Interview mit Mara Rutherford, der Autorin des Buches „Schloss der Lügen“ (englisch)
Dear Mara, I’m so happy you’re up for doing a written interview with me – thank you so much for your time and for being part of this!
What book got you into reading?
I enjoyed reading from an early age, especially fantasy, but I think it was the Xanth series by Piers Anthony that made me an avid reader. My twin sister and I tore through those books whenever we could get our hands on them.
How did you start writing?
I also wrote a lot as a child, though I didn’t start writing fiction until I was 24 and had lost my journalism job. I’d always wondered if I could write a book, and with nothing else to do, I decided to go for it! I haven’t looked back since.
And what else would you like to share about yourself?
Some facts about me: I’m a triplet born on Leap Day. My husband is a diplomat so we move around frequently. We currently live in Belgium but will be moving this summer (still not sure where!).
This or That:
Plotter or Pantser?
Plantser! I outline my books according to the Save the Cat! beatsheet, then discover the rest as I go.
Early morning writing or late-night sessions
Honestly, it’s the middle of the day most of the time, while my kids are at school. But I’m more likely to stay up late writing than to get up early, since I have to get the kids out the door in the morning.
Fantasy or Romance
Romantasy! Haha, I’m not very good at “this or that” apparently. I started reading fantasy first, but I’ve always loved an element of romance in my books. I also read a lot of contemporary romance in addition to fantasy now.
Morally Grey or Golden Retriever Book Boyfriend
Morally grey! There, I finally did one correctly 🙂
Classics or New Releases
Currently, new releases. I made it a point to read a lot of classics in my twenties, but now I read almost exclusively newer books.
Sie haben die blutige Pest überlebt – doch der Horror hat noch lange kein Ende
Seit Jahren wütet in Goslind eine tödliche Seuche; der König hat sich mit seinem gesamten Hofstaat im Schloss verbarrikadiert. Während er langsam dem Wahnsinn verfällt, versuchen alle anderen verzweifelt, das Maskenspiel aufrecht zu erhalten und so zu tun, als wäre alles in Ordnung. Doch die Vorräte schwinden und Prinzessin Imogens Sorge, dass ihr größtes Geheimnis auffliegen könnte, wächst mit jedem Tag. Bei einem Fluchtversuch aus dem Schloss trifft sie auf Nico Mott, einen jungen Totengräber auf der Suche nach Überlebenden. Gemeinsam beginnen sie, das Netz der Lügen, das sie umgibt, zu durchbrechen – doch die Pest hat Monster geschaffen, die nur auf frisches Blut warten …
What inspired you to write A Multitude of Dreams?
I was inspired to write A MULTITUDE OF DREAMS after deciding I wanted to do a retelling of a less common story. The Masque of the Red Death is one of Poe’s short stories that has always stood out to me, with its macabre symbolism and vivid imagery. Once I started thinking about a castle full of nobles trying to outlive a plague, my imagination sort of took over from there.
How did you develop your characters?
My main characters usually come to me fairly well-formed. They always have to fit the plot of the story, and in this case, the idea of a commoner pretending to be a princess felt like the perfect main character, and a nobleman-turned-peasant was the ideal foil!
What was especially important to you while telling this story?
Including Jewish representation in this book was important, especially once I started researching the history of plagues and how Jews were so often used as scapegoats. Even though this is a fantasy world, I didn’t want to overlook how governments often avoid taking responsibility by blaming an “other,” in this case, Jews.
What makes Imogen and Nico’s story so special to you?
Imogen and Nico’s story was important to me because they both had so many preconceived notions about each other, as we often do in real life. When we open our hearts, we usually find we have far more in common than we realized. They both had a lot of healing to do as well, and I love that they find it in each other.
What can your German readers look forward to next?
I’m happy to say that German rights to A CURIOUS KIND OF MAGIC have sold to Arctis, so hopefully it will be on shelves sometime later this year or early next year!