All about the novel Inheritance
Who is Tasneem Alam?
Tasneem Alam started writing when she was ten years old, and since then found her love and passion for supernatural fantasy. She lives in Elk Grove, California where she is currently working on her next adventure.
What is Inheritance about?
Elena’s world is turned upside down overnight with the death of her entire family and a mysterious sister claiming that Elena is a lost vampire princess. Then with the death of her newfound sister, Elena finds herself navigating royal affairs, politics, an ancient war, all the while being a sophomore at one of the most prestigious vampire boarding schools in the world. She soon learns that there are more secrets than there are answers. With the help of her friends, a handsome enemy, and new allies, Elena will need to face all that she inherited being the sole survivor of her bloodline only to be betrayed by her own.
Interview
What was your inspiration for Inheritance?
Inheritance is a spinoff series of my first book, As Worlds Tilt, following two characters briefly introduced in it. My inspiration for it was wanting to dive deeper into the history of the world I built, going into the origin story of how the supernatural beings came to exist.
What drew you to writing?
In fifth grade, we had an assignment to create our own Cinderella story and I found my passion for writing. I eventually started by writing down my dreams – the storyline, the characters, world building. It was a creative outlet that I really enjoyed and found happiness in.
How did you choose which character to centre the story around?
I wanted a character who was fairly new to the world she is thrown into, so readers can also learn about it as she does.
What was your process for writing Inheritance?
I created an outline for the entire series before narrowing it down, book by book, laying out the main events that would take place. Having an outline helps me stay on track and remember my place when writing. I usually write when I have the free time and try to dedicate a few hours everyday to it, but sometimes a scene will pop into my mind randomly and I’ll jot it down to not forget it.
What is your approach to world and character building?
There was a lot of research involved. I pulled a lot of the story’s origins from history (Abrahamic religions, folklore, mythology) to put my own spin on it. Also, since the main character is in high school practicing magic, a lot of the story is built around the school and wiccan calendar. As for character building, I usually write out the basic character’s physical description and role. Of course, character roles develop throughout the writing process as well.
How would you describe Inheritance in five words?
Vampire princess discovering her identity.
Did you have a favourite moment in the book to write?
Every time the main character learns a piece of history that wasn’t public knowledge. I had a lot of twisting the history we know.
What was your favourite book growing up?
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and I’m still fascinated by it.
Do you have a favourite genre to read?
Adventure romance!
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