The Gathering Storm is an amazing mix of historical fiction and paranormal romance. How did you decide to write such a story and how did you keep the story right on the edge of both genres creating a perfect mix?
I wanted to write a story with all of my favorite elements- a love story and a scary fairytale, set in a time period I’ve always been fascinated with. I’m so happy with the way it all came together!
I saw in your Library Thing list of research books that you did extensive research on the historical time period of Russia, did you do any research for the paranormal story line and how did you decide what paranormal creatures you'd use in the book?
Yes! For Russian myth and folklore, I read The Bathhouse at Midnight by W.F. Ryan. I also read as many books about necromancy as I could find!
What was the most interesting bit of research you came across?
That’s a hard decision! I found the diaries fascinating as well as the menus that still exist from some of the balls. When reading about the Montenegrin princesses I discovered Elena was a poet in her teenage years and actually published a book of poetry while attending Smolny under the pseudonym, “Blue Butterfly”!
Have you tried making any of the food discussed in The Gathering Storm?
Only Russian black bread and I’ve made it several times!
What was your favorite scene of The Gathering Storm to write?
When Katiya tries to take Count Chermenensky to the hospital and ends up being escorted by the grand duke. This is her chance to use some of the medical knowledge she’s already acquired.
What can you tell us about the next two books in the trilogy?
More magic and more monsters! Katerina is desperate to remove her blood tie to Danilo, but he may be the only one who can help her defeat the lich tsar Konstantin. Katerina must decide how far she will go to protect her loved ones, including George.
How cool was it to be on the cover of RT Book Reviews?
Very cool! I’ve been carrying my copy around in my purse for the past week!
If people want to learn more about 1880s Russia, what one book would you suggest they read?
Ooh, I’d suggest Paul Vasili’s BEHIND THE VEIL AT THE RUSSIAN COURT, or a biography of Empress Marie Feodorovna, like Coryne Hall’s LITTLE MOTHER OF RUSSIA.
GIVEAWAY TIME!
- We have 2 copies of The Gathering Storm to giveaway.
- US addresses only - No PO Boxes
- All other standard rules apply.
- Giveaway ends 2/10
- CLICK HERE TO ENTER
May I ask why you don't allow P.O. Boxes? Some of us have no choice, that's our only mailing address.
ReplyDelete@Carl - it's no PO Boxes because it's coming directly from the publisher and they ship UPS/Fedex and those 2 delivery services dont deliver to PO Boxes. So just provide your street address to enter.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading about this story for a little while, and I'm so excited to get a chance to read it! Even if I don't win, I'm adding it to my "must-read" list.
ReplyDeleteWow, this book sounds lovely. I will be sure to add it to my TBR list. I love the time and place in with the story times place. So very unique. (:
ReplyDelete- Beckie @ Bittersweet Enchantment
I'm really excited to read this book! :) I've had it on my TBR list since before it came out, but I love hearing more about it. And I always love learning about the research authors have put into their books. :)
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds fantastic! Great interview!! Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteThe diaries sound fascinating! I love historic first-hand accounts of things.
ReplyDeleteOoh, good interview! I've been itching to read this one because Romanov-era Russia is a time period I've loved for years. And with the fairy tale/magic elements woven in, I'm totally on board and looking forward to reading this book!
ReplyDeleteBoo, though, that I can't get the entry form to work. :(
Smiles!
Lori
Great interview and giveaway! I'm dying to get my hands on this book as it sounds incredible!!
ReplyDeleteWendy @ Escape Into Fiction
Great interview! Thanks so much for the giveaway, I've been wanting to read this!
ReplyDelete@LoriStrongin - if you're still having problems with the giveaway form, email us and we'll add you to the entry list! Its Name, email and shipping address
ReplyDelete