Welcome back to SFFWorld Gaie, many thanks for giving us some time here. Sparrow Falling is the second book in your Evvie Duchen Adventure series. Can you tell us a bit about it?
Hi Dag, thank you for having me back again!
Sparrow Falling sees Eveline getting into further trouble – it seems to be a talent of hers – and becoming caught up in some unpleasant and potentially lethal dealings between the fey and human worlds, which could plunge Europe into war. Her half-fox-spirit friend Lui is also trying to keep his balance between the Crepuscular Courts and save his family honour without letting Evvie down or getting himself killed (or worse. The inhabitants of the Crepuscular are quite good at ‘worse’.)
What new challenges did you set for yourself with Sparrow Falling?
I wanted to do more exploring in the Crepuscular – I’ve found myself increasingly fascinated with the Fey and their world – but also to expand Evvie’s world and deepen her character.
Eveline has come a long way since she started out as a country girl in Shanghai Sparrow. How do you feel Eveline has evolved from the first book?
I think she’s still wrestling with the side of her that longs for security and the side of her that likes the thrill of risk. She still has a problem trusting or relying on other people, but she’s getting better at that. I like to think her character is growing up as she does.
Looking back, is this how you originally imagined the series or has much changed during the writing?
The series has ended up darker, in some ways, than I thought it would be. I’m not sure if that says something about my state of mind, or possibly the state of the world. A few people who started out as secondary characters have decided to shove their way towards centre stage. That seems to happen with every book, though. Terribly ill-disciplined, my characters.
How do you feel you as an author have you grown in the process?
I’ve learned, mostly, how much I don’t know! Particularly when it comes to the historical period. Also ‘research’ is the best excuse ever for spending too much on books.
I think I’ve developed a little more confidence in my own writing, although as soon as a book’s out and it’s too late to change anything I inevitably think of all the things I could have done better. I’ve also realised that I need to follow my own instincts more – that there are areas and ideas I am not only more comfortable working with, but that I do better. I don’t mean one shouldn’t go outside one’s comfort zone – I think not doing that means you stultify as a writer – but that I need to pick my own expeditions beyond comfort with care.
Tell us a bit about the cover.
I love the cover. Solaris always gives me fantastic covers, and getting the chance to consult on them is great. I particularly like the way it has that saturated, smoggy glow. I’d seen an exhibition of Impressionists’ work of the period, when they were fascinated by the weird light in London caused by the smog. I was particularly struck by Monet’s amazing post-apocalyptic looking painting of the Houses of Parliament. I may have wittered on about the Impressionists in London when it came to the cover design. Possibly.
What are your plans for the series?
That’s dependent on a number of factors, at the moment. I hope to have news at some point.
What’s next, what are your hopes and dreams for the future? Do you now have a grand plan for your writing career?
I’m at various stages on a number of projects right now. Another couple of fantasy series, another steampunkish story, several short stories…The Grand Plan mainly amounts to trying to finish things so I can get on with other things!
Once again, thank you very much for your time.
And thank you for yours.
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Interview by Dag Rambraut – SFFWorld.com © 2016
