Featured Interview With Author Minerva Hart
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My (pen) name is Minerva Hart. I live in Rome, Italy for the time being, though I've lived in the States and Israel as well. I've also traveled a lot, and that list includes Prague, Dublin, Jamaica, Egypt, Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, and Toulouse. No, I don't have any pets, though my husband is determined to get me rabbits one day! XD
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I learned to read at age 3, and from there I became a confirmed bibliophile. My first favorite book was 'Where The Wild Things Are', and through books – as well as movies, TV shows, and even video-games – I learned about the beauty of stories. I started making up my own stories from an early age, using my dolls and stuffed animals to put on plays, but I didn't start writing stories proper until I was fifteen. I always knew I wanted to create stories, but I didn't truly start until that age. At first, I thought of making comic books. For about two minutes, I considered being a screenwriter. But finally, I picked writing, and took to it immediately.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors are, in no particular order: Stephen King, Joanne Harris, Gillian Flynn, Margaret Atwood, and Andrzej Sapkowski. Aside from thrillers, which I generally don't like much (Flynn's work being a notable exception), I'll read most genres. Though, if I had to pick, I'd go with fantasy – when done well, obviously. I gather inspiration from dozens of different places – from stories I read, sure, but also from movies or shows or games. All it takes is an idea. Something along the lines of "Hey, what if…?" And from there, the seed steadily grows into a mighty oak.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest published book is 'The Rampion Child'. It's a dark retelling of 'Rapunzel', filled with magic, witches, dragons, and warring factions.
Want more details? Okay!
On the island of Shipbreaker Shore, named as such due to the barrier reef destroying any ship it encounters, the True Faith rules with an iron fist. Even the royal family is terrified of them. Parish attendance is mandatory, women have to wear headdresses that conceal their faces, practicing different religions is illegal, and all those who don't follow the divine law is hanged. These include gay people, abortionists, blasphemers, adulterers, and – of course – witches. Witches once ruled the isle, but have been persecuted by the True Faith ever since the latter's arrival centuries earlier. Despite the perpetual hunt against them, the witches do their best to keep their traditions alive.
Among these witches is Breanne, a woman with a traumatic background and a terror of being abandoned. She clings to her daughter, Lorelai, raises her in isolation, and insists that they have all they need because they have each other. Lorelai, who loves and fears her mother in equal measure, nevertheless longs for other bonds. She gets one in the form of Odele, a young Red Hood (monster hunter for hire), despite their supposed status as hereditary enemies.
Over the years, as a growing Lorelai continues to see Odele in secret, tensions begin to rise between the heirless king and his power-hungry younger brother. Sides have to be chosen, and lines are drawn in the sand. As all of this happens, Breanne becomes all too aware of her daughter's encroaching womanhood. Terrified of Lorelai leaving her, Breanne takes matters into her own hands and curses her child. She turns her daughter into a dearg due, a vampiric creature that will never age, neither mentally nor physically. An eternal child that will never outgrow her, will never not need her… but who also needs to feed on human flesh to survive.
Lorelai, not knowing who cursed her, is horrified of her transformation. But she trusts in her mother's plan: She is to live in a tower, far from both the harmful sun and those who would harm her. All the while, Breanne will spread rumors about a beautiful maiden awaiting rescue in a tower. Lovestruck fools will climb up the tower, only to meet their end in Lorelai's jaws.
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