We chat with author Erica Ridley about The Protégée, which follows a working-class young woman would kill to become assistant to Paris’s top modiste, but she must first seek vengeance against those responsible for the death of her family,
Hi, Erica! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi! I live in tropical Costa Rica, and when I’m not reading or writing, I’m most likely traveling or eating. Bonus points for any activity that involves all three of my faves: books, food, and new places! I do spend a lot of time in front of a screen, but I also love sunshine and going on walks, which I try to do every day.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I actually cannot remember a time when I didn’t love to read! I was probably 5 or 6 when I first started writing my own stories, and illustrating them with colored pencils. (Luckily for everyone involved, I no longer attempt to draw what I write.) My mother was a teacher and my grandmother a librarian, so I was always around books. In fact, to punish me, my parents would take my books away! Nothing could have been more effective. I would fill spiral notebooks with story after story until my hands were calloused from gripping pencils for hours on end. Reading and writing were some of the best parts of my childhood.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
- The one that made you want to become an author: Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Your latest novel, The Protégée, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Revenge, Fashion, Family, Romance, Murder
What can readers expect?
Twists and turns and plenty of vengeance as seamstress Angélique avenges her family’s deaths, protects her younger sister, and does whatever it takes to rise from poverty to become a sought-after fashion designer for the Paris elite.
Where did the inspiration for The Protégée come from?
The original spark came from Cruella (ruthless, high fashion) and Dexter (“good guy serial killer” archetype). Angélique’s inciting incident is also reminiscent of The Punisher / John Wick, in that is the loss of a loved one and the casual or even gleeful cruelty of the villains that puts her on a path to revenge. Set against the haute couture backdrop of fashionable mid-1800s France, in the City of Light.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved writing Angélique—she is so goal-oriented and determined, and she loves her sister Elodie (another fab character to write!) with all her heart. The comeuppance scenes were always very fun to write, as were the interactions between the two sisters, ranging from heartwarming to contentious to poignant. Landmarks and historical activities in Paris are always fun. I also really enjoyed exploring her burgeoning romance with Domingo Salazar, as well as the changing dynamic with Angélique’s mentor, Madame Violette.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Although I’ve written over sixty books, until now, they’ve all been for the adult market. This is my Young Adult debut. I wasn’t always certain if I was going too far—or not far enough—and in those moments I relied on the wisdom of my editor, Bria Ragan, to ensure the story would match the intended audience.
What’s next for you?
My second YA horror, INSATIABLE, releases next year! This was also a blast to write, featuring another morally gray protagonist, this time in an isolated boarding school on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Catriona goes from powerless to powerful overnight—but it comes at a steep cost, for herself and others. Girl power, female friendship, sexism, monsters, murder… and a lot of fun!
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?
Books I’ve enjoyed recently include Snowglobe by Soyoung Park, The Hike by Lucy Clarke, One Of Us Knows by Alyssa Cole and The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. My to-be-read list is longer than I can ever finish!
