Zodiac Queen Interview Courtesy of Virgibooks
Happy Saturday! I’ve got a Zodiac Queen interview to share today, courtesy of Virgibooks, who picked up the Zodiac Queen for Italian translation. There are two parts to the interview: the first is an overall Q&A about the series, and the second interview is made up of questions from the bloggers, whose amazing enthusiasm have helped spread the word about the Zodiac Queen in the Italian language. I’m posting the English version of the interviews below, but you can also find the Italian versions here and here.
Interview One
1) How did you come up with the idea of this series? Why did you focus on the Zodiac, and the characteristics of each sign?
I’ve had the idea of writing something zodiac-themed for a few years now. I’ve always enjoyed the signs and horoscopes and believed it was an idea that hadn’t been done yet in the romance genre. The premise didn’t crystallize until I binged-watched Reign in January 2019. I drew a lot of inspiration from the show and the music, and Novalee started talking to me soon after. But it took a while to figure out which direction I wanted to go with the series (whether I wanted to go super dark like some of my previous works, or keep it tame on the controversial front). I ended up landing somewhere between the two.
2) Do you believe that the Brothers are aware that they’re the epitome of their signs, or they’re kind of victims of their nature?
I think they’re victims of their nature. Though I’ve had an interest in the zodiac, I’ve never gotten too in depth with it, so I’ve chosen to let the characters speak to me. They’re in the driver’s seat while I keep certain traits and situations in mind, such as leader, stubbornness, twins, empathetic, passionate, and virgin.
3) Novalee is a young girl that turns out to be a strong and resilient woman while living in the Tower. Does she perceive that her power lies both in her body – and the pleasure she’s able to give – and her spirit?
I don’t think she sees herself as powerful. For her, this world is all she knows, though on some level, she knows it’s wrong. I think she’ll realize the power in her body and spirit as she progresses through the houses, but I don’t see her as someone who will carelessly use her body to get what she wants. Then again, I write by the seat of my pants, so she could surprise me.
4) Let us know something more about the inflexible and pitiless Heath Bordeaux. Why do you think he behaves that way? It’s only because he’s trying to protect his love, Loren, or because he’s trying to protect himself as well? Because he doesn’t want to expose himself and is afraid to show any weakness?
Heath is still a mystery to me. I’m playing around with the idea of writing standalone books for some of the zodiac men after the novella series is complete, and Heath is one of the men I’ve been thinking about. I think he was born with a dominant gene, and the constraints of the Brotherhood and his father’s expectations shaped him. He’s very protective of Loren, but I also think Heath has a thirst for the forbidden and is a collector of things, whether it’s paintings, jewels, or people. He’s a very dark and twisted character, and his stubbornness goes hand in hand with his sign.
5) Liam is constantly testing Novalee’s loyalty, but also showing his devotion whenever he has the chance. Do you think he’s more in love with his principles than with her, or do you foresee a character that’ll ever be able to give up his beliefs for her (alright, NO SPOILER XD, only an idea of the character that you have in mind)?
I think this question will be answered in Virgo and Libra. 😉
6) Given that we’re all in love with Sebastian, what makes him so irresistible according to you? And… this last question leads straight to the following one…
To me, Sebastian is irresistible because he’s damaged from his past, and yet he slowly lowers his guard, unable to fight his attraction to the queen. Because of her, he’s able to show his vulnerabilities. He’s become a bit of a reformed bad boy, and I think that can be irresistible. He’s also the only man who seems to realize that she’s capable of making her own decisions.
7) If you were Novalee: Would you choose Liam or Sebastian? Trustability and control or unreliability and devastating sexiness?
Liam stole the show during the first book, and I didn’t mean for him to. I worried I wouldn’t be able to fall in love with Sebastian enough to make Novalee go crazy over him, too. But that didn’t end up being an issue. Once I focused on the lion, he took front and center. Liam is about to make his presence known again, though, so we’ll see. Right now, I’m #TeamSebastian.
8) How would you feel the first time you enter the Tower? More afraid, excited, curious, eager… or a mix?
I’d feel afraid. I’m jaded and full of anxiety.
9) Would you forgive Heath, after you found out how much he’s in love with Loren?
No, but if I fell in love with him, maybe because love can make people do stupid things.
10) would you really be able to leave all the Brotherhood to go back home, without ever looking back?
I doubt it. If I wasn’t attached, then sure. But I’d probably become too invested.
11) what’s your zodiac sign? And how do you think it affects your personality?
I’m a proud Gemini! I think I’m good at communication, but inconsistency is my downfall—unless it’s procrastination. On that trait, I’m very consistent, lol.
Interview Two
Premise: Throughout the first three books, Novalee matures both physically and mentally. She becomes more aware of her “power” and her desires.
@romancebook (Michela): had you already planned this development of the character, or did you figure it out as Novalee found herself always more involved in new “alliances” and friendships?
I figured it out as I went. I mostly write by the seat of my pants, so I figure a lot of stuff out as I go.
@vicky_spbookreviews (Vicky): the Brothers, who appeared to be in control at the beginning of the series, turn out to be somehow subject to the queen. Do you think this makes Novalee’s unique character so successful?
I’m not sure about the success of her character, but I do view the Brotherhood and Novalee as sharing a bit of victimhood at the hands of the legacy members and the dynamic of their society.
@readme.mylove: after her improvements, do you foresee a moment when she’ll feel lonely and lost again? In that case, will she find herself alone, or will she have somebody to lean on?
In Virgo she kind of hit rock-bottom and found herself very alone. I don’t want to spoil the end of Virgo, but those who read it will know what I’m talking about. As for future parts, I really can’t say. I have an idea of how the story will end, but more will be revealed to me as I write.
@uncuoretrailibri: how compelling will be Landon’s impositions on Novalee, and how will his decisions have an impact on his sister’s future?
This is still a mystery to me. Landon has already set things into motion that will have a huge impact on Novalee. I think he’ll play a part in making sure she gets her happily ever after.
@recensioniyoungadult (Giusy): will every month that Novalee spends with a different man of the Brotherhood represent a step forward in her personal growth?
I think it’s natural for a character to grow as a story progresses. Due to the format of the Zodiac Queen with the twelve parts (and twelve different personalities to deal with), I believe there will be more character growth than usual because as time goes on and I write more (and take in readers’ reactions), it all combines to help shape the story.
@loveisinthebooks (Angela): In Taurus, we’ve met Pax, who appears to be a sadist. How will Novalee’s month with him affect her?
Good question! I’m still blindly stumbling my way through Libra, so it’s hard to say at this point. I do think she’s already been through so much, especially in the houses of Taurus and Virgo, so when Pax finally gets his hands on her, I’m not sure she’ll be as shocked and traumatized as she would have been had he been the first or the second upon her arrival on Zodiac Island.
@ladanzadeisensi: have you outlined, even if in broad terms, each single book (up to Pisces, the last one) or do you always write by the seat of your pants? Can the feedback of your readers somehow alter the course of the story in your mind?
I’d say 90% of my writing is done by the seat of my pants. For the Zodiac Queen, I’ve had ideas festering and percolating for months in advance, which is a bit unusual for me, but it’s been interesting to have certain plot points planned out instead of made up on the fly. I do think the final story would be vastly different if I wrote it all out before publishing it, so yes, I believe readers’ feedback helps shape the story as I go, though it might be on a more subconscious level.
@luna_bookstagram: do you already have in mind the winner of the auction, or will you come up with a decision while writing the following books?
I know who’s going to win (unless it changes, lol). In my heart, though, I know who I want Novalee to be with.
@sognodiunanottedimezzaestate3: When outlining your characters, do you have someone specific in mind? Do you draw inspiration from somebody, or are they just a figment of your imagination?
My characters are pure figments of my imagination. If there are any similarities to real people, it’s coincidental or subconscious.
@laleggilibri: Novalee-Liam-Sebastian form a triangle that’s not completely new to the queen, as she discovers something similar in her past with her parents and Landon’s father. Have you ever thought of writing a prequel that highlights the nature of that relationship too?
I haven’t! But it’s not a bad idea. 😉
Season One:
Paperback – http://mybook.to/tzq-1-pb
Amazon – http://mybook.to/tzq-s1
Apple Books – http://apple.co/3e6VU6U
Google – http://bit.ly/30b2kd1
Nook – http://bit.ly/38a5p1j
Kobo – http://bit.ly/3c3NhYf
Season Two:
Paperback – http://mybook.to/tzq2-pb
Amazon – http://mybook.to/tzq-s2
Apple Books – http://apple.co/2NXKNCP
Google – http://bit.ly/2Ojf5Q5
Nook – http://bit.ly/3kOjgzo
Kobo – http://bit.ly/38eCppg
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