We chat with author Stacey Marie Brown about White Raven, which is perfect for fans of Nordic mythology and morally grey love interests who like their fantasy a little bit violent, Brown’s vivid Messengers of the Realm series will launch you into a fast-paced, politically intriguing new world that will start your fall off right.
Hi, Stacey! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Everyone’s favorite question! So I used to be an actress in L.A. (I was on shows like Buffy, Angel, 90210, and Scream), but fell in love with set design and went back to school for interior design. During that time, I started writing again. I feel my acting/directing background has really helped my writing. I write books like a movie. Hoping one will actually become one!
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I was always a writer, dancer, and performer. I grew up on a farm playing Goonies and Labyrinth. I loved creating stories. I went to LA and did the whole acting thing for a long time, did set design, and directing, but never thought of actually being an author for a career, until I was in my 30s. I say it chose me. And once it did, I knew there was nothing else I wanted to do.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: It probably was Dick and Jane, but the first book that really stuck with me was The Giving Tree.
- The one that made you want to become an author: Actually it was the books that I didn’t like that really pushed me to write. I wanted different characters than the ones I kept reading, but Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series was one that spurred me on to write in the fae world.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: It will probably always be her Fever series because of that connection I have to it. I just loved her angst and the growth in the characters.
Your new novel, White Raven, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Gripping. Dark. Angsty. Adventurous. Immersive.
What can readers expect?
Norse mythology of ravens and bats, prophecies, and curses. If they are readers of mine, they know I love the gritty and dark with crazy twists and turns, topped off with humor and sexual tension. If you are new to me, just know you are in for a wild ride.
This is your first ever traditionally published novel. What has that process been like and how does it differ from where you started?
The biggest change is the control over your writing and publishing that an indie author has. It’s both nice and frustrating, but I am so lucky to work with amazing people at Blackstone, who really listen to my vision, and fight for me.
Where did the inspiration for White Raven come from?
I was at a Comic Con for an event and found this artist Bryan Fyffe. Two of his pieces I was immediately drawn too. There was a story in that art so I bought them. That night in the hotel room, my assistant and I started taking ideas to create the story, the characters formed in my head, and it grew from there.
What was it about this particular story that made it the right one for your traditional publisher debut?
I’ve been wanting to go traditional published for a while, but the books I did before I didn’t have the patience (it is much, much slower in Trad) and they were an already established, connected world (Darkness, Collectors, Lightness, Devil in the Deep Blue Sea, and Savage Lands). This is my first high fantasy, and was the perfect time to do it with White Raven.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring? I
always enjoy writing the banter or the funny moments, but for characters… I loved writing them all. When I’m in a book, I fall in love with all my characters, even the so-called villains, because I love giving them complex backgrounds. I also really liked getting into the Norse mythology and weaving in stories and myths into my book.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
There is always challenges, but more than anything, it’s fighting my own attention span or doubt in my ability as an author. Somedays, the monster eats me, and I step away, but most days I just turn on my music (music that gets me into the right headspace. This time I listened to a lot of Viking rock) and get back to work.
This is the first book in an exciting new trilogy. Can you give a little teaser to what readers can expect in the coming installments?
Oh wow, there is so much. Things I hadn’t even thought of when I first started writing. This series will keep you on your toes until the final page. So expect more twists, turns, adventure, tension, and jaw-dropping moments!
How does the Messengers of the Realm series stand out from your other books and fantasy series?
This series is completely in a made-up realm, where all my other fantasies are set in this one, or at least start out in this realm like Winterland Tales.
If you could create your ideal reader for White Raven, what are the top traits you’d give them?
Someone who loves enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, found family, epic adventure, and dark slow burn romance!
A fun one now: what’s your favorite line/quote/moment from White Raven (no spoilers)?
“I was sick of being the prey. Tired of having no control. I wanted to be the demon they feared.”
What’s next for you?
I’m starting on another fantasy book (can’t give anything away) but the lead girl is an author who is struggling with her life.
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up? I
read every night, but mostly contemporary to palate cleanse my mind, otherwise I can get overloaded in fantasy. But I really enjoyed The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig.
