Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford Interview
Questions
About the book:
1.
How did you get the idea of writing Crown of
Coral and Pearl?
I knew I wanted to write a book about twin
sisters, based (obviously loosely!) on my relationship with my own twin. I knew
I wanted to turn the trope of the “most beautiful maiden” on its head a bit.
And I knew I wanted to play with duality. But where exactly the blood coral and
pearls came from, I don’t really know! Once I had that idea, though, the world
of Varenia sprang up around it.
2.
Are you more like Zadie or Nor, and why?
Growing up, I considered myself the
“responsible twin,” more family oriented, and definitely less brave than my
sister, and in that way I think I was a lot like Zadie. However, I have a lot
in common with Nor, too. I would do anything for the people I love, and I ended
up “leaving home” when my husband joined the Foreign Service, which helped
inspire this book. So I think I have a lot in common with both of them.
3.
What scene was the hardest to write?
Without giving too much away, there is a
scene in this book that was definitely the most emotional one I’ve ever
written! If you’ve read it, you can probably guess which one I mean.
4.
How long have you been writing this book, and
did you do some research?
I started CoCaP at the end of 2015, so it’s
been nearly four years from idea to publication. I did a lot of research on
what it would be like to live on the ocean, and life inside a mountain. I also
spent a lot more time studying oysters than I ever would have imagined!
5.
What is the key message in this book?
I think readers can probably decide that
for themselves, but for me, personally, it’s about love, sacrifice, and the
true meaning of home. It’s also a love letter to my sister, in a lot of ways.
6.
Where can readers purchase your books?
Crown of Coral and Pearl can be purchased on
Amazon.com, Indiebound.org, Barnesandnoble.com, Target.com, and hopefully in a
lot of bookstores around the US. You can also request it from your library!
About You:
n 1.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
last night. I’m going to start Godsgrave today. I’m also rereading The Poisonwood
Bible by Barbara Kingsolver for the fourth time. It’s like comfort food to me.
2.
What books and authors have influenced your
writing?
Laini Taylor, Leigh Bardugo, Neil Gaiman,
and Stephen King have all been huge sources of inspiration for me. It’s hard to
say exactly what has influenced my writing, but I started reading books like
The Wheel of Time series and The Lord of the Rings when I was young, and I’ve
always had a love of fantasy. I often get inspired by whatever I’m reading
while I’m writing, even if I don’t realize it at the time!
3.
What are some of your favorite series that you
recommend to others?
I love Holly Black’s The Folk of the Air
series (and all her books in general). The Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy
was one of the first fantasy trilogies I ever read, and I still adore it. And
I’m a big fan of the Grishaverse.
4.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I love to travel and explore, which is my
favorite part of the Foreign Service lifestyle. I’ve had countless adventures
with my friends and family overseas. I also love crafting, going to coffee with
friends, watching movies on rainy days with my dog and a cup of tea, staying up
late with a good book, and trying new restaurants.
5.
If you could invite one person to dinner, who
would it be?
Probably Barbara Kingsolver. I was very
fortunate to spend time with her during the Iceland Writers Retreat in 2015,
and she was an endless stream of inspiration and knowledge. I would love the
opportunity to talk to her again.
6.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
We’ve gone to Slovenia twice in the past few
months and I’m in love with it. The first time we stayed in a castle, the
second time in a 15th century chateau. It’s a fantasy-lover’s
paradise!
Special thanks to Mara for joining my 1st interview here on Thindbooks Blog!
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