Debut Authors Bash: Laurie Forest

The Black Witch (The Black Witch Chronicles #1)
Laurie Forest
Published May 2nd 2017 by Harlequin Teen
Genres:  Young Adult, Fantasy, Witches, Magic

Summary:

A new Black Witch will rise…her powers vast beyond imagining.

Elloren Gardner is the granddaughter of the last prophesied Black Witch, Carnissa Gardner, who drove back the enemy forces and saved the Gardnerian people during the Realm War. But while she is the absolute spitting image of her famous grandmother, Elloren is utterly devoid of power in a society that prizes magical ability above all else.

When she is granted the opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an apothecary, Elloren joins her brothers at the prestigious Verpax University to embrace a destiny of her own, free from the shadow of her grandmother’s legacy. But she soon realizes that the university, which admits all manner of people—including the fire-wielding, winged Icarals, the sworn enemies of all Gardnerians—is a treacherous place for the granddaughter of the Black Witch.

As evil looms on the horizon and the pressure to live up to her heritage builds, everything Elloren thought she knew will be challenged and torn away. Her best hope of survival may be among the most unlikely band of misfits…if only she can find the courage to trust those she’s been taught to hate and fear.

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Interview with Laurie

When did you realize for the first time you wanted to be a writer?

After reading all my pre-teen daughter's fantasy favorites, getting into the whole genre and having a story idea spark in my mind.

What is your writing process like?

Huge vats of tea must be prepared.  Strong tea.  And the atmosphere is ideally a bit spooky (5am when it’s still dark is a good time, as is evening – and I live in the Vermont countryside surrounded by dark forest, so that also helps).  I try to write every day – even when not inspired.  One of my favorite quotes is “The muse can’t resist a working writer” – Ray Bradbury.  Followed by Jack London’s quote – “You can’t wait for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club.”

How did you develop your plot and characters?

I started with two characters – the two endpoints of my “prophecy” in The Black Witch.  I wrote a scene with the Icaral character and the book just took off.  The characters just sprung to mind out of nowhere.  I wish I knew where Diana came from, as she seems to be most people’s favorite character!  When writing, sometimes I try to force my characters in one direction and they kind of go on strike until I change the plot.  It’s a weird process.

What was the hardest part in writing The Black Witch?

Learning how to write.  I have no writing background – I work in a scientific field.  The learning curve was steep.  I had a good story, but learning the actual writing craft is something that I’m still striving mightily to do.

How long did it take you to write The Black Witch?

The initial draft took one year.  The editing was on and off for about eight years.

Was Fantasy a genre you always wanted to write?

No.  I didn’t start to think a fantasy story until my pre-teen daughters were pushing me to read Harry Potter and I finally did!  After that, I read all the fantasy they gave me and then some.  Which sparked ideas for my series, The Black Witch Chronicles.

What is your all time favorite novel?

That is a difficult question as it changes depending on my mood.  But at the moment I’d have to say a book that doesn’t come out until 2018 – A GIRL LIKE THAT by Tanaz Bhathena.  It’s a brilliant YA novel about teens in a high school in Saudi Arabia.  It’s a gorgeous book that has the emotional impact of books like THE FAULT IN OUR STARS and THE HATE U GIVE.

Laurie Forest lives deep in the backwoods of Vermont where she sits in front of a wood stove drinking strong tea and dreaming up tales full of dryads, dragons and wands.

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