Science Fiction and Fantasy
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Follow us on twitterAuthor Philippa Ballantine's new book, Geist, is out this month from Ace. Set in a world where dangerous spirits are able to penetrate the barrier between the living and the dead, the book follows Sorcha Farris and Merrick Chambers as they try to drive back these agents of destruction. Below you'll find a Q&A with the author herself. And be sure to read an excerpt from Geist!
Do you care to talk a bit about how the Geist came about? What were your inspirations?
The original idea that started Geist was a buddy cop movie but done in a fantasy world. The second idea was showing a romance that was a bit more real world, with the challenges people experience right now. So I ended up with three characters enmeshed in those two completed relationships.
You come out a podcasting background. In fact, you've won awards for your podcast novels. So I wonder, when you were writing Geist, how conscious were you of the literal voice of the characters?
Podcasting gives you a different appreciation of how things sound, and I have a pretty good idea of who among my peers in that community I would like to play them. Keeping that in mind does indeed make it easier when it comes to writing them.
I find the relationship between your main characters, Deacons Sorcha Farris and Merrick Chambers, to be rich and complex. Could you describe it?
I have a lot of fun writing for Sorcha and Merrick. Again going back to the buddy cop analogy, Sorcha is the seasoned veteran, who has experienced a lot, lost friends, and seen terrible things. Merrick is the young and eager rookie but really doesn't understand in that deep way, the danger of what they are doing. Initially they are at constant loggerheads, but gradually they begin to appreciate each other. They become more complimentary, and a really good team.
There's been a lot of internet buzz about the cover of Geist-people really seem to be responding positively. What was it like for you to see Sorcha "in the flesh" for the first time?
I am now a total Jason Chan fan girl. The thing that first struck me was the look in Sorcha's eye—which perfectly conveys her strength and determination. There is also a nice touch of arrogance in her—which you'd expect from someone as powerful as she is. In addition to getting her so right, I could just see the scene where it was pulled from.
Was there anything about the publishing process that really surprised you?
Just how much fun it was. I find the editing process enjoyable, since it is like having a Jimmy Cricket on my shoulder, whispering into my ear the things I kind of already knew.
But of course, the most fun was what happened yesterday—seeing my book on the shelves. I don't think I will ever stop smiling!
You can visit Philippa on the web at her website.
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