Congratulations to brynneweaver for coming in first place in the Fantasy category of the Temeraire Awards 2021! As the first place winner, you are entitled to a free interview. I love what I have read of The Diviner so far, and thank you so much for offering to send me a copy of the paperback version, I'm so excited!!
Basics
Username: brynneweaver
Book title: The Diviner
Genre: Romantic fantasy
Short synopsis: Quinn is a woman with a rare and powerful gift, but a traumatic act of betrayal from her childhood has left her with unresolved anger as an adult. Used as a weapon by the Queen, she is forced into a life of sacrifice and servitude. Though Quinn has learned to channel her rage to feed her gift, it also makes her unpredictable, brash, and dangerous. When the Queen assigns Kiran, a striking newcomer with a dimpled smile and easygoing charm, to protect and train Quinn, she suddenly finds herself at the center of warring secrets and competing interests. Quinn must learn to face a past that haunts her and embrace a destiny that eludes her.
General questions
When did you start writing?
The earliest memory I have of writing was as a six year old, hammering out little stories on my Grandma's old typewriter! I've written off and on ever since but sometimes took long breaks.
What is your favourite and least favourite thing about writing?
I love the freedom to explore ideas at will. I try to remember to write for myself first - something that I want to go back and read again, something that excites me. The least favourite thing is that I can get a little obsessive when I'm on the trail of an idea, so I find it hard to focus on things I SHOULD be doing. Like adulting lol.
Absolute mood haha. Who is your inspiration in writing? Do you have a favourite author or book?
I absolutely love The Road by Cormac McCarthy. The prose is so stark and reflects the subject matter perfectly. The story itself is a punch to the guts.
Would you consider yourself a planner or a pantser – do you like to have a detailed plan for your story, or would you rather dive straight into it and see where it takes you?
Pantser 100%! I get the idea for a scene and write from there. It often causes me to bounce a lot - for example, I wrote Chapter 17 of The Diviner at about the same time as I was working on Chapter 3, then worked my way there.
Which genres do you prefer to write?
Right now, romantic fantasy! That could change though. I have an idea for a contemporary romance and also a dark, post-apocalyptic novel.
A dark, apocalyptic novel sounds amazing! Regardless of genre, what do you feel makes a good story?
Realistic humanity. It doesn't need to be a complex setting, or a wild idea. I think characters with both strengths and imperfections are the drivers for making a great story. For example, the book Room by Emma Donoghue. The mother and son are literally trapped in a box for much of the story, but they are so well-defined with distinct voices that it works beautifully.
Do you have a writing routine?
Write whenever and wherever I can. As long as I get something down daily, no routine is necessary.
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