 The author of The Tyranny of Blood talks about her novel, the next novel in the trilogy, her influences, the music she listened to while writing the novel, her favourite authors, and lots more.
Interview by Teresa Aguilar
When is the next book in the series due to be published?
I’m in the process of fine tuning the second novel in the trilogy, A Child of the Blood, which opens some ten years after the events of Tyranny. If all goes well publication is expected in late spring/summer 2010.
What influenced you to write such a dark fantasy, as well as how you came up with this world?
I’ve always been an avid reader of fantasy, ever since a was given The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as a child. Within months I had devoured the whole Narnia series. JRR Tolkien followed, but it wasn’t until an aunt, believing it to be a children’s book, bought me a copy of Huxley’s Brave New World. I was around ten at the time and, looking back, I think that novel shaped my imagination more than any other I had read, even though getting through it was a bit of a struggle and I can’t say it is one of my favourites today. What it told me was that fantasy wasn’t all about princes, princesses and dragons, but that there was a whole dark world out there, where the line between fantasy and reality was blurred. I developed a fascination with possible alternative realities back then, and the world of Tyranny started to take vague shape in my mind. Much later, when I started to study genetics, something clicked – my imagination ran headlong into my academic studies and Rendail’s world suddenly came to life.
Now that this first book is finished, is there anything you would change about the storyline or the characters in it?
That’s a tough one to answer. Strangely, although Tyranny is the first of a trilogy, it was the third to be written. Many of the characters were developed throughout two novels before I set pen to paper for what, originally, was to be a prequel. I’m fairly happy with the storyline, but yes, there are characters I would tweak and change, and yet more that I wished I could have used. My original draft contained much greater roles for some of the more minor characters, and a part of me wanted to keep sections in the finished book that I cut in the final edit. I’m happy that I made the right decision though, and I can always go back and develop those characters in another book!
What was the most interesting thing you learned about publishing a book?
I think the most important thing I’ve learned is that being a published writer is a difficult job! For every unpublished writer, publication is the goal to aim for. I don’t think any of us realise just how tough things get once that contract is signed. It’s a bit like climbing a mountain, reaching the peak exhausted, and realising you’re still in the foothills. Having said that, it’s been an exhilarating experience so far as well as a huge challenge. One of the most interesting parts of having a published novel has been meeting the people who are going to read it. They are the true judges, and chatting to readers at signings has, for
me, brought home the responsibility I have as a writer to offer something that people are going to read and enjoy.
While writing The Tyranny of the Blood did you have any external influences, such as music or a favorite place to write in?
Yes, there are several things that influenced me while I was working on Tyranny. Throughout the first draft I spent a lot of time listening to Sting. His album, ‘Sacred Love’ had just come out, and I was lucky enough to go and see him perform just before I started the novel. Some of the songs seemed to have been written just for Rendail! I also have a huge collection of Café Del Mar CDs that I play while I write. By the time I get to the end of the stack it’s time to rediscover the first one! My favourite writing place is my home office. My computer is next to a window that gives me an uninterrupted view of the Somerset countryside around Glastonbury. The place has a great mystic and fantasy tradition (King Arthur’s remains are said to be buried in the town Abbey), so I don’t have to move far if I’m in need of inspiration.
What writer(s) inspired you to write?
The list goes back a long way! Apart from Aldous Huxley, the classic scifi/fantasy writers were a big influence in my childhood – H. G. Wells, George Orwell and Isaac Asimov particularly. Much later on I discovered Anne Rice, Margaret Atwood, Diana Gabaldon and Robin Hobb. I read avidly, and not just fantasy. I’m sure there is more than a trickle
of influence from James Clavell (Shogun is one of my all time favourites), Robert Graves’ I Claudius and the historical novels of Mary Renault and Conn Iggulden. I’d better stop there before I get carried away!
Was there any particular story behind the names you chose for your characters?
For the most part, the names of the main characters just seemed to pop into my head. Once three or for characters were in place, I had a format to work to, and tried to keep to a rhythm for each bloodline. I hope that makes sense! There was one particular character, however, who caused me problems. I was completely stuck for a suitable name. I was teaching psychology at the time, and after months of trying one name after another I happened to glance at the spine of the textbook the students were using. The author’s surname was perfect! I won’t say which character it is, just in case my academic friend ever reads the novel – suffice it to say, it wasn’t one of the good guys!
Can I expect to read more about what happened to Rendail's daughter who disappeared in the next book?
Yes. Rendail’s daughter has an important role to play in both the second and third volumes. I can’t say too much without giving the story away, but there is a family reunion on the way that doesn’t quite go as smoothly as planned!
More about Jo Reed can be found at her website.
About the interviewer: Teresa Aguilar is a stay-at-home mom who lives near Lake Fork in Emory, Texas. Married for over 17 years with three children, the whole family shares a interest in books of all genres. She aspires to own a book shop of her own one day. Her time is spent raising her children and her miniature dachshunds and one orange tabby cat. She also tries to grow trees in clay, and finally having some success, maybe to have some shade in the future to read under. She would also like to say thank you to her cousin Jeanneta who read “The Hobbit” to her when she was a small child and started her love affair with books.
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