Historical-fiction/fantasy author Hazel West is stopping by today as part of the release tour for her latest novel, Blood Ties, a young-adult fantasy set in an alternate modern Ireland. I had the opportunity to talk with Hazel about her inspirations and her research process—but first, a little about the book:
In an Ireland that mixes high kings, faeries, and modern warriors who drive fast cars, Ciran, a descendant from the famous warrior Fionn Mac Cool, bands together with a company of young warriors from the legendary order of Na Fianna to go on a quest to recover their missing family members who were captured by the Goblins in a shaky peace between the two kingdoms. Ciran and his companions must figure out not only how they are going to rescue the prisoners, but how they are going to complete their mission without killing each other. Through trial and error, running battles, unexpected friendships, and daring escapes, Ciran and his company come face-to-face with the Goblin King himself in a final battle that will decide the fate of all involved and of Ireland itself.
The first book in a new series, Blood Ties takes the traditional Irish legends and puts a modern spin on them, with a heavy helping of friendship and the love of family.
Read on for an interview with Hazel and for the chance to win a copy of Blood Ties.
What are some books and authors that have influenced your writing?
I think in a way (and this may sound lame and sentimental) every book I read influences me some, whether it’s because it inspires me or because I feel I could totally do better, haha. But I think for the most part, the authors who inspired me most are Rosemary Sutcliff, Louis L’Amour, Dumas, and for this one, I would say definitely a little of any urban fantasy writer I have read in the past few years.
Most of your books are historically based—even the ones that shade into fantasy. Why are you drawn to writing about the past?
I think I’ve always been fascinated by history because of the stories and the differences in the way people live from today, but yet the fact that nothing has really changed when you think about it. But I think I like history in the same way I like to read stories, because it’s different from what I know and an adventure in itself, and crafting stories around different time periods is a little like going there. Sort of full-immersion research.
Are there any particular challenges to writing in historical settings?
Research for certain things can sometimes be tricky. You just can’t always find everything you need. The only real challenge, in my opinion, is how accurate to keep it. Because someone is always going to complain even if you explain your reasons in the author’s note. This is kind of why I have taken to writing more historical fantasy in recent years, haha.
Were there any challenges to moving into a contemporary setting for Blood Ties?
It was really interesting bringing together a sort of modern/medieval setting. The biggest challenge, I think, was figuring out what to keep and what to do away with. Like, for the most part, the technology is the same, but there aren’t any firearms or advanced weaponry. That’s probably the biggest thing. It was actually really fun to come up with how to take certain roles and the mythology and transfer it to the modern era.
What is your research process like?
Typically, I will research a good deal before I write to get the idea of where I need to go with the story, or get ideas for how it could go down. Usually, I use about a tenth of that, and end up having to do all kinds of unforeseen research during the writing process, but that’s just typical.
Can you talk about any future projects?
Well, the next book being published will be An Earthly King, the second Na Fianna book, which will hopefully be out this fall. It picks up where Blood Ties leaves off and deals with the aftermath and Eamon having to choose a bride to carry on his legacy. It’s also a very loose retelling of Tam Lin. Besides that, I have a couple other projects that I won’t reveal yet, but you’ll see them when I get to it!
What books are you looking forward to in 2016 (and beyond)?
I think there are going to be some really awesome books this year, and there already have been. A Gathering of Shadows by V. E. Schwab was one of them, and I just finished reading it. But probably besides that, the final Raven Boys book by Maggie Stiefvater and of course the next Jackaby novel by William Ritter.
How do you take your coffee?
Dark, with a bit of cream—flavored or otherwise, doesn’t matter as long as the coffee is dark. Though I’m also partial to a mocha now and then.
Thanks to Hazel for her answers! Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for more interviews, excerpts, and reviews, and don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a copy of Blood Ties—see below.
About the author
Hazel West lives in Purgatory, er, Florida, with her books and her hedgehog Horatio. When she’s not writing, she’s reading other people’s books, studying folklore, or binge-watching something on Netflix—drinking coffee is also a given.
Links
Hazel’s blog
Hazel’s writing blog
Hazel on Twitter
Blood Ties on Amazon
Blood Ties on Smashwords
Blood Ties on Goodreads