We chat with author Kat Hillis and Rosiee Thor about Summer Coven, which sees everyone’s favorite vampire odd couple back for another bloody good time in this new supernatural mystery from the authors of Dead & Breakfast.
Hi, Kat and Rosiee! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourselves?
We’re a co-author duo who live on opposite sides of the US and love opposite parts of the writing process, but we share a love of puns, jokes, and shenanigans.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
Kat: I’ve loved stories all my life, and I first started writing novels when I was 12. I got hooked and never kicked the habit, so here I am.
Rosiee: Basically same here. I’ve always been an avid reader and enjoyed making up stories to tell anyone who would listen. I first put (sparkly gel) pen to paper in fifth grade to write my first longform story and never really stopped.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading:
- Kat: I remember reading Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss, which is one of the easier to read, so I was probably pretty young.
- Rosiee: I think mine was Blueberries for Sal. I don’t remember much about it, but it clearly had a lasting impression since my favorite food now is blueberries.
- The one that made you want to become an author:
- Kat: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. My dad read it to me after I became obsessed with the movie at age 4.
- Rosiee: I really imprinted on Tamora Pierce’s Tortall series in middle school. It was the first time I was compelled to write fanfiction, and I realized writing was a real career people could have.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about:
- Kat: There are so many over the years, but my latest favorite is The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
- Rosiee: I’ll never shut up about Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland. Never has a book made me laugh so hard and feel so much.
Your latest novel, Summer Coven, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Punny, paranormal, whimsical, mysterious, fun
What can readers expect?
More of Arthur and Sal solving a murder, with familiar townsfolk and new friends–and suspects. Lots of puns.
Where did the inspiration for Summer Coven come from?
We wanted to explore the world of witchcraft in the paranormal setting—how would witches interact with today’s culture of hustling? A summer solstice festival crawling with suspects was the perfect backdrop for our vampire husband sleuths to take on their next case!
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Writing Sal is always such a delight, because he gets to be silly and unserious most of the time. His antics in Summer Coven were consistently our favorite bits to write. We also have a lot of affection for some of the new faces in town like the totally normal human librarian, Paige Turner, as well as some of the returning cast like Lore, the elven coroner, and the always reliable and never confusing family of raccoons who frequent the trash bins in Trident Falls.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Because we co-write, we don’t have a lot of the problems that come with getting stuck in your own head about a project. Writing a book is never easy, but with a partner, the work goes faster and it’s so much more fun! It helps so much to have another brain to bounce ideas around with when we run into plot problems.
What’s next for you?
- Rosiee: Next up, I have a tie-in novel for the Life is Strange video game franchise coming out! It’s about a queer punk band in Seattle and a supernatural mystery.
- Kat: I’ve got a fantasy romcom coming out February 2nd, 2027, called Necromancy and the Art of Hero Killing, about an immortal necromancer and the hero determined to defeat him accidentally falling for each other.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
Kat: I loved Immortal Game by Allison Saft, and I’m looking forward to diving into A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett
Rosiee: I can’t wait to get my hands on K. Ancrum’s next book, Adam Mine. Her style is so unique and I’ll read anything she writes forever. And recently I’ve enjoyed Homeward for a Spell by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos.
