We chat with debut author A.B. Poranek about Where The Dark Stands Still, which follows a girl with dangerous magic who makes a risky bargain with a demon to be free of her monstrous power, perfect for fans of An Enchantment of Ravens and House of Salt and Sorrows.
Hi, A.B.! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m Ania, I was born in Poland and grew up in Ontario, Canada. I have a fascination with all things folk, spooky and atmospheric, from abandoned ruins to spooky forests at dawn, which is unsurprisingly also my favorite thing to write about (along with grumpy immortal love interests and gremlin girls)
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
Since I was young! I was one of those kids who was always told they should be a writer. I loved it – I loved telling strange stories and making people feel through them. But I never really considered it seriously – my parents expected me to go into a STEM field, which is what I pursued. I actually stopped writing after I went to university, and stopped reading, too – I picked it up again when I found myself growing disillusioned with my degree and looking for escape, and decided I wanted to make my career something I truly love.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: outside of picture books, the Magic Tree House books were formative to me.
- The one that made you want to become an author: Caraval by Stephanie Garber – it basically reignited my spark after years of not writing.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Recently, Dark Heir by C.S. Pacat
Your debut novel, Where the Dark Stands Still, is out February 27th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Gothic, melancholy, fairytale, Slavic, romantic.
What can readers expect?
Horror and fairytale elements, an atmospheric setting, elements from Slavic mythology and Polish folklore, a tumultuous but ultimately tender romance, and a spooky found family at the very core.
Where did the inspiration for Where the Dark Stands Still come from?
I really wanted to write a book that would give me the same whimsical, fluttery feeling as Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones, but pay homage to Polish folklore and culture, which I almost never saw in media. The main source of inspiration was the Leszy figure from mythology – something about a tempestuous forest demon seemed perfect for a love interest, and I built the story around him.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Leszy lives in a very special place in my heart. I always love writing immortal, world-weary characters, especially with a hint of moral greyness. To me he embodies both tragedy and hope, and he provides the perfect foil to Liska in so many ways. I also just love how snarky and overdramatic he is! His dialogue is always a delight to write, because I get to sit there and think “how can I make this worse?”
This is your debut published novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
It was very similar to that of most authors – I queried, I found my amazing agent, and then sold my book! There were, unfortunately, the corpses of a few failed starts left in the wake of WTDSS, manuscripts that died in the query trenches. But I don’t regret leaving them behind – they were learning experiences, and without them I never would have gotten here!
What’s next for you?
A villainous girl and a heist for an enchanted crown in a royal court inspired by 17th century France. Swans may or may not be involved.
Lastly, are there any 2024 book releases that you’re looking forward to?
I absolutely cannot wait for Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood and Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier.
