Thank you Lili for the interview. Lili is an award-winning Australian author and has written eighteen books for young people. Her latest book is A Hunger of Thorns.

Interview

What was your inspiration for A Hunger of Thorns?

I’ve always been fascinated by the literary trope of the lost girl in the woods. And how boys in classic children’s stories are keen for adventure, but girls (Alice, Dorothy, Wendy) just want to go home. I wanted to write a story about the wildness of girls, about girls who long for adventure but also love the comforts of home.

What drew you to writing YA?

I’m a 42 year old woman who never stopped loving YA. I love the immediacy and emotional vulnerability. Adolescence is such a vibrant, intense time of life – perfect for drama!

How did you choose which character to focus the story?

There’s a lot of me in Maude – a girl who loves stories, but who has felt a lot of pressure from society to step away from the imaginative wildness of childhood.

What was your process for writing for A Hunger of Thorns?

Unlike anything I’ve ever done before. I’m usually a very structured and disciplined writer, but writing THORNS was like being lost in the woods, wandering forest paths, picking a few flowers or mushrooms here and there. I found my way eventually, but it was quite the journey!

What is your approach to world and character building?

I’m fascinated by economics and how it can affect a fantasy world – in the case of Thorns, I was particularly interested in the intersection between magic and capitalism. When it comes to character, I always ask myself questions – what brings them joy? What’s their greatest fear? What’s a mask they wear to hide their true self? It always helps.

How would you describe A Hunger of Thorns in five words?

Witchy, sapphic, botanical YA fantasy.

Did you have a favourite moment to write?

I loved writing the scene where Maude and the Lost Girls fight a sexy, flesh-eating tree.

What was your favourite book growing up?

I have so many, but I’ll pick Diana Wynne Jones’s Fire and Hemlock. Nan in THORNS is an homage to Gran in that book.

Do you have a favourite genre to read?

YA! The great thing about YA is that it isn’t really a genre at all, so it can encompass all genres. But at the moment I’m especially enjoying fantasy and romance.