Interview with Cassandra Boyson, Author of Firetongue

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Firetongue (Chronicles of the Chosen)?

There is a literal story behind the story: my first ever book, Seeker’s Call, published back in 2014. The main character enters one world from another by way of a portal at the end of a mountain tunnel called Jaela’s Cavern. At the time, I knew very little about Jaela but thought it might be fun to explore her back story one day. Nearly ten years later, that cavern is an important feature in Jaela’s own tale, leading not only into hell itself but, eventually, a whole new world.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre to read is undoubtedly the genre in which I write. I’ve tried writing in other genres but they always become a fantasy. Pretty sure my brain looks like a fantasy land at this point.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Just finished a book from my list: the latest novel from Sharon Hinck, Dream of Kings. It’s an epic fantasy that I highly recommend.

Other than that, I am often caught cheating on my typical fantasy vein with books by Grace Livingston Hill, the pioneer of Christian Romance. She wrote over a hundred books and short stories and every one of them reads like a box of chocolates. Not only do her stories span the era from the 1870s to the 1940s, she personally lived through that time. Talk about a first person sneak peek into the past!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

That’s a difficult question to answer without giving any spoilers, but a favorite would definitely be when the two main characters are supernaturally selected to deliver the tribal recompense into hell by the anointing of flames that float atop their heads. I love any scene that is bright and colorful in the mind’s eye, as well as life-altering for the characters.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Coffee. Cream. Possibly too much sugar.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

TRUE love really is the most powerful substance in the universe. It always wins.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Though some may boast the characteristics of a hero, we are none of us devoid of the need for a hero ourselves.