Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Julie Kagawa (Fateless)!
Meet the Author: Julie Kagawa
Julie Kagawa is the New York Times, USA TODAY and internationally bestselling author of The Iron Fey, Blood of Eden, The Talon Saga and the Shadow of the Fox series. Born in Sacramento, she has been a bookseller and an animal trainer and enjoys reading, painting, playing in her garden and training in martial arts. She lives in Kentucky with her husband and a plethora of pets. Visit her at www.juliekagawa.com.
Website * Facebook * Instagram * X
About the Book: Fateless
Deep in the forgotten city of the Deathless Kings, an ancient relic of untold power waits—for one bold enough to steal it.
When seventeen-year-old Sparrow joined the Thieves Guild she made a vow of binding loyalty to their cause. So when a mission comes along from The Circle, a group of mysterious, dangerous beings who control the Thieves Guild from the shadows, Sparrow is determined to cement her place in the guild.
What ensues is a death-defying adventure that has Sparrow and her band of thieves venturing into the heart of the forgotten city of the Deathless King. The fate of Sparrow, her companions, and Raithe, the enigmatic yet alluring assassin Sparrow is forced to join forces with during their quest, all hang in the balance as they find themselves battling ancient forces within the tombs and facing the unwavering hold of fate.
Perfect for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Sabaa Tahir, this new fantasy trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Julie Kagawa will sweep readers into a bold and exciting new world, where a twisted game of destiny has far-reaching consequences.
~Author Chat~
YABC: What inspired you to write this book?
I’ve always been a huge video game fan, and Fateless was heavily inspired by one of my favorite games: Assassin’s Creed. I loved the open world setting of the Assassin’s Creed series, the parkour, the outfits, and of course, the assassins and their mysterious society. Fateless also pays homage to the desert world of Prince of Persia, another game with lots of action, sand creatures, and running along walls.
YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
I especially love a scene involving the heroes fighting a giant “abomination.” In the book, the creature is described as a blasphemous mix between a spider, an ant and a scorpion, but really, if you want to know where my inspiration came from, Google “camel spider.” That should give you all the heebie jeebies.
YABC: Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?
Trust the process. First drafts are not perfect, and if you try to make them perfect the first time around you’ll drive yourself crazy. I used to agonize about getting the first draft down as perfectly as I could; now I allow myself to make mistakes and skip ahead if I get stuck, knowing I will eventually come back and fix it.
YABC: What do you like most about the cover of the book?
I love the hourglass and the sand castle within. Also, the sand falling from the stacks of coins really gives the impression of time that is running out, which is perfect for Fateless.
YABC: Do you have a playlist you listened to while writing?
I listen to a variety of music while writing. Instrumental themes like Two Steps From Hell helps to set the mood. Recently, I discovered EPIC the musical, and I’ve been obsessed with that for the past few weeks.
YABC: What kind of animal would your main character be and why?
I think she would be exactly what her name is: Sparrow. She is quick, clever, and a survivor. Or she would be a mouse, something small and fast, who can thrive in the harshest environments.
YABC: How do you cope with criticism from editors or the public?
I welcome criticism from editors. It helps make the books stronger. Having an editor you trust and who loves your work is absolutely essential when crafting a good story. Criticism from the public is less helpful. The book is already out, and you can’t really go back and change anything. Not everyone will love your work, and that’s normal. All you can do is tell yourself that you wrote the best book you could at that time, and move on.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’m actually working on a chapter book series starring tiny dragons that live in people’s houses like mice. And of course, I’ll be working on the third and final book in the Fateless series.
YABC: Is there anything that you would like to add?
Just thank you to everyone who has read and supported my books over the years! You are the reason I write, and I hope you love the world of Fateless as much as I do.
Title: Fateless
Author: Julie Kagawa
Release Date: 7/15
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: YA fantasy
Age Range: 13-17
