All the Stars and Teeth is an epic fantasy about a fierce (and a bit morally grey) princess who is forced to team up with a mysterious pirate if she’s to save her kingdom from a new magical threat. It’s a fast-paced adventure featuring seven unique magic systems, a rag-tag crew of four oddballs that have my heart, and a whole lot of swordfights.

Though I’m partial to Amora, I love all of the characters for different reasons. I love Amora’s unwavering determination and ambition, and how unapologetically herself she is. Bastian, I love for his humour and passion. Vataea for her fierceness and snark. And Ferrick for just being Ferrick. 

This story came first with Amora. It’s no secret that male characters get away with a lot more than female characters in books/tv/media. They can be conniving, spoiled, and arrogant, but so long as they have a cut jaw and sharp cheekbones, they’re heartthrobs and definitely in someone’s ship. For female characters, they typically get to be: super nice, understanding, and helpful toward others, or super vicious and bad ass. If they’re anywhere in the middle, they often get this super lovely term that people are programmed to associate only with females: bratty. 

I wanted to challenge these biases we’ve been raised to believe, and create a heroine who didn’t need to fit any societal mold. I wanted her to love gowns and courting as much as she loves being in the thick of action and swordfights. From her, the world and magic system flourished. But this book very much started with Amora. 

I’m going to cheat and say the entire Witcher 3 soundtrack. The book would not be what it is now, had I not been listening to that on repeat. I remember going into drafting chapter 4 in particular, and not having a clue what Amora’s magic or demonstration was going to be. Then all of a sudden, someone started scream-chanting on the Witcher 3 soundtrack, and my brain was like, “Yes. Perfect. This is exactly the vibe I want. Time to make that happen.” 

And thus chapter 4 was born. 

If your book was going to be made into a movie, who would play your characters?

I always think this is such a fun question, but I have such a boring answer! I’d really love to see all new faces for ATSAT. The only exception is Eddie Redmayne, who I see as Ferrick way too vividly. He’s a bit too old to play him now, but in his older films I can’t help but to see him as Ferrick!

What drink and place do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date?

I’d say rum on the beach for our older readers, and maybe some nice POG juice for everyone else! Or, you know, hot tea and a cozy couch. 

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish ALL THE STARS AND TEETH?

Be on the lookout for Adrienne Young’s upcoming book, FABLE! If you enjoyed All the Stars and Teeth, you’ll probably really enjoy that book. There aren’t any pirates, but there are ships, deep sea diving, travel, and a whole lot of swoon. Astrid Scholte’s THE VANISHING DEEP is another super cool book with a world built around the water too, for people who are looking for more watery settings!

What would you say is the most difficult part of writing a book?

I think just sitting down and doing it is the hardest part, as we’re in a world full of so many easy distractions. In terms of being an author, I think the most difficult part is adjusting to the shift of no longer just writing for fun, but for work. It’s also a fiercely competitive industry, and there are a lot of hurdles and feelings of comparison you have to mentally overcome. We often talk about the shiny aspects of publishing and book writing, but don’t prepare newer authors enough for the difficulties. Being in author is wonderful, but it’s also very hard mentally and physically, and I think we should talk about that more so that writers can better prepare themselves for this industry. 

What’s next for you?

I’m working on edits for Book 2 right now, to have it ready for everyone in anticipation of them yelling at me after Book 1’s ending . . . :)

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