Kale Lawrence is the author of the new novel The Magi Menagerie, the first in a series. She also has written the novel Alex in Wunderstrande: The Clairvoyance Clock. She lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Q: What inspired you to write The Magi Menagerie, and how did you create your character Ezra?
A: I've always been fascinated by history, artifacts, and magic, so it was only a matter of time before they all merged into one daring idea.
For several years, I toyed with the idea that the Magi were a part of an ancient magical society, and that a teenager would stumble upon their existence. Combine that with my love for Babylonian mythology, and a spark ignited.
Ezra came to me early on in the process but even though he was one of the first characters created, his development took a while to flesh out. I knew I wanted him to be from Turkey and be of Islamic faith. But over the course of my many drafts, I learned more about his goals, desires, and dreams.
Q: Did you know how the novel would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?
A: I had developed a rough outline for all three books before I started the first draft, so I knew the general direction the story would take.
But honestly, some of those plot twists toward the end surprised even me! That's one of the best parts about writing; you get to explore this world where anything and everything can happen.
As a whole, the story was redrafted six times, so I had time to finesse those seemingly random moments into meaningful events.
Q: As you indicated, this is the first in a series--can you say anything about what comes next?
A: Two more books are on the way after this one! I'm currently writing Book 2, but I also playing around with ideas for a spinoff story with Jonas and Diego's past.
Book 2 will pick up immediately after the events of The Magi Menagerie to satisfy the fallout of that cliffhanger. Book 2 will also be faster paced as the stakes continue to rise, with even more magicky goodness.
A lot more things will begin to make sense (I gave readers some Easter eggs of info in Book 1 that they might have missed on first reading) and the true villain of the story will rise. All in all, be prepared for a wild ride for the follow-up to The Magi Menagerie.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?
A: I sincerely hope that readers enjoy the world I've created and that the events remind them that no matter who they are--or who society paints them out to be--that they are powerful enough to do impossible things in this life.
I want to sow seeds of hope through my work, to let people know: "I see you. I hear you." You were meant to shine. I hope that just for a moment, I could provide a worthwhile escape into a fantasy world where anything is possible.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I'm always up for discussing writing, books, author tips, and even life, with readers! I'm just the nerdiest person with a passion for inspiring others. DM me on Instagram @kalelawrence and follow me on TikTok @authorkalelawrence.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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