Quick note: This interview was done before the release of her third book Sisters of Sword and Song in June 23, 2020. Since then Ross has written another YA Fantasy Divine Rivals and has even crossed over to adult Fantasy with Elements of Cadence series; A River Enchanted and A Fire Endless.
|All About Sisters of Sword and Song|
Why don’t you tell us a bit about what inspired Sisters of Sword and Song?
Sisters of Sword & Song was inspired by two very different story ideas. The first one revolved around a mage and a scribe, and the second idea was about two sisters—one who commits a crime and the other who rises up to carry half of that punishment alongside her sister. I loved both ideas, but when I tried to write them individually, I would only make it so far in the manuscript before the plot fizzled out. But then one day, I decided to bring these two ideas together, and suddenly they caught fire, and I had a solid story on my hands.
Which of your characters is most like you? (From any of your books)
I think Evadne. We are both quiet and introspective, and we love reading.
The book is about this amazing and strong love two sisters have for each other, but there are other relationships at play like the one between Hal and her commander. Were either of these inspired by real life life relationships you have?
I have two younger sisters, and so I drew from my love for them when I was creating Evadne’s and Halcyon’s relationship. Since I’m the older sister, I have that fierce protectiveness that Halcyon has for Evadne. And if either one of my sisters ever faced a terrible trial like Halcyon does, I would rise up beside them and help them carry it, in the spirit of Evadne. As far as Hal and her Commander…that was indeed a complex relationship to write. And while it was not inspired by any of my real life relationships, the idea of found families has always been one that I love and tends to emerge in all of my stories. And that is how I see the Commander—as a father toward Halcyon.
What is you’re favorite scene or chapter in the book and why?
I loved writing Chapter XX. The words poured out of me, and I remember feeling wholly transported by it while I was drafting. Without giving too much away, since it’s a tad spoilery, this chapter is one where both Evadne’s and Halcyon’s perspectives are featured. And while there is physical distance between the sisters, they find a connection to each other emotionally, and its beautiful and haunting, given the circumstances.
What is your current favorite read?
So I actually have not done much reading as of late (I blame deadlines and quarantine, which has made it difficult for me to focus on things). But the next book on my TBR is Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer, and I am so excited to be able to dive into it!
The ultimate question: why should we read your book
If you are looking to escape in a book right now, you’ll find that in Sisters of Sword & Song. With every book I write, I want to transport you. I want to you to feel the ground of this imagined world beneath your feet. I want you to feel the magic gathering in the air and see the characters, face to face. I want you to feel like you are a part of the story, woven into every chapter. Most of all, I hope it inspires you in your real day to day life.
|Sisters of Sword and Song Synopsis|
After eight long years, Evadne will finally be reunited with her older sister, Halcyon, who has been proudly serving in the queen’s army. But when Halcyon appears earlier than expected, Eva knows something has gone terribly wrong. Halcyon is on the run, hunted by her commander and charged with murder.
Though Halcyon’s life is spared during her trial, the punishment is heavy. And when Eva volunteers to serve part of Halcyon’s sentence, she’s determined to find out exactly what happened. But as Eva begins her sentence, she quickly learns that there are fates much worse than death.
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