Thank you for the interview Sarah!

Interview

What was your inspiration for the Nine Realms series?

My inspiration was reading a list of films that couldn’t pass the Bechdel test (a very low bar regarding female representation) and seeing Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings included. As I stared at the list I realized that Tolkien’s original couldn’t pass either:  even though it  includes some “strong” female characters they never talk to one another. At exactly that moment I decided to write a feminist fantasy.

What drew you to writing fantasy?

Unlike most Sci Fi, traditionally fantasy is set in natural surrounding—woods and mountains, etc.—and includes animals. Like historical fiction, this genre lends itself to romantic tropes like palaces, intrigue, battles and gowns. Unlike historical fiction, however, a writer can let her imagination run wild. That freedom appealed to me.

How did you choose which character to focus the story? 

The Nine Realms includes a score of pov characters, from young shepherds to nursemaids to queens. But the focal character was always the young princella who could not claim her name, because I started with the question:  “What if Aragorn had been a woman?”

What was your process for writing for the series?

Everyone’s process is unique to their personality and life circumstances. I knew the series’ beginning and the ending when I started, but very little about the middle. I outlined nothing. I am an unabashed “discovery” writer; scenes appear on my computer screen and characters take me by surprise. I wrote in the mornings, when I felt freshest, and stopped when I got tired or life intruded. Being a pantser, however, meant that editing was especially crucial. I had to cut out chapters that ended up tangential.

What is your approach to world and character building?

My approach was to layer in details about the world and characters. For instance, once I had the nine spirits, I’d go back and work on oaths or prayers. Once I had the hair colors of the different countries, I’d go back and think about beds and clothing. 

How would you describe A Queen in Hiding in five words?

Epic. Romantasy. Animals. Morally serious.  

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

There’s a chapter when the heroine is passed from one sea creature to another that was a joy to write. 

What was your favourite book growing up?

The Lord of the Rings. 

Do you have a favourite genre to read?

Sorry to be so consistent, but fantasy.