Sunday, October 3, 2021

Q&A with Kale Lawrence

 

 


 

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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