We chat with author Rose Black about Til Death Do Us Bard, which is a sweet, queer, light fantasy, in which a grumpy ex-adventurer must come out of retirement to save the kingdom… after he saves his sunshiny bard husband.
Hi, Rose! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m an IT support engineer by day, from the beautiful city of Bath, where I live with my partner and son. Outside writing, I enjoy walking, photography, and baking, though I’m still more Nailed It than Bake Off!
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve always enjoyed stories. I was lucky enough to grow up in a house with books, parents who’d take me to the library, and read to me. I started writing in college, but I didn’t have any ambition to do anything with them until I was in my thirties.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: I think the first book I remember was something like the Bumber Yellow Story Book. It was a collection of stories for children and I was obsessed with one about a little monster who wanted to be scary. To the point where my mum would beg to read any other story in the book.
- The one that made you want to become an author: I don’t think there was a book that made me want to be come published. That was more about learning to have faith in my own work.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Published, probably the Locked Tomb series as a whole. There’s so much going on in there, so much to think about, so many lines that stick in your head. I’m equally obsessed with my friends currently unpublished adult fantasy Red Wasteland, for similar reasons. When that one hits the shelves everyone will be talking about it.
Your debut novel, Til Death Do Us Bard, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Cosy fantasy with added skeletons.
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect D&D style fantasy quests, monsters, unicorns, banter, a badass necromancer grandmother, and two husbands who will do anything to protect each other.
Where did the inspiration for Til Death Do Us Bard come from?
I think it came from a tumblr post about wanting to read about a married couple adventuring, sitting around the fire, talking about darning socks, that sort of thing.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I really enjoyed the little snippets of Logan and Pie’s past, building up their relationship. I also enjoyed any scene with the countess. Her teasing, her skeletons, and her moments of vulnerability.
This is your debut published novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
It was a long journey! I started querying in 2014, so it’s been almost ten years. While it’s been stressful and full of self doubt, I’ve met some absolutely amazing people who have been come close friends, and I have a nice little stack of books that I’m hoping to sell, so while it was tough, I don’t think I’d change it. (Maybe tell my younger self to keep the faith and things will work out).
What’s next for you?
I’ve got another book in the pipeline that I’m hoping to be able to talk about soon, and I’m currently working on another second world fantasy, this one with similar vibes to A Marvellous Light, about a rich playboy who accidentally ends up stealing a goddess’s power from her chose champion, and must work with him to fix the mess!
Lastly, are there any 2024 book releases that you’re looking forward to?
The Sins on Their Bones by Laura R Samotin and Cascade Failure by LM Sagas are two of my most anticipated.
