What was I thinking? Of all the assistants I could have wound up with, why did I have to choose the one with the scary mother and troublemaking in his bloodlines? I am doomed.

I have always been fascinated by the supernatural elements in stories, whether fairy tales, myths, film or literature.

Akkarin: I watched the first woman I loved die. I dont think I can survive losing the second. Sonea: I love you too.

Inspiration comes from so many sources. Music, other fiction, the non-fiction I read, TV shows, films, news reports, people I know, stories I hear, misheard words or lyrics, dreams

Mortals did not need gods to order them to kill eachother. They were quite capable of finding reasons to do so themselves.

I wound up studying art and design, got a job at Lonely Planet Publications as a designer, cartographer and illustrator.

So what were you [Sonea] and Dorrien discussing before?' Akkarin asked. She turned to regard him. 'Discussing?' 'Outside the farmhouse when I was buying the food.' 'Oh. Then. Nothing.' He smiled and nodded. 'Nothing. Amazing subject, that one. Produces such fascinating reactions in people.