Thank you for the interview Ann Sei Lin about Rebel Skies.

Interview

What was your inspiration for Rebel Fire?

In Rebel Fire I wanted to delve deeper into the history of the shikigami. I also wanted to explore themes of karma and justice. I think maybe I wrote a few too many conversations in Rebel Fire about justice and vengeance!

How did you choose which character to focus the story?

As the main character, Kurara was always going to be the focus of the story, and then it was a matter of choosing who else best served the narrative. We needed to catch up with Himura after what he did in the last book so he was the next choice, and Princess Tsukimi was chosen so that we could follow along with how close she was to catching Kurara.

What was your process for writing for Rebel Fire?

Crying a lot lol. I mean, doing a lot of plotting. I tend to write chapter by chapter outlines for my books first before starting the draft properly. The downside to that is if things go astray I have to rewrite my outlines but I enjoy knowing where things will end up.

What is your approach to world and character building?

I sometimes get asked which comes first for me: the world or the characters. It’s only recently I’ve realized that they both are developed in tandem. The world influences character and character influences the world. It’s sort of like knitting with two threads where world and character are closely linked together to form a whole thing. (I say this as if I understand anything about knitting!)

How would you describe Rebel Fire in five words?

Mysterious, adventurous, full of heart.

Did you have a favourite moment to write?

I really enjoyed the moment when Princess Tsukimi catches up to Kurara again. Tsukimi is generally very fun to write; she does what she wants and has such twisted logic!

What was your favourite book growing up?

That’s a difficult question! I think the answer will change a lot day by day but I really enjoyed Pullman’s His Dark Materials as a kid. I remember really wanting my own daemon so badly! Perhaps a little bit of inspiration for the shikigami comes from those daemons.

Do you have a favourite genre to read?

Fantasy! I will read everything and anything, and I enjoy other genres, but there’s a special place in my heart for fantasy. I’ve always been a huge fan of the genre ever since I was a kid.