Natalie
asked
Erika Johansen:
The world of the Tearling is so complex and vivid, and I can't wait to read about how the kingdom descends into darkness! How do approach your world building and what from our own world has inspired you?
Erika Johansen
Well, I love the tropes of fantasy. Thus, in physical terms, the Tearling is pretty easily recognizable as your standard castles-and-swords fantasy world. But fantasy is often wooden; what interests me about the process of world-building is taking these tropes I love and fiddling with them so that they reflect our actual current humanity a bit more. Thus, in a world where there's an overindulged nobility, of course there would be horrors like the Creche. With an enormous impoverished class whose members have no hope of advancement, of course there would be morphia addiction. For me, the standard fantasy world acts as an outline that I try to fill in with human realism. Thanks for reading!
More Answered Questions
Rhi82953
asked
Erika Johansen:
Hello! Firstly thank you for writing the Queen of the Tearling series. It's difficult to find stories with strong heroins who are plagued by the same insecurities as us, without their stories being entirely eclipsed by romance. Kelsea is someone so relatable and also someone who is an inspiration, a perfect balance. Reading BTK right now and don't want it to end! Any updates on the next chapter for Kelsea?
Caroline Payne
asked
Erika Johansen:
So excited for the prequel! What made you decide to return to the Tearling?
Carlyn MontesDeOca
asked
Erika Johansen:
Just finished the trilogy. WOW! I got my local library in Santa Fe to order the prequel and can't wait to absorb myself even more in this amazing world. I'm from Marin had a good chuckle at the references to the Bay Area. Question - this is a such a complex story, what is your secret to keeping all of the many storylines in order and bringing them into such a satisfying conclusion?
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