Interview with the Author
Pintip Dunn: Hi Brenda! Thanks so much for agreeing to let me torture…ehr, interview you! I’ve been dying to get the answers to some of these questions.
Brenda Drake: This is sort of scaring me. Ha! But really, thank you for doing this!
PD: Don’t be scared. Much. *rubs hands together* Okay, let’s start with a question that all writers get. And I know I’m a writer myself, but I have to ask it anyway—
BD: No, Pintip, this book is *not* based on you.
PD: *pouts* Really? But I kinda thought Gia was inspired by me! You know, kick-ass girl, super-cool magical powers, has two hot guys fighting over her…
BD: Actually, Gia was based on a combination of my nieces. I was hanging out with them a lot at the time. One is an athlete and the other is a bookworm.
PD: Now the *real* question I wanted to ask you—the one all writers get—is about your amazing imagination. I’m always so impressed with all your creative details. How do you come up with your ideas?
BD: Thank you! This has to be the hardest question for a writer to answer. The ideas just pop into my head. But seriously, I think our surroundings and experiences influences our imagination. For me, it can be an object or some other visual that spurs an idea. A coffee table book on the most beautiful libraries in the world was the inspiration behind the Library Jumpers series.
PD: Do you have a favorite library? Did you spend a lot of time in libraries as you were growing up?
BD: My favorite library has to be the Boston Athenæum. The first time I had visited, I was about ten. It was spacious and awe-inspiring with its beautiful artwork and balcony bookcases.
PD: Let’s talk about cute boys instead. I have to ask: Are you Team Bastien or Team Arik? Did you know Gia’s perfect match all along, or did you change your mind during the writing of this series?
BD: Ha! This is tricky. I’m Team Nick all the way! But seriously, I can’t choose between Bastien and Arik. I love them both for different reasons. Bastien for his empathy and his flirty arrogance and Arik for his loyalty and protectiveness. My feelings about whom Gia should end up with vacillated between the two so many times. In the end, I believe she makes the right choice.
PD: You don’t hesitate to put your characters into difficult situations. In fact, you kill quite a few characters in this book. Why did you feel like they had to die?
BD: In a world where there is magic, swords, and epic battles, someone has to die. I tend to choose characters who sacrifice themselves out of love. I never set out to kill my characters. It just feels right for the story when it happens. If it doesn’t, I spare them. There are a few characters I wish I could bring back to life. I miss them.
PD: I miss them, too! But so long as you leave my favorites alone, I’ll give you a pass. Did you hide any secrets in your books? Meaning, are there any details with special significance that only you and a few close friends understand?
BD: There are many secrets in all three books. Things I’ve pulled from my life that my family and friends will recognize. It could be a conversation or an item. Gia’s cat, Cleo, and a ferret named Momo in Book 2 represent my real pets.
PD: I want to meet Momo! Was it harder to write the second book in a series? What’s the difference between writing a Book 1 and a Book 2 (or a Book 3, for that matter)?
BD: The hard part about writing Book 2 was doing it on a deadline. When I wrote Book 1, I didn’t have that pressure. But with Book 2, I already had the world established and could delve deeper into the characters. Book 3 was difficult to write. Ending a series is tough. You have to make sure you tie everything up in a neat bow. I cried several times while writing it.
PD: And I cried several times while reading it!
BD: I’m still crying…
PD: Aw, we have to end this interview on a happy note! What was your favorite scene in this book and why?
BD: Fight scenes are my favorite ones to write. But I will surprise you and say it’s a scene where one of the characters makes a huge sacrifice for Gia.
PD: Ooh, I love that scene! I bet that scene is probably all of your readers’ favorite, too. Well, I am looking forward to reading many more heart-melting scenes from you. Thanks so much for answering my questions, Brenda! As always, it was a blast to hang out with you!
BD: It’s always a wonderful time talking with you, Pintip! Thank you for going on this journey with me. It wouldn’t be as fun without you!
Pintip Dunn is the New York Times bestselling and RITA ® award-winning author of the Forget Tomorrow series as well as the upcoming Star-Crossed and Malice. Visit her online at
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