Ink in the Blood: Interview

Interview with Kim Smejkal the author of Ink in the Blood!

Kim: Thanks for having me on your blog!!

About the Book:
1. How did you get the idea of writing Ink in the Blood?
I wanted to write a story that I would have loved as a young adult, so I made sure it had everything I coveted: magic, tattoos, theater, and friendship! The initial inspiration came from a philosophical conversation I had with my father about the nature of lies and how big they could get. I played around with the idea of institutional deception, and the antagonist in Ink in the Blood--who created an entire false religion--was born!

2. Which of the characters are you more similar to?
Well, as an adult, I’m definitely most like Lupita, the slightly off-kilter mentor to the inklings, known for her love of gin 😂  As a young adult though, I was very much like Celia: unsure, jaded, lonely, and yearning for adventure. In a way, it was difficult to write her character because it meant I had to tap into those old feelings.

3. What part of the book was the hardest to write?
The ending. It was so emotional, and I still can’t go back and read it without bursting into tears. I can’t say much more about it because of spoilers, but yes, the ending was definitely the hardest.

4. What part of the book surprised you while you were writing it?
Ink in the Blood was unique for me because I had most of the story mapped out from the beginning. Nothing in the plot surprised me, but I did find myself unintentionally attached to many of the side characters. Vincent, Marco, Seer Ostra, Kitty Kay, and Georgio are all my precious babies and I love them to pieces.

5. How did you design the cover?
I didn’t! The team at HMH did most of the design and layout, and they hired an amazing artist, Emilee Rudd, to draw the fantastic image. I’m glad I didn’t have a hand in it because nothing I could ever do could compare. I love it so much.

6. Where can readers purchase your books? 

You can buy Ink in the Blood at any major retailer or through your local independent bookstore. It goes on sale February 11th, but you can preorder in advance! For specific links, you can visit: https://www.hmhbooks.com/shop/books/Ink-in-the-Blood/9781328557056


About You:
1. What were some of your favorite 2019 book(s)?
My favs of 2019 were THE WAKING FOREST by Alyssa Wees, and THE GOOD LUCK GIRLS by Charlotte Nicole Davis. I didn’t have as much time to read in 2019 as I would have liked, but I’m on track to remedy that in 2020. I’m excited for so many!

2. What part of writing do you like most?
My favorite part is that moment when I get to know my characters so well it feels more like they’re telling me the story. It’s pure magic.

3. If you could invite one person to dinner (fictional or real), who would it be and why?
Margaret Atwood and Octavia Butler (I can’t choose between them, don’t make me)! Both of them are such inspirations to me as a writer, and I think the conversation would be so lively, stimulating, and motivational.


4. What are some of your favorite things to do when you are free?
I love the outdoors and we go camping a lot as a family. My favorite moment is waking up in the forest to the sound of birds singing or trees swaying. It’s so peaceful and wonderful. I also enjoy beach days! I’m super lucky to live in a place where forests and beaches are all around me.