Goodreads asked Gill Arbuthnott:

Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

Gill Arbuthnott My most recent novel - Beneath - is set in 16th century Scotland. I wanted to use Scottish folklore in the plot, and found the legends of the Waterhorse or Kelpie attracted me most. I hadn't realised until I started researching it that it's a very widespread Northern European myth. In Scandinavia, the Kelpies are called the Nykur, and I loved that name. My main character, Jess, was already in my head,waiting for a story, and I thought this one would suit her. She's a very down-to-earth, practical, farmer's daughter, and I wanted to make her have to reconsider everything she thinks she knows about her world. When she discovers that the Nykur exist, that's exactly what happens.

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