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| Photo by Daren Lee |
Jade Presley is the author of the new novel The Never List. Her other books include The Veil of Blood & Magic.
Q: What inspired you to write The Never List, and how did you create your character Rylee?
A: The original idea for The Never List came to me after chatting with my publisher about the vibes of my next project. We wanted a rich romantasy with a heavy dose of steam and an empowered female lead who still faces incredible challenges.
I played with several ideas but couldn’t stop thinking about a royal event where every woman on the continent wants a chance to be selected as the four princes’ mate…except my main character.
Rylee’s character came to me pretty fleshed out! She had a story to tell and was practically shouting at me to write it down, offering her voice to me in one quick burst. I immediately fell in love with her sassy attitude and huge heart.
She’s against the royal authority for so many valid reasons, but she ends up being selected at the Choosing and must navigate a dangerous set of circumstances to stay alive. The plot exploded after getting to know Rylee and I dove headfirst into writing!
Q: How did you create the world in which the novel is set?
A: After determining that royalty and class systems would play a hefty role in the story, I dug deep into research mode. I researched a variety of royal monarchies throughout history, jotting down details that I felt fit the vibes of The Never List.
After gathering the intel I needed, I constructed my world from there. I always see my stories like a movie in my mind, so I knew what Lumathyst would look like before I started writing—right down to the variety of elaborate outfits they wear, depending on their wealth status, and on to the type of materials that dominate a particular town. I love world building because it’s such a limitless process in fantasy.
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’m a plotter through and through. I will spend a couple weeks meticulously plotting before I ever start writing. I will do a chapter-by-chapter outline with a quick description of the chapter’s POV, the general setting, and the emotions in the scene.
I wrote an ending when I plotted it, but of course, when writing the actual story and getting to know the characters better, new paths always crop up. I make sure to leave room for plot changes mid-book, and it makes it easier if changes need to be made.
In this case, the ending definitely changed, but it was for the better! Plus, I have a fantastic set of editors who always helped enrich the story along the way, helping me craft the best story I could. I’m truly so lucky and love the team I have!
Q: How was the book’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?
A: The book’s title came to me when plotting and researching the British monarchy (one of the monarchies I researched while world building Lumathyst) I stumbled across a section of lists they kept—honors lists, birthday lists, royal warrant lists, civil lists, and beyond.
I was fascinated by the way they categorized certain things, and I started playing with the idea of a list that would basically strip you of your rights to increase your wealth status.
Just the thought of a list like that evoked anger, sadness, and hope all at once, so I knew I wanted to dig deeper on that theme, and The Never List title was born.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I’m super excited to say I’m working on the sequel to The Never List right now! I’m having so much fun diving back into this world and uncovering even more layers to the characters.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I love hearing from readers! Please feel free to find me on Instagram or TikTok (@jadepresleyauthor) for a chat! I appreciate all of you!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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