All about the novel The Dark Fable

Who is Katherine Harbour?

I’ve been writing since I was 17 and juggling many jobs while doing it. World mythology and folklore were my inspirations, where I could find other places in stories, and fascinating characters in other places. I’ll read anything. I love learning about history, botany, physics, old tales, obscure things. Gothic lit, with its darkly fantastical themes, has always influenced me, even more than fairy tales.

Interview

What was your inspiration for The Dark Fable?

My inspiration for The Dark Fable was a silent film called “Les Vampires, which is about a gang of sinister thieves who wear disguises and poison people. My second inspiration was a real-life organization of jewel/art thieves called the Pink Panthers.

What drew you to writing?

What drew me to writing, in high school, was the possibility of creating my own worlds and characters. And I love words! I’m pretty sure my first fan fiction was some bizarre cross between the Archie comics and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

What are your favourite parts of writing fantasy?

My favorite part of writing fantasy is creating cultures, slang, history, those little bits of life. I’m fascinated by ancient history. I prefer dark fantasy because all that wonder contrasts perfectly with moments of monstrous peril.

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

I decide to center the plot around whichever character tells me their story, whoever has the most at stake, the one who will endure the most. For The Dark Fable, it was Evie, who is introduced to a dangerous world.

What was your process for writing The Dark Fable?

My process for writing The Dark Fable was the same as any other book I write. It begins with an idea journal, character histories, setting, aesthetic, Pinterest boards, and lots of colorful index cards because I prefer the tactile experience of adjusting scenes(rather than using a software program.) Then I begin to write. My characters take over. The 10 point outline I created changes drastically. After I’ve written my first draft, by hand, I go over it again, find out what my characters want, what the theme is, and discard half of it. Then I begin the next draft.

What is your approach to world and character building?

When I build worlds, I do research into historical influences. The starting point is an aesthetic or a setting that reflects the character’s journey. The characters are usually there before the story. I write extensive histories for the main characters, but I only use bits. I’ll hire an authenticity reader or two, which results, not so much in concrete facts, but how my characters think and see the world.

How would you describe The Dark Fable in five words?

The five words I’d use to describe The Dark Fable are twisty, noir, scary, fun, heartbreaking.

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

My favorite moment? When Evie and Ciaran, the sexy leader of La Fable Sombre, are bonding over hot cocoa. Or when Evie and Jason the private eye are challenging each other and flirting. Or Evie’s first heist with La Fable Sombre.

What was your favourite book growing up?

My favorite book growing up was The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Also a book I had with stories from world mythology.

Do you have a favourite genre to read?

My favorite genre to read is fantasy, then supernatural horror, then any sort of fiction that toes the line of reality.