I am way late on posting about a lovely interview I had a few weeks ago with Rachel Hawkins and Sarwat Chadda when they were in Houston for their book signings for Demonglass and Dark Goddess on March 4th.
I really wish I had been able to film or at least record our hour conversation as we talked about everything from what inspired them to become authors, to their books, to authors who have inspired them to their characters. Can I just say, that was an enjoyable hour and I learned so much for both of them. I really wish I had the talent of a reporter as I would have been able to make notes on everything we talked about.
One thing I love about authors is that when you meet them, you realize they're just a normal person like the rest of us. Sarwat was an engineer before he became a full time author and Rachel was an English teacher. I really admire that both Rachel and Sarwat have spouses who have completely supported them and their dream to write.
Please excuse the fact that I am horrible note taker which results in some short, but sweet answers to our questions. In person, their answers are a lot more elegantly answered.
(Rachel Hawkins talking about Demonglass @ Blue Willow)
We love Sophie's Dad and we have Sophie's POV when she first saw her father, but can you tell us his thoughts upon seeing her when they are reunited at the beginning of DEMONGLASS?
It was a mix of pride and worry. He immediately thought "That's my girl". She's snarky like he is, but he's also a little worried for her.
Cal's banter with Sophie was unexpected and added such a great element of romantic tension. Did his character change at all as you were writing him or was he pretty much just the way you outlined him?
Cal is pretty much the same guy. He's quiet and stoic and hard to write. He was meant to be the end guy and Justin the decoy, but he didn't work out that way. Archer is everything I love in fictional boys.
If a Mundie Mom were to run into Archer and ask him what he wants most at this very moment (i.e. at the end of DEMONGLASS) what would he say?
He wants so many things for Sophie. For her to be okay, for things to be more clear.
It was fun to read about Sophie, Cal and Jenna in a new setting. Why did you pick England as the location for DEMONGLASS?
There is so much history to England and romanticism with the setting. There's a mansion in the English country side called Chaddworth who's details fit Thornaby's.
How would you describe Hex Hall vs Demonglass?
Hex Hall is southern gothic and Demonglass is gothic, gothic.
You know how much we adore Jenna. If she could give Sophie a word of advice at the end of DG, what would she say?
Jenna would tell Sophie to tell people things.
(Sarwat Chadda reading from Dark Goddess @ Blue Willow)
I know for a fact that MMs have your books sitting on their TBR pile, what would you say to them to get them to grab your books and read them now??
Just because a blok wrote it doesn't mean you shouldn't pick it up. Having two daughters I had a good understand with writing Billie's character.
What inspired you to use the Knights Templar lore and why was lore so important to your book's plots?
I wanted to write a series using an existing mythology that was already established, vampires losing their souls and fallen angels having identical abilities. I wanted the mythology to link up. Everything written already existed and I linked it together with the characters, setting and mythology.
What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Do not stop writing and reading. Talent is 2nd to perseverance and perseverance is 2nd to passion.
Who's an author who's been inspirational to you?
As a writer, Anne Rice. She was the first to write a modern day vampire.
* When we were talking about some great paranormal books to read, Sarwat recommended reading Angela Carter's A Company of Wolves.
If you ever get the chance to meet either Rachel or Sarwat on tour, I highly recommend it! You can read our reviews for their books here:
Thank you to Disney Hyperion, Rachel Hawkins and Sarwat Chadda for making our interview possible.
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Their signing was a lot of fun. I was able to meet up with Cynthia from A Blog about Nothing and Cari from Cari Blogs. We had fun hanging out and Cari treated us some of the best cupcakes ever! There was a great turn out from book bloggers to students and I was so excited to meet author Joy Preble who was there! Blue Willow is a fabulous indie store and one I highly recommend visiting!
Joy Preble & I
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AAAHHHHH!! Loved this. Thank you, MMs, for posting it.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. I'm going to start Demonglass today or tomorrow after I finish my ARC of Possession by Elana Johnson. That's another book I recommend. You should interview Elana. She's super interesting.
ReplyDeleteLoved your questions S!
ReplyDeleteNatalie- Thank you and I've got Possessions on my TBR pile and I'm hoping we do get to interview her. We're part of her blog tour. We're really excited about it. Thank you for the suggestions!