Diversity Awards 2021 [FINISHED]

Interview with spelunkadunk (TRIPLE CROWN)

Best African American Story/Author The Claimed: Rashika's Resistance by spelunkadunk

What inspired you to write Rashika's Resistance? Was it something other than a prequel to Clash of Copper and Gold?

When the main character of "Rashika's Resistance" (Epsa) told her backstory in "A Clash of Copper and Gold," a number of readers commented that they would love to read a prequel about her. I didn't think about it too much right away, but when I considered it more later, I found there were many parts of Epsa's story and Najilan history I wanted to flesh out more. I was also excited about writing the kind of womanxwoman story I like to read, with compelling character and plot tension rather than oversexualized or fluffy.

Najila is an impressively well-crafted world. How did you come up with all the societies as well as their traditions/customs (even the dark ones)?

I wanted to create a world that felt real (ie different religions and customs, complex political disagreements, and 3D fallible characters with no magic or "chosen one"), but I also wanted a world where homophobia and racism do not exist in the way they do in ours. Because hey, it's fantasy, and sometimes we just need an escape.

What would you like to tell the African American community?

I am not African American, but I do hope I am an ally in fighting for equity. I strive to write black characters as diverse and 3D as my own black friends and family members, and I want to depict the beauty in every skin color, hair type, etc.

Congratulations for winning TRIPLE CROWN (winning in three categories)!