Q: What or who was the inspiration behind Between the Blade
and the Heart?
and the Heart?
A: I have already written several books inspired by
Scandinavian folklore, and I was always fascinated by Valkyries.
But because I had already done in Scandinavian fantasy,
I wanted to come at this one from a different angle.I imagined
the Valkyries helping to police a gritty, diverse, cyberpunk metropolis,
in a world filled with not just Norse figures but from many
mythologies.
Scandinavian folklore, and I was always fascinated by Valkyries.
But because I had already done in Scandinavian fantasy,
I wanted to come at this one from a different angle.I imagined
the Valkyries helping to police a gritty, diverse, cyberpunk metropolis,
in a world filled with not just Norse figures but from many
mythologies.
Q: What are the life lessons that you want readers to glean
from your book?
from your book?
A: That love is a strength, not a weakness.
Q: If you were given the chance to go on a date with one of
your characters, who would you choose and what would
you do together?
your characters, who would you choose and what would
you do together?
A: Oona. She doesn’t swing that way, but since I’m married
anyway, it would be a friendship date. I think it would be
fun to go to an apothecary with her and have her show me
around the magic. Or maybe just veg out and watch bad movies.
anyway, it would be a friendship date. I think it would be
fun to go to an apothecary with her and have her show me
around the magic. Or maybe just veg out and watch bad movies.
Q: Would the essence of your novel change if the main
protagonist were male?
protagonist were male?
A: Yes, it would be changed dramatically. For one, Valkyries
are women. But I also think the book explores the relationships
between mothers and daughters, and friendships between
young women.
are women. But I also think the book explores the relationships
between mothers and daughters, and friendships between
young women.
Q: What is your definition of true love in YA literature?
A: There has to be passion and desire – not necessarily anything
physical, but so much of young love is about yearning.
But I also think that true love is based on mutual respect and
selflessness.
physical, but so much of young love is about yearning.
But I also think that true love is based on mutual respect and
selflessness.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wanted
to be an author/start writing?
to be an author/start writing?
A: My biggest piece of advice is to just write. It’s so easy
to get caught up in self-doubt or procrastination. There
are lot of great books and blogs about the art of writing,
but the most important thing is really to just do it. The best
way to get better at writing is by doing it.
to get caught up in self-doubt or procrastination. There
are lot of great books and blogs about the art of writing,
but the most important thing is really to just do it. The best
way to get better at writing is by doing it.
Q: What’s one book you would have no trouble rereading
for the rest of your life?
for the rest of your life?
A: It would be a toss up between Maniac Magee by Jerry
Spinelli and Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. I’ve read both
of those books a dozen times already, at least, and I never get
sick of them.
Spinelli and Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. I’ve read both
of those books a dozen times already, at least, and I never get
sick of them.
I am so thankful that Amanda Hocking wrote this book and her publishing company let me be part of this tour. Thanks for taking the time out to answer these questions as well. Hope you all have a great Monday and Happy New Year!
