An interview with B.R. Myers
1. How did you get the idea of writing Rogue Princess?
The idea for Rogue Princess came to me while I was writing another novel in which the main character was working on a perfume campaign. The ad was a reimagining of Rapunzel, but instead of a princess being kept in a tower, it was a businessman trapped in a high rise office building. After those characters found their happily ever after I started thinking about my next project. The notion of another gender-swapped retelling appealed to me and right away I thought of Cinderella. I hadn’t intended to have a sci-fi angle to the story, but I clearly remember the ‘shoe fits’ scene coming to me, fully developed, and I was intrigued.
2. How did you design the cover?
I was so fortunate to have the team at Swoon Reads take care of the cover. They tackled combing the feeling of a fairy tale with the sci-fi, action/adventure, and romance elements in a single image. I’m grateful to Mallory Grigg, the art director at Macmillan, for being so dedicated to getting the right image for the story.
This stylishly beautiful cover was designed by artist, Audrey Lynn Estok. I love the angular art-deco inspired lines and the complimenting elements of Delia’s strong profile coupled with the softness of the dress. It is such a thrill to see the characters come to life pictorially. I wish I had written a picture book instead for all of Audrey’s designs.
3. Which part of the book was hard to write? The beginning, middle or the end?
The hardest part of the book to write is the first draft. For Rogue Princess, I wrote the first three chapters in a week, and then it stalled. For almost a year.
But Delia and Aidan were never far from my thoughts, so when I saw the next Swoon Reads deadline was coming up, I rolled up my sleeves, determined to write something every day.
I started in June 2017 and finished two weeks before the September deadline. It was unpolished, but I hoped the heart of the story would resonate with readers.
4. What are some of your favorite Cinderella related movies, books, show, etc?
When I was little I had the picture book version of Disney’s Cinderella. My favourite image was of her in the blue gown, ready to go to the ball. I meticulously outlined the dress in blue chalk so that it practically glowed.
5. What is your favorite thing about Rogue Princess? The characters, the cover, etc.
Wow! This is such a hard question, but I have to say the characters are the most important. Even as a reader, I need to feel a connection to the people in the story, otherwise the plot falls flat for me.
6. How long did it take to write Rogue Princess?
Once I was determined to write the book, it took three months to finish the first draft. During revisions, I rewrote a massive chunk of the book, and changed the ending four times!
Where can readers purchase your books?
Amazon Barnes&Noble Books-a-Million IndieBound Powels Chapters
About You:
1. Other than writing, what do you like to do?
I work full time as a Registered Nurse. I enjoy yoga, walking my dog, baking, and binging on Netflix occasionally.
2. What is one of your favorite Halloween costumes that you have ever worn?
I wore a neck brace, an eye patch, used crutches, and had a fake cast on my leg. Then I stuck on a name badge on that said, HELLO, my name is Lucky.
3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I spent a week in Barcelona a few years ago and I absolutely fell in love with it. I would go back in a heartbeat. That being said, I’ve always wanted to go way up north and see the Aurora Borealis.
4. What are some of your favorite Disney movies?
Beauty and the Beast
Finding Nemo
5. Which books are on your bedside table or in a whole different area?
There’s always a stack! I’ve got THE BRUTAL TELLING by Louise Penny, THE CON CODE by Shana Silver, FORTY RULES OF LOVE by Elif Shafak, and THE BALLAD OF AMI MILES by Kristy Alley. Right now I’m reading THE EYRE AFFAIR by Jasper Fforde.
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