All about the debut novel Lore of the Wilds

Who is Analeigh Sbrana?

Analeigh Sbrana is a writer and visual artist. She lives outside of San Francisco with her husband, daughter, and chonky kitty named Rey. You can often find her either writing books, reading books, or taking elaborate photos of books.

What is Lore of the Wilds?

A library with a deadly enchantment. 

A Fae lord who wants in.

A human woman willing to risk it all for a taste of power.

In a land ruled by ruthless Fae, twenty-one-year-old Lore Alemeyu’s village is trapped in a forested prison. Lore knows that any escape attempt is futile—her scars are a testament to her past failures. But when her village is threatened, Lore makes a desperate deal with a Fae lord. She will leave her home to catalog/organize an enchanted library that hasn’t been touched in a thousand years. No Fae may enter the library, but there is a chance a human might be able to breach the cursed doors.

She convinces him that she will risk her life for wealth, but really she’s after the one thing the Fae covet above all: magic of her own.

As Lore navigates the hostile world outside, she’s forced to rely on two Fae males to survive. Two very different, very dangerous, very attractive Fae males. When undeniable chemistry ignites, she’s not just in danger of losing her life, but her heart to the very creatures she can never trust.

Interview

What was your inspiration for Lore of the Wilds?

Lore of the Wilds came about from my life long love of fantasy- spurred on by my desire to read a fantasy book with intricate magic systems, strong world building, found family… but with diverse characters!

What drew you to writing romantasy?

I’ve always loved fantasy but I love it even more when there is romance! It actually came about naturally, I don’t think I CAN write a book and not include a love story.

How did you choose which character to centre the story around? 

My original story actually featured an entirely different main character, Lore was just a side character. When I discovered Lore though, I ended up scrapping the 40,000 words I wrote for that book and started over because I realized that Lore was actually the most dynamic character and the book needed to be through her eyes!

What was your process for writing your debut? 

This took me three years to complete with multiple rewrites, lots of beta readers, and a developmental editor. It was definitely filled with trials and tribulations, but was so worth it!

Did your characters change from brainstorm to final edit?

Lore has always been such a clear character to me, she has stayed true to my initial character arc… but my side characters were always surprising me and never did quite do what I wanted them to haha.

What is your approach to world and character building?

I am a pantser at heart, so my world really built itself as I wrote. Hiring a developmental editor really helped me find the wholes and fill/ explore them, though!

How would you describe Lore of the Wilds in five words?

Ethereal, Cozy, Dark, Diverse, and Organic.

Did you have a favourite moment in the book to write?

Any scene that Lore spends in the woods or the library for sure. I loved writing those scenes!

What was your favourite book growing up?

The Wizard of Oz and Howls Moving Castle!

Do you have a favourite genre to read?

Romantasy forever and always hahah.