Author of the Cursed Queen series
I’m very happy to be chatting to fantasy author, E.E. Hornburg, about her fairytale retelling Cursed Queen series, the latest book of which is The Forest’s Keeper.
Helen: Welcome Emily, and thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. Tell us a little about your latest book, The Forest’s Keeper.
Emily: The Forest’s Keeper is the third book in my Cursed Queens series. We follow Rose who has been stuck playing ruler while her older sister – who should be on the throne – is off in the mountains warding off a curse and gaining allies to take back her throne. But being queen is the last thing Rose wants, and is eager to jump at the chance to have a sword in her hand and avenge the wrongdoing of her stepmother, the former Queen Amelia. Her moment arrives when she’s summoned to the enchanted and ailing Eral Forest. But, there is more happening in Eral than she realises, and her fate is larger than she could ever imagine. It’s a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and features a friends to lovers romance.
Helen: The premise sounds great, and I am loving the cover. Tell us your thoughts about the design.
Emily: I am so obsessed with this cover! We knew it would have a forest background and feature Rose in her red cloak so it coordinated with the other two books, The Night’s Chosen and The Shadow’s Heir. What I really wanted for Rose though was to feature a cane or a crutch of some sort while still showing off what a bad-ass she is. Rose’s character has had a deformed ankle her whole life, and uses a crutch to walk around. I knew it would be a challenge, as stock images don’t have much when it comes to disability representation, but I think it turned out amazing! I love seeing the cane in one hand and sword in the other to show off these two sides of her character.
Helen: I think its great that you have incorporated disability representation and yet your character is still strong and determined. What made you write this particular book?
Emily: Rose’s story has been stuck in my head for years! My debut novel, The Night’s Chosen, originally was a dual point of view between the characters of Eira and Rose who are sisters, and take on the roles of Snow White and Rose Red, while also being Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Red Riding Hood. However, I had to cut Rose’s chapters because the book was too unfocused. Thankfully, I saved those chapters, and I was able to turn them into something new and even better for Rose where she could truly shine! When readers fell in love with her in the first book, even only being there for a few chapters, I was so happy because I love her too!
Helen: I always have an ‘ideas don’t fit’ folder. You never know when something you cut from one story will work in a different story. It is always best to save it. Now that you have released The Forest’s Keeper, what are you working on next?
Emily: I feel like I’m working on a million things right now! Most importantly is the fourth and (most likely) final book in The Cursed Queens series which will feature everyone’s favorite pirate, Finley, who you meet in both The Shadow’s Heir and The Forest’s Keeper. Her book will be a retelling of Sleeping Beauty and will wrap up the tale of Amelia trying to take over the kingdoms.
Helen: That is a bittersweet moment when you reach the final book in a series. The characters are like family and you don’t want to stop writing about them! When did you realise you had a passion for writing?
Emily: I’ve been writing my whole life, even before I knew how to write! I have memories of being a kid and making little doodles that told whole stories when I didn’t know how to write the words, and I’d enact long dramas with my toys for my family to watch. Storytelling has always been a part of me.
Helen: I’m so glad your early storytelling evolved into writing books. Let’s talk about your writing process. How do you fit writing into your daily life?
Emily: Wherever I can! I bring my laptop with me to work almost every day so I can squeeze some words in on my lunch break, and I keep the Scrivener app on my phone so I can write down lines and ideas on the go. When I can, I get up early before I leave for my 9-5 and get something done before my day starts, and weekends are when I can get my longer sessions in.
Helen: It’s a shame full time jobs get in the way, but they are necessary. lol! As you have to squeeze in time to write, do you find you plan what you are going to write or are you more of a pantser?
Emily: I’m a plantser. When I’m starting a new book, I do a lot of scribbling and brainstorming in a notebook, then make a rough outline in Scrivener. I tend to start with your basic three act structure you can find in Save the Cat or Romancing the Beat, etc. and have a general idea of how it’ll end in mind, because otherwise, I’ll lose focus and go all over the place and get stuck! But, I also allow my characters to lead the way. I don’t stay married to my outline and let it ebb and flow and adjust as needed according to where the writing and characters are going. I love discovering new things about the plot and characters as I draft!
Helen: Most writers are great readers. What have you been reading lately?
Emily: I’m currently reading the Elements of Cadance duology by Rebecca Ross which is a Scottish inspired fantasy. These books are so beautiful! I love all of the points of view and the way they use music to summon the spirits. The relationships between all of the characters are simultaneously compelling and heart wrenching.
Helen: And what is your favourite book?
Emily: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I adore how atmospheric it is and the way the Circus is like one of the characters. Every time I read that book (usually about once a year) I uncover new layers to it, and she somehow is able to find everything beautiful and magical in the world and weave it into this beautiful story.
Helen: The Night Circus has been on my book shelf for a while, maybe it’s time I read it! Thank you so much for spending time with me today. Just to finish, could you share how you overcome the dreaded self-doubt.
Emily: Imposter syndrome is so real! Almost every day I wonder “can I actually do this?” But I’ve been keeping reminders all around me that say “You are a great writer.” Because even if I don’t believe it right in this moment, if I keep telling myself that I am, it’s going to motivate me to become the writer I want to be. Or I go back to the comments and messages I’ve gotten from readers. My “Royal Readers” are the most encouraging people, and their love and support means everything and gives me the confidence to keep going when I feel like I can’t continue on.
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About the Author
EE Hornburg is a fantasy author in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. She’s a dog mom, theatre addict, Hufflepuff, and lover of all things cozy.
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Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback
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If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
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