Erin Tunney, author of Beast Heart Series

What inspires you to write?

The inspiration usually happens when I have a “What if” moment. A simple thought from what I see and hear around me. I even had a few dreams that I thought would be great novels! Actually, one of the books I’m currently writing is based on one!

Why did you choose to write in your genre?

With fantasy, I can let my imagination run wild. Create far-off lands and make creatures both old and new.

What have you written so far?

I’ve completed two books for my Beast Heart series.

Do you work with an outline or plot sketch, or do you prefer to let a general idea guide your writing?

I do a mix. I set up a certain outline for how many chapters I want and put a summary or two. Most of the time, my stories are formed in my head.

What role does research play in your writing?

It does help create new creatures or fact-check if I’m using real animals.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Take in the sights and sounds that are all around you. Find something that strikes you as a good story and write it down.

Tell us more about your main character. What inspired you to develop this character?

Clara started off as one of the exercises I did for an online fantasy writing class. The more I wrote her story, the more I started to love her and her arc. I adore how I’ve set her up as a fearful individual who had to undo a taboo, but learned to accept who she is.

Who is your favorite character in your book and why?

Aside from Clara, Twitch is a delight. She has that energy that’s warm and inviting. She’s not afraid of Clara and fully accepts her.

If your book were made into a movie, who would you cast?

Oh, a fun question! For some of the characters, Angela Lansbury (May she rest in peace). would be Rue, Clara’s elderly caregiver. She’s always had that vibe. For Duke Averance, he would’ve been played by Vincent Price or Tim Curry.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why?

I have a few favorites, but to narrow it down, Glory of the Rainwings from Wings of Fire series. She’s a dragon who wants what’s best for everyone despite being stereotyped as being lazy. Not only that, but stood against a bunch of Rainwing Queens who deserve a good butt-kicking!