Samantha Hastings

Samantha: Where did you learn about the WRENS—Women’s Royal Naval Service—and what inspired your story? Jenni: I came across the mention of the WRENS in other historical fiction books. I was curious about them, quickly realized how awesome they were (hello motorcycle dispatch riders), and also quickly realized a novel hadn't yet been dedicated to them. I jumped at the chance to tell their stories through the fictional lens of Marion, who is a WREN during both WWI and WWII, and Evelyn, who serves during WWII.   Samantha: I love how you weave the two world wars together to show one beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking story. How did you create the structure of your novel? Jenni: The novel can really be broken into two separate stories. And I wrote it as such, drafting Marion's story first. Then, I wrote Evelyn's. The fun part, though, is that their two separate stories eventually intersect, which reveals a big secret for the women.   Samantha: Who is your favorite character? ...

Mimi Matthews Interview Samantha: Your characters are always so loveable! I know it’s hard to pick a favorite, but do you have one in this book? Mimi: It’s really hard to choose! I love Julia and Jasper, of course, but I also have a soft spot for Daisy Blunt. Samantha: I adored Goldfinch Hall as a setting in Yorkshire. It’s damp, creepy, and deliciously gothic! What was your inspiration for it? Mimi: I’m a huge fan of gothic fiction and Victorian sensation novels. Remote, creepy houses often play a part in those stories. It’s always fun to include one of them in mine. Samantha: Julia’s invalid parents remind me of Mr. Woodhouse in Jane Austen’s EMMA. How did you make them both comical and sinister? Mimi: Their hypochondriacal quirks make them comical, a bit in the vein of Austen characters like Mrs. Bennet or Mr. Woodhouse. However, the power they hold over Julia makes them sinister.   They’re capable of controlling her future and taking away her bodily autonomy. Truly ...

  A Dreadful Splendor releases today! 1. Do you believe in ghosts? And/or have you ever attended a séance?   I don’t believe in ghosts, but I do when I wake up in the middle of the night and hear a noise   downstairs. We had a Ouija board when I was a kid, Parker Brothers sold them, it only seemed to come out during sleepovers. The planchette always spelled out something like ‘fart’ or ‘poop head’, but of course everyone denied interfering with the spirit world. They really should reconsider calling it, “I’m not pushing it, are you pushing it?” 2. Who is your favorite character in the book and why? Genevieve. She came to me completely fleshed out with a backstory and a trunk full of coping mechanisms and grief. Still, she is one determined character with a lot of sass. I could have easily written it from another character’s point of view, but it wouldn’t have been as effective. 3.What made you choose Victorian England as the setting for your book? G...

  1.      You write gorgeous fairy tales; do you have a favorite story?           Thank you! My favorite fairy tale has been Beauty & the Beast ever since I read Robin McKinley’s lovely retelling Beauty when I was about 11 years old. Echo North is a retelling of the Norwegian fairy tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon, which is a cousin fairy tale to Beauty & the Beast and contains a lot of similar elements, so I had the pleasure of exploring both fairy tales while writing it! Wind Daughter is set in the same world as Echo , but is not a retelling. 2. Who is your favorite character in the book and why?           I absolutely loved writing the Winter Lord, but my favorite is probably Satu. I have never put so much of myself into a character as I did into Satu—I gave her my insecurities, my high sensitivity, my social anxiety… writing the book in some ways...

  Interview with Anneka Walker: Q: Do you have your own group of Rebels? A: I do! We call ourselves HACKK though. We grew up together and take yearly girl's trips. They are always eager to rally behind a good cause and are as loyal as they come.   Q: Have you ever tried to matchmake, like the ladies in your book? Or are you in a 'musical club' (#wink)? A: Haha! I love this question. I have experimented a little in the art of matchmaking. The first time I meddled, I nearly had a success. While they both married other people (they chose beautifully for themselves) they are next-door neighbors and their kids are best friends. So at least I can say, I had a hand in building a beautiful friendship!     Q: Who is your favorite character in the book? A: Paul. I love out-of-the-box characters. He has so many layers to him, and no matter how he tries to protect them, Louisa keeps peeling them back. The poor guy can't hide how wonderful he is. So, he's my fav because I lo...