Interview with Darby Karchut, Author of Griffin Rising

I recently had the chance to chat with Darby Karchut, author of Griffin Rising, which came out as an eBook April 15. (check out my review) Here’s what she had to say:

Christine: Do you believe there are angels among us?

Darby: Certainly. In, fact, some of them live right next door. They have a rather odd schedule, but they are the nicest people you’ll ever meet. My dog would have been insanely crazy about them.

Christine: Are you a dog lover? What kind of dog do you have?

Darby: Not any more. I love all animals, but right now there’s just my cat, Heisenberg (who is uncertain about everything).

Christine: In the movie version of your book, who would you cast as Griffin? Basil? Katie?

Darby: Rats, I was hoping you weren’t going to ask me that. I have no idea who should play Griffin or Katie, but I totally could see Liam Neeson as Basil.

Christine: Just keeping you on your toes! How about this, instead: Would you want this made into a movie, or do you think too much would get lost in translation?

Darby: Good question, Christine. I guess it depends on who directs it. I mean, Peter Jackson managed to pull off The Lord of the Rings, a film that I was convinced could NEVER make it as a movie. And Griffin Rising is so much smaller in scope, so it could easily go to screen.

Christine: Which character was the most fun to write and why?

Darby: That would be a toss up between Griffin and Basil. Griffin was a hoot to write because one moment he’s this superhero good guy and then in the next scene, he’s a snarky sixteen-year-old. One moment, he is wise beyond his years, and the next, he’s still a troubled kid with a lot of issues. But Basil was probably my favorite. He is the perfect blend of warrior and dad, and has a delightful British accent. I think I have a crush on him.

Christine: Any chance of a romance for Basil in the future? Or would that be too big a spoiler?

Darby: Romance? But, of course! Why, Basil is just as human as the next guy.
Oh. Wait. On second thought: no, he’s not.
However, right now, he’s focused on getting Griffin through his apprenticeship and protecting mortals – he’s got his hands full, to be sure.

Christine: Which character was the most difficult to write?

Darby: Surprisingly, it was Katie. Girls are harder for me to write, for some reason. I really have no idea why.

Christine: You’re not the first female writer I have heard say so, but if it helps, I thought you did just fine.

Darby: Thanks, Christine!

Christine: What’s your favorite book?

Darby: The Lord of the Rings and The Mortal Instruments series.

Christine: What made you decide to write young adult fantasy?

Darby: I didn’t. The genre picked me. Which was good since it’s the only thing I can write. Must be my refusal to grow up.

Christine: Without giving anything away, what lessons do you want people to take away from your book? Did you write it with a moral in mind, or did that come later?

Darby: Not so much a moral as a desire to profess my belief that a person (mortal or supernatural) need not be defined by their past. And that every hero-figure needs a father-figure. Once in awhile.

Christine: What are you working on now?

Darby: The next book in the series, Griffin’s Fire, is with the editor now. I am currently working on the first draft of Book Three as well as a parallel series based on Irish mythology.

Christine: Good, because you really left me hanging there at the end! Will book three conclude the story?

Darby: You know, Christine, I’ve always envisioned Griffin’s story as a four book arc. For some reason, each book seems to be tied metaphorically with each of the four elements. For example, Griffin Rising is Earth (and the cover artist, Ardy M. Scott, nailed it with the rich brown and gold tones). Book Two, Griffin’s Fire, will naturally be Fire, Book Three will be Water, and Book Four will be Wind.

Christine: Is there anything else I should have asked?

Darby: Just don’t ask me the time. My watch battery is dead.

Christine: Is there anything you wish I hadn’t asked?

Darby: Well, the whole movie thing. I guess I’ll have to ask my fans about that one! LOL!