We chat with debut author Honni van Rijswijk about her debut novel Breeder, which is a new YA sci-fi novel from Blackstone Publishing. Honni chats all things Breeder, writing, book recommendations, and more!
Hi, Honni! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m an academic in a law school—I used to be a lawyer—and I also write novels. I love genre fiction and TV/films—everything from crime mysteries to horror/thriller.
How has the first half of 2021 been for you?
It’s been a lot easier than 2020! I’m looking forward to life opening up more in the second half of 2021.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
- First book: I had a tiny book about Australian frogs and lizards that I would “read” and carry around in my handbag when I was two. I still have it.
- The one that made me want to become an author: Judy Blume’s Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
- The book I can’t stop thinking about: Alison Bechdel’s Are You My Mother? Just so moving and brilliant
When did you first discover your love for writing?
In 4th grade, a visiting nun ran an amazing workshop for us, where she broke down the steps of drafting, editing and revising a story for publication. She got us all to write, revise and “publish” one story a week for several weeks.
Your debut novel, Breeder, is out July 13th 2021! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Queer burnt-out world youth revolution
What can readers expect?
A fast-paced and high-stakes story, following Will, who lives in a brutal world that provides no clear or easy options. BREEDER really digs into the gray area of morality. As readers witness Will make decisions, hopefully it gives you a chance to think through what you would do in extreme situations.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
The book goes to some dark places (as well as many light/funny moments) but it took a while for me to be comfortable “going there” and staying there, and feeling confident that this sometimes bleak story would resonate with people. In the end, I came back to the idea that it’s the book I would have wanted to read at 15.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I really enjoyed staying with Will, the main character of BREEDER. At the beginning of the story, Will just wants to be normal and to get a good job, find a girlfriend and eventually have a kid—even though these things are basically impossible in Will’s world. Will’s stubborn desire to not have their world disturbed resonated with me, even in the face of literal world collapse and a band of comrades trying to push Will to revolution. I really enjoy inhabiting moral grey areas in fiction.
What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
Meandering! I’m also a lawyer and an academic.
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
Best: Write the book you want to read. I always go back to this when I’m lost or stuck.
Worst: fiction should be literary fiction, “genre” fiction is beneath real writers. Most of my favorite books are genre books, and some extreme human experiences need the excesses of genre to make sense. The best novel about law, history and trauma is Toni Morrison’s Beloved, which is also a horror story, because you usually need to go beyond realism to capture the experience of trauma.
What’s next for you?
A literary crime/suspense novel (adult) and a ghost story about gender violence (YA)
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
- Please Miss, Grace Lavery—wicked brilliant and so good and funny
- The Lost Girls, Heather Young—haunting, beautiful story about family and gender violence
- Vanishing Falls, Poppy Gee—terrifying Australian gothic with a main character I couldn’t get enough of
- Summer Sons, Lee Mandelo
Looking forward to receiving my copy which I hope Honni will sign for me. No pressure Honni just when you get out of lockdown and are able to visit.
Can’t wait to read this book. It seems awesome!