We chat with New York Times bestselling author Soman Chainani about Coven, and a bold graphic novel experience that explores how, even in our darkest moments, the truest of friends can bring us back into the light with stunning illustrations by artist Joel Gennari.
Hi, Soman! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Sure! I’m the author of The School for Good and Evil series, which has spawned 6 books, 2 prequels, 1 handbook, 1 blockbuster movie, and now a graphic novel called COVEN, which is perfect both for fans of the series and those who know nothing about it.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I was in 7th grade and my English teacher, Mrs. Gonzalez, challenged us to write the scariest story in the class – and the winner wouldn’t have to do homework for a few days. I remember reading my story to the class (a murder mystery where my least favorite people in the class kept vanishing) and all of a sudden, kids were asking me to write more – and to make them the victims in the next one. That flipped the switch. The awareness of an audience.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: A Dr. Seuss book about tongue twisters
- The one that made you want to become an author: Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Also Interview with a Vampire!
Your debut graphic novel, Coven, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Edgy, provocative, thrilling, mysterious, surprising
What can readers expect?
It’s a murder-mystery, monster-mayhem, eco-thriller… So there’s layers to it. It doesn’t really confine to a genre. But if you like horror stories with a deeper theme, this is probably for you. I want readers to buckle up and be surprised on every page.
Where did the inspiration for Coven come from?
My favorite movie as a kid was Bram Stoker’s Dracula and I wanted to create something like that which was scary and even horrifying at times… but also lush and beautiful.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
In COVEN, the three witches encounter another coven that looks like them but doesn’t act like them. I loved the idea of doppelgangers – and how I’d react if I met another Soman with the same face but a different soul or persona. I explored how I thought it’d play out in the pages of the book.
Coven is illustrated by Joel Gennari. Can you tell us a bit about the process in your story coming to life?
A graphic novel is really the artist’s medium. I write the script but ultimately it’s the artist who will spend years bringing it onto the page. Joel was diligent about getting it right and spent nearly 4 years on COVEN, which is a testament to how much he cared about the story and its potential impact.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
I wanted the book to work for all readers, especially reluctant ones or young people who don’t like to read all. That meant really finding a story that was exciting enough to compete with even the most lively TikTok, video game, or movie. I think we succeeded, though.
What’s next for you?
My magnum opus, ha ha. It’s called YOUNG WORLD, my first young-adult novel, and it’s taken more than 3 years to write. Young people are struggling to find a path forward in this ever-changing world. This book is my answer as to how this new generation should move forward.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?
- Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
- The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
- Notorious by Maureen Dowd
