1. What inspired the book and the series?
Bess and Demetrice were my imaginary friends as a child. I was always a big reader and would dream of having adventures with them in ancient Greece and Egypt, as pirates on the high seas, and as knights and magic users on the frontier against the Froth. I grew up with them and dreamt marvelous stories. Eventually, I wrote them down.
2. One of my favourite in the book is the world you made. Did you have any inspiration when you created it? If yes, what inspired it?
I wanted to create a world where the gods and goddesses truly cared about their people and actively helped them experience joy and overcome sorrow. I drew on my studies of mythology to create the Ladies and their Consorts. House Sonnenberg is a huge found family that sticks together no matter what. Love, duty, and sacrifice bind them together. It was important to show how people should behave when threatened by a terrible thing like the Froth.
3. Do you have a favourite and least favourite character? If yes, who and why?
I love them all. My favorite to write is Demetrice because she's so complex and conflicted. I don't think I have a least favorite character.
4. Which was the most difficult part to write and why?
This book was never supposed to have been written. My first book featured Bess at the age of 32. After an editor told me that I'd started Bess's story in the wrong place, I began at the beginning: Bess's fateful decision to put her name on the list of possible concubines.
5. How many parts will the series have?
This is the first book in a series of eight. Book 2 is mostly written. Book 3 hasn't been written at all. Books 4 and 5 are finished, but will need to be synced up with the first three books. Parts of Books 6 and 7 are written. Book 8 has not been touched.
6. Can you tell me some background secret about The Keeper of the Gate?
My gaming group plays in the world of my book. I plan on making 5e adventures available to play in "Froth World" on my website (when the website actually exists).
7. If Bess and the Copper Raven would appear in our modern world, what would they like the most here?
They would love that there is no threat from the Froth, but be very upset at how divided people are.
8. Can you tell me about your second book, the continuation of The Keeper of the Gates?
The second book is entitled: Keeper of the Gate: The Shattering Orbs. It begins three years after the end of Keeper. A terrible new weapon threatens the Sonnenbergs as Bess finally becomes Queen in her own right. Her life, her marriage to Seamus, and most importantly the lives of her people are on the line.
