We chat with author Charlotte B. Plumb about Reap & Sow, which follows a young woman who bargains with a demon to save her brothers, only to lose her heart in this slow-burn romantasy about dark magic, unlikely love, and the imperfect beauty of mortality.
Hi, Charlotte! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Of course! My name is Charlotte B. Plumb, and I’m based in the UK. My debut novel Reap & Sow releases globally this October, which I’m so very excited about.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I grew up an avid reader, with fantasy being my favourite form of escapism. I loved stepping into worlds where the rules were different and magic felt possible. As a teenager, I realised I didn’t just want to escape into those worlds; I wanted to create them. My first novel didn’t find a publishing home, but it taught me how to finish a book and refine my craft. When I wrote Reap & Sow, something clicked. I knew I’d finally written the story I was meant to tell.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: The Mousehole Cat by Antonia Barber.
- The one that made you want to become an author: His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Everlasting by Alix. E Harrow, most recently.
Your debut novel, Reap & Sow, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Gothic, magical, atmospheric, witty, and romantic.
What can readers expect?
Reap & Sow is a romantic fantasy with a dark edge, set in an Elizabethan-inspired world steeped in gothic atmosphere. It blends biting humour with Faustian magic and an unexpected love story. At its heart, it’s a fast-paced adventure following a flawed heroine as she confronts what it truly means to be human—and what it means to be a monster.
Where did the inspiration for Reap & Sow come from?
I’ve always been drawn to stories where the grim and the romantic are intertwined, and where tenderness can emerge in unexpected places. I wanted to write a book that captured that contrast. The initial spark for Reap & Sow came while I was watching Peaky Blinders. I wondered what a family on the wrong side of the law might look like in a fantasy world, and what they would trade in. The idea of a ‘deal with the devil’ emerged from there, leading to a magic system where people bargain away years of their lives to demons. The story really just took on a life of its own.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
At the risk of sounding indecisive, I have quite a few favourites! One that especially stands out is a scene where Eda and Kit visit the theatre. It involved writing a sort of story-within-a-story, which made it a creatively indulgent experience. I also loved writing the first kiss scene—because of course I did. But an honourable mention has to go to any moment featuring Tripp. Whenever he was on the page, I found myself laughing at his antics. I’m not entirely sure what that says about me, considering I wrote him.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Every book comes with its own challenges, but with Reap & Sow, one of the biggest was learning to trust my own instincts as a writer. Much of the process became about committing fully to the tone, characterisation, and emotional core of the story rather than worrying too much about marketability or broad appeal while trying to get published. It was a book I felt genuinely passionate about, and I think that passion ultimately shaped every part of it. I’m incredibly proud to call it my debut.
This is your debut novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
It’s very surreal! Reap & Sow isn’t the first novel I wrote, but it’s the book that got me my agents and, ultimately, my book deal. For years, writing was just a hobby and something I hardly dared to hope might become anything more. It feels like everything changed overnight. I’m incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity; it’s still something I’m getting my head around.
What’s next for you?
Reap & Sow is a duology, so right now I’m working on the sequel. That’s very exciting; I’m looking forward to sharing more!
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
I’m really looking forward to Rachel Gillig’s new Stonewater Kingdom release, as well as Heather Fawcett’s next installment in the Emily Wilde series. I recently read The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow, which I loved, and Piranesi by Susanna Clarke is also a standout for me this year. But there are many more.
