quiet, and understated, but selfishly, it felt like the writing equivalent of giving an abandoned puppy a treat! A simple little reward, something that is easily overlooked or taken for granted, but something that a character badly needed.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
No quirky writing habits, I don’t think—but please don’t ask my cats this question, or they will be demanding to be listed as co-authors for time spent stepping on the keyboard.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
Be kind, be curious, and be you.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Dandé – "When you stop seeing the wonder and magic, life gets hard… brittle. It makes the soul fragile, then bad things can creep in the cracks and fester."
