Interview with Paula Harmon, Author of The Incomer

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Incomer?

It started as a short story in which I wanted to imagine a predictable situation turned upside down. Simon is a werewolf, but not as they’re usually portrayed. He’s desperate to see someone, and she’s desperate to see him, but they can’t ever meet when they’re in the same shape. This was all going to be observed by Simon’s sister Rose, who was somehow in the background. But as I started to write, I firstly realised it wasn’t going to be short, and secondly realised that Rose had a story of her own – she needed to come out of the shadows not only to protect her brother but to realise her own power, and in the process find friendship where she least expects it.

While I was writing it, I realised that I myself had changed from someone who tended to be an observer to someone who wanted to make things happen, and I think that is partly why the focus shifted. But I loved writing the book and still love Rose, Simon, Sky, and Rob. If you want to know more about the background, you can find it on my blog ‘What’s The Incomer All About?’ (link to my website below).

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

Kiss from a Rose by Seal; Moon by Austin Giorgio.

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

I read all sorts of genres, but my favourites are mystery, historical fiction, and fantasy books like The Incomer, where the world seems like ours but hides secret magic and perhaps a link to another world most people don’t realise is there. Most of the books I’ve written have been mysteries (historical and contemporary), but many of my short stories are fantasy or supernatural, tapping into the idea of alternative realities. I also try to include a dragon or two if I can, even if it’s just a reference!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Resistance Girls by Alice G May; The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods; Book of Night by Holly Black; The Merchant’s House by Kate Ellis.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The night of the ceilidh. I loved bringing all the elements together: the people, the atmosphere, the music, the magic. I can’t say more – you’ll have to read it to find out why!

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

I like to drink tea from specific mugs, and depending on where I am, I’m either overseen by a fox or a dragon (the fox is really a large door prop, and the other is a quirky piece of pottery).

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

Broadly – to be kind, to look for joy, to be a good friend, not to be afraid to be different, to learn from the past but not be controlled by it. I also love these Maya Angelou quotations: “If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” “We need joy as we need air. We need love as we need water. We need each other as we need the earth we share.”

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

I’d love them to be still thinking about the characters and to see how they learned that while they can’t change the past, they can influence the future.

Paula Harmon is the author of the new book The Incomer

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