Author Spotlight: Interview with Hope Davis

All about the novel Demure

Who is Hope Davis?

When Hope isn’t writing her next novel, she is busy traveling the world, trying new foods, or hanging out with friends. A graduate from Metropolitan State University, Hope grew up in Colorado, USA, but currently calls the Netherlands her home.

What is Demure about?

Recent college graduate Sierra Lopez has no idea what she wants to do with her life. With a degree that’s useless on its own, Sierra decides to complete a one-year master’s program at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. Alone in a new city, Sierra downloads Tinder, expecting to go on a few casual dates during her study of human aging and fragility.

But then she meets the mysterious and brooding Aodhan De Thuaidh, who doesn’t seem to be at home in Dublin either. When he’s 30 minutes late for their first date, however, Sierra writes him off as just another jerk, intending never to see him again.

Except Aodhan keeps showing up. First around campus, then at a bar, and during Sierra’s work hours at the campus library. He claims it’s just a chance they keep running into each other, which annoys Sierra to no end, but something about Aodhan just isn’t adding up…

Interview

What was your inspiration for Demure?

I have recently found myself drawn to fantasy books (mainly romantic) but was disheartened by the number of books that feature a teen FMC. Even in Fourth Wing, Violet is only 21 at the start of the book. I really wanted there to be a fantasy book where the main character made adult, relatable decisions, and thus, Demure was born.

What drew you to writing?

I’ve always wanted to write—and I mean that, honestly. When I was 7, I wrote my first book…or well, I tried, but then my hand cramped on page 5, and the story came to an abrupt end.

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

Besides wanting an FMC of a relatable age, I also wanted to bring several cultures together in a fantasy book. My grandfather is Mexican, so I had the idea to write a Latina FMC. Additionally, I speak Spanish, so it seemed like a no-brainer to write Sierra Lopez as my main character.

What was your process for writing Demure?

Whenever I write a book, I start with a bare-bones outline on my phone and a list of characters. As the story expands, it also changes a bit, until I eventually have a full novel. I then look to beta readers to ensure my story comes across as I meant it to.

What is your approach to world and character-building?

This was my first fantasy novel; therefore, world building took me a little while. I started with a rough drawing on a notepad and then researched Gaelic words to come up with names for cities and locations. Ultimately, I’m tired of all these novels about royalty, so I decided to give my world a more democratic political system. As for the magic system, although it is unoriginal, I stuck with genetic magic as I didn’t have any other ideas.

For religion, I pulled from both Irish and Greek mythology. While it might seem weird to have some Greek mythology in Demure, this will be further explained in book 2, Bold, which comes out in December 2024.

For character building, I pulled from both real-life experiences, inspirations from other novels, and then built characters who I would want to be friends within real life.

How would you describe Demure in five words?

Portal romantasy with relatable FMC.

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

I loved writing chapter 36, which is where we finally get to see some of the motives behind Aodhan’s behavior in the first half of the book.

What was your favourite book growing up?

In my young years (before 12) I loved the Magic Tree House series. When I was 13, Twilight changed my life, and was my favorite book through most of my teen years. I also really enjoyed the Harry Potter books.

Do you have a favourite genre to read?

I love a lot of genres, but Fantasy and Romantasy are my absolute favorites!