An Interview with Nyx Faelynn

A full-time student and carer, I’ve loved writing my whole life. I have a problem with procrastination and fixating on a task that is definitely not the one I’m supposed to, so I’ve only recently finished the final draft of my novel.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I started writing as a hobby in primary school. There was a short story contest and I was thrilled to be one of the winners. I just kept going, trying new things until I came up with the idea for Blood in the Trees.

If I had to give particular inspirations for the novel, I would have to say the classics. Thomas Hardy was one of the first authors I read. Works by the Brontë sisters and of course the mother of gothic fiction, Mary Shelley, have all been fantastic to draw from. I do hope that readers can find pieces of the classics in my work.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

Blood in the Trees wasn’t initially inspired by anything. I was sat down with a sketchbook then had an idea and ran upstairs to write it down. Over the next couple of weeks, I kept typing until I had a full plot and a rough draft. It was in writing the story that I started to find inspiration to really give the reader a few for the characters and ambience of the book. Listening to music helped as I often find I need a trigger or starting point that allows me to remember words or phrases I want to use. So music that fits the characters or genre is a fantastic aid.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

I decided on the title after completing most of the first draft. It seemed appropriate to allude to what would happen in the story without giving away too much detail. I would like to think any reader would be a little shocked by some of the twists waiting for them.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

I’d have to say “Funerals” by Nightcall. He is a Swedish composer and some of his darker work is perfect for the vampiric aspect of Csongor.

Peter Gundry is another composer whose work was invaluable. There is a particular scene where I think listening to his piece “Bury My Heart” takes you so much deeper into the book.

Describe your dream book cover.

A dark monotone style, I think. Perhaps with a brickwork style in the background or a solid space with a plaque of some kind on the centre of the front cover. Something similar to a gravestone set on a wall. Like in Edinburgh, at Tom Riddle’s grave. I think that would highlight the tone of the book.

A dark spine so it looks good when put on a shelf, so maybe a shadowed edge to allow the colours to fade into each other, with a simpler version of the same design on the back cover with the blurb and notes on the plaque.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I’m studying to be a lawyer. I take some of the subjects in the book from that. Adrian is after all an aspiring barrister who has had to accept a position and training as a solicitor. So legal terminology does play a part.

What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?

In the few years it’s taken me to complete my manuscript, I’ve enjoyed many good books.

I’ve particularly loved The Jewel of Seven Stars by Bram Stoker. It’s a later work of his and I found it a far easier read than the more popular Dracula.

In terms of research for the vampires, I have a collection of books on the subject of the supernatural. I also took a short course on their history and impact on the world.

Researching places in Europe for my book was a little more difficult. I didn’t know where to start. But maps from the 1850s helped a great deal. I’ll always be grateful to the museums who share their archives online.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

When reading I want you to lose yourself in what you think you know about the story. Some of it is true. But the rest will only be discovered as you finish. So, perhaps take a moment to think about the story. The characters and their own threads that weave into a novel. I’ve left a message for anyone who can find it.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.