Lala’s Book Corner Presents: Interview w/ Julie Kagawa

Julie

Larissa: When did you first start writing?

Julie Kagawa: Oh, goodness. Probably when I was in second or third grade. I remember folding a stack of papers together and drawing “illustrations” in them, with the intent that the story would come after. I began my serious, “I want to be an author someday” writing when I was in high school.

L: Have you always been interested in Fantasy?

JK: Always. In school, it was all I read. The only other genres I bothered with were the books I had to read for class, and even those were read reluctantly. I've recently branched out, though. I'll read contemporary and sci-fi and historical fiction, but the great majority of what I read is still fantasy and paranormal.

L: Why did you decide to write YA Fantasy?

JK: YA readers are so passionate about books, even more so than adult fans. I love the genre and I love that passion. I just like writing YA, I guess.

L: Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired you?

JK: Too many to count.

L: What is your favorite subject in the Fantasy Realm?

JK: My first love was with dragons. I think I'll always have a spot in my heart for them.

Favorites:

L: Favorite Paranormal themed Movie?

JK: The Return of the King. (Lord of the Rings part III)

L: Favorite Paranormal themed TV Show?

JK: Toss up between Buffy and Firefly.

L: Favorite Paranormal themed Book?

JK: Oh wow, my list of favorite books is far too long. ONE of my favorite books is Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder.

L: Favorite Author?

JK: Too many awesome authors to have one favorite. Here are a few: Maria V. Snyder, Neil Gaiman, Robin Hobb, Jim Butcher, Rick Riordan, Holly Black, Maggie Steifvater.

L: Favorite YA Fantasy Author?

JK: See above question. ;-)

L: Who is your favorite of your own characters?

JK: I'd have to say Ash, because I have a thing for dark, dangerous Bad Boys who can wield pointy objects. But Grimalkin runs a very, very close second.

L: Which was the hardest to write? Why?

JK: Meghan was actually the hardest to write, as it was difficult to balance bravery and stubbornness with the vulnerability of a normal teen girl.

L: What would you be if not a writer?

JK: Well, I was a dog trainer before I became a writer, and I love working with animals, so I'd probably go back to that.

Quickies!

L: Coffee or Tea?

JK: Ick, neither. Mountain Dew!

L: Up or Down?

JK: Up.

L: Virtual or Real?

JK: As I'm always on my PS3 or Xbox, Virtual.

L: Right or Left?

JK: Right.

L: Day or Night?

JK: Night.

L: Fairies or Humans?

JK: Fairies (obviously)

L: Angels or Demons?

JK: Ooh, that's a hard one. Demons if they're good, and Angels if they're fallen.

L: Reading or Writing?

JK: Yes. :P

L: What is your favorite part of the writing process?

JK: Creating characters and figuring out the plot.

L: What is your least favorite part?

JK: Writer's block!

L: The iron Fey series in your own words?

JK: Once ordinary girl discovers her faery heritage, and must confront the Iron Fey to claim her destiny.

L: What is coming up next for you?

JK: After the Iron Fey, I'll be working on a brand new YA series. Think: vampires.

L: Do you have any advice or tip to those like me that want to become a published Author someday?

JK: Just keep writing, and don't let anyone discourage you. The only difference between a published author and a non-published one is that the published one never gave up.

L: Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?

JK: Just, thanks so much for your support! Authors are nothing without their readers, so thank you for giving Iron King a chance. J

L: Thanks so much for being here!

JK: Thank you for the interview!