Below is an interview with the fantabulous Robin LaFevers who's newest book is Grave Mercy. You can read my review of the fantabulous Grave Mercy here. And don't forget to enter the giveaway after the interview!
Interview:
How did you come up with the idea for Grave Mercy?
I wanted to write the story of a girl who was utterly powerless and put her through all the trials and ordeals that would shape her into an instrument of power—not just the physical power of being an assassin, but also the power to stand firmly in her own self and make her own choices and decisions.
For that kind of story, I needed a big, sweeping canvas with high stakes and lives and kingdoms at risk, and a time when teens were in a position to shape the world around them. That search brought me to the middle ages and a world full of sacred relics, patron saints, and a highly developed sense of Other, waiting just around the corner.
Did you have a favorite scene you enjoyed writing the most?
One of my favorite scenes was the one where Duval had to tend Ismae’s wounded shoulder. That crackle and tension had been building for a while, and it was great fun to get them both in a room, close the door, and make them face it.
Your past series' have been for middle-grades. Did you find it a difficult transition writing for young adults?
Not at all! It was a great way to stretch myself and grow as a writer and have a chance to explore new subjects. The range of themes and depth of emotion is so very different in YA, and I loved getting to play with that. I really enjoy being able to write both, and anticipate doing so in the future. I have not given up on middle grade, by any stretch!
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I was eight years old and finished reading the Chronicles of Narnia. I had never read fantasy before and I was absolutely gob-smacked by the idea that you were allowed to make things up. I decided right then and there that was the career for me! Of course, it took me decades to actually get there...
Are you a morning or a night person?
Morning! I used to be an obnoxious, wake up cheerful and bubbly at the crack of dawn kind of person. Now I am merely a ‘prefer mornings’ kind of person.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Megan Whalen Turner, Libba Bray, Elizabeth Bunce, Mary Steward, Cate Tiernan, Juliet Marillier, Lois McMaster Bujold, Sara Zarr, Suzanne Collins, Francis Hardinge...I could go on and on, but I’ll stop there.
What do you do when you get “stuck” while writing?
Stop writing. I might take a walk or clean out a closet or drawer or pick up a research book. And I might stop writing for a couple of hours, a couple of days, or a couple of weeks, depending on how much percolating time I need. I don’t subscribe to the idea that you need to write every day and when I try to force it I produce utter crap. It is much more beneficial for me to take a break, let things ferment for a bit, then start fresh.
What's your favorite animal?
Wolves.
If you could pick a character from a book to have dinner with, who would it be?
Sauron from Lord of the Rings because I never quite understood why he was so intent on destroying Middle Earth and I’d like to hear his explanation.
Cake or pie?
Hmmm. Cake. Unless it’s cream cheese pie.
Robin LaFevers was raised on fairy tales, Bulfinch's mythology, and nineteenth-century poetry. It is not surprising that she grew up to be a hopeless romantic. She was lucky enough to find her one true love, and is living happily ever after with him in California. She also writes books for middle grade readers, including the Theodosia books and the Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist series. You can learn more about those books at www.rllafevers.com.
How did you come up with the idea for Grave Mercy?
I wanted to write the story of a girl who was utterly powerless and put her through all the trials and ordeals that would shape her into an instrument of power—not just the physical power of being an assassin, but also the power to stand firmly in her own self and make her own choices and decisions.
For that kind of story, I needed a big, sweeping canvas with high stakes and lives and kingdoms at risk, and a time when teens were in a position to shape the world around them. That search brought me to the middle ages and a world full of sacred relics, patron saints, and a highly developed sense of Other, waiting just around the corner.
Did you have a favorite scene you enjoyed writing the most?
One of my favorite scenes was the one where Duval had to tend Ismae’s wounded shoulder. That crackle and tension had been building for a while, and it was great fun to get them both in a room, close the door, and make them face it.
Your past series' have been for middle-grades. Did you find it a difficult transition writing for young adults?
Not at all! It was a great way to stretch myself and grow as a writer and have a chance to explore new subjects. The range of themes and depth of emotion is so very different in YA, and I loved getting to play with that. I really enjoy being able to write both, and anticipate doing so in the future. I have not given up on middle grade, by any stretch!
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I was eight years old and finished reading the Chronicles of Narnia. I had never read fantasy before and I was absolutely gob-smacked by the idea that you were allowed to make things up. I decided right then and there that was the career for me! Of course, it took me decades to actually get there...
Are you a morning or a night person?
Morning! I used to be an obnoxious, wake up cheerful and bubbly at the crack of dawn kind of person. Now I am merely a ‘prefer mornings’ kind of person.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Megan Whalen Turner, Libba Bray, Elizabeth Bunce, Mary Steward, Cate Tiernan, Juliet Marillier, Lois McMaster Bujold, Sara Zarr, Suzanne Collins, Francis Hardinge...I could go on and on, but I’ll stop there.
What do you do when you get “stuck” while writing?
Stop writing. I might take a walk or clean out a closet or drawer or pick up a research book. And I might stop writing for a couple of hours, a couple of days, or a couple of weeks, depending on how much percolating time I need. I don’t subscribe to the idea that you need to write every day and when I try to force it I produce utter crap. It is much more beneficial for me to take a break, let things ferment for a bit, then start fresh.
What's your favorite animal?
Wolves.
If you could pick a character from a book to have dinner with, who would it be?
Sauron from Lord of the Rings because I never quite understood why he was so intent on destroying Middle Earth and I’d like to hear his explanation.
Cake or pie?
Hmmm. Cake. Unless it’s cream cheese pie.
