Interview with Adrian Coyle

Khayrun Gure: What authors did you dislike at first but grew into?

Adrian Coyle: I don’t know if I have an answer for this because I liked a lot of the same authors for a lot of my life.

KG: Where did your idea come from? What was your inspiration while writing your novel?

AC: I was inspired by Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher novels. I liked his dark fantasy world and the creatures. I also really like the way Sarah J. Maas writes big adventures in her stories. I discussed different ideas with my friends that combined those aspects until I had the beginning of the plot and from there I built the world to suit the story. As I write, I keep developing the world further to mirror the plot but I also add depth to make it come alive.

KG: Why do you think it’s important to write in the genre you chose?

AC: I think it’s important to write in fantasy since it’s a good way to discuss societal problems in different settings and contexts. I’m also writing queer romance and I think it’s important to write queer characters in genres other than YA, where you usually see it.

KG: What’s your favourite underappreciated novel?

AC: I’m not sure if it’s considered underappreciated but The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a favourite of mine.