Q: Okay, so this book of yours, what is it about?
A: Well, lots of things, but the book begins with sixteen year old Nick, who lives in Exeter with his brother Alan and his Mum – but not for long. They’ve been on the run from magicians their whole lives. Magicians are people with powers who increase those powers by summoning demons. In return, the demons get to wander the world controlling and possessing human beings. When Alan is marked for possession by a demon, the brothers have to stop running and try to hunt down the people who have always hunted them. Things are not made any easier by the arrival of two strangers, a girl called Mae who both the brothers have feelings for, and her brother Jamie who also bears a demon’s mark. (The moral of this story: Brothers. Nothing but trouble.)
Q: Why are you writing books for teenagers?
A: Because I think that they’re awesome! Ahem. Let me explain. No, there is too much, let me sum up. We’re in the midst of a teen revolution: there are huge amounts of teen books out there that are wildly imaginative and just as good (if not better) than the adult ones. Plus the teenage years are really exciting ones: you’re discovering love, and yourself, and a whole other world. If you were discovering magic and risking death as well, think about how much more exciting life could be!
Q: Is The Demon’s Lexicon a standalone?
A: You don’t get rid of me that easily. It's the first of three books: a trilogy. The Demon’s Lexicon comes out in summer 2009, and the second book will come out summer 2010, and the third summer 2011.
Q: Where did you first get the idea for The Demon’s Lexicon?
A: My father was watching a documentary on the Discovery Channel and my head snapped up and I said ‘Now that’s interesting.’ (I can’t tell you what was interesting, it would spoil the book!) But let it be a lesson to us all to let our parents watch boring television. You know. Sometimes.
Q: What is this 'urban fantasy' you say that you write?
A: Lots of fantasy has people stepping into a different world to find magic, like in the Chronicles of Narnia. In The Demon’s Lexicon (and other urban fantasy books, sadly I did not come up with this) magic exists in this world. You’re not swept away, not even to a magical school, like A Wizard of Earthsea and Harry Potter. In my book there’s a whole lot of: yes, there is magic in the world, but someone has to fix the leaky sink, and the brothers have to worry about paying electricity bills as well as fighting demons. I love writing urban fantasy because since it’s grounded in reality it can make you feel like magic is right around the corner.
Q: What kind of music do you like?
A: I like country music! I can often be found dancing extremely badly around my apartment to the strains of Dar Williams or Hal Ketchum. (And since I just admitted that, I have to resign myself to the fact I will never be cool.)
Q: Will The Demon’s Lexicon be available in countries besides America?
A: Yes! I’d be very sad if it wasn’t, since I live in Ireland and all. My wonderful publisher Simon&Schuster will have the book out in other English-speaking countries like the UK, Ireland (very important!), New Zealand and Australia. And the book has been sold and will be translated in Germany, France, Russia, Finland, Japan, Taiwan and Macao. Expect fancy foreign covers to be shown on the site sometime soon! But you will be able to get the book in English anywhere, thanks to Amazon.
Q: How can I get published too?
A: My first advice is: get yourself an agent. She or he will help you with your book, and will know which publishers to send it to and how to negotiate a deal that’s best for you. And how do you get an agent? Uh – don’t do it my way (http://mistful.livejournal.com/104252.html#cutid1), and good luck!
Q: Will you read my story or book?
A: I am so sorry, no! I’d be in awful trouble if you decided something I’d written was too similar to your story. Plus my publisher would be very upset with me if I spent all my time reading and none writing, and that is how I would end up. The good news is, even if I did and liked it, what could I do? Go get an agent and a publisher, as above, and then I will have to buy your book to read it and you can laugh at me.
Q: What do you think of fanfiction (stories on the internet which are based on your books)? Can I write some if I want?
A: I think fanfiction is very cool. It’s a way to have fun, be imaginative and practise your writing. And if you want to write some based on my books, I’ll be very flattered and pleased: you have my permission to go right ahead. I can’t read it, because that can get writers into nasty legal situations, and you’re not allowed make money off it. Otherwise go right ahead!
Q: Are you ever going to write a book that’s not fantasy?
A: Yes, I think so. I’ve even got an idea I can’t talk about yet, but... I love fantasy enormously and hope to write many fantasy books besides the upcoming trilogy!
Q: What should I do if you have not answered my Very Important Question in these FAQs?
A: Get in touch! I would love to hear from you.
Contact Sarah:
Email me at: sarahreesbrennan@gmail.com
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