Hex Hall fans everywhere are no doubt curled up reading Rachel Hawkins’ latest addition to the Hex Hall series, Demonglass. Even better than the first one, Rachel continues the exciting story of Sophie Mercer and her quest to accept and embrace her demoness.
Taking a break from writing the next installment, Rachel has agreed to answer a few questions. So, if you haven’t read Demonglass yet, we’ve got a great review that will provide the necessary motivation. If you have finished Demonglass and crave you some more Rachel, you’ve come to the right place.
Rachel, thanks so much for joining us. So, the second book in the Hex Hall series has been released. One book is impressive, but two good ones in a row is fantastic. Had you written other things to sort of test the waters – or did you jump right in and start with a book?
I had a few short stories published in college literary magazines (“The Glamour”) and local newspapers (you are so impressed with me right now, aren’t you), but I was always drawn to bigger projects. I have a few half-finished novels stored all over the place, but Hex Hall was the first novel I ever finished.
To me, the thought of writing a book feels a bit overwhelming – did you give a lot of thought of how you were going to start? Were there any concerns? Cold feet?...
Hmmm...it's hard to say! There's SO much about writing a book that's daunting that if you think about it, you'll never start. So I just focused on a page at a time. Heck, a WORD at a time, and dove in!
Was the second book easier to write? Were there issues you didn’t run across in the first one?
Noooooo, haha! The 2nd book is MUCH harder in my experience. With the first book, I could just kind of "play." Throw in a plot twist? Why not! Make up some cool, complicated mythology? LET'S DO IT! When it came time for Book 2, I had an established universe set up; and I had to play by the rules.
Did you read a lot as a kid? What were your favorite topics to learn about?
I read a HUGE amount! And I was obsessed with anything about ghosts. I don't think it's a shocker that I grew up to write paranormal books!
If you were a witch during your high school days (student) and you only had one spell to cast, what would it be? What spell would you cast as a teacher? – I’m guessing a “quiet spell”…
As a student, I would have cast a homework-doing spell, FOR SURE. As a teacher? A homework-GRADING spell! ;-)
I interviewed another great YA author and she turned me on to A.S. King. What upcoming YA book are you looking forward to reading by an author I may not know about?
I just read an ARC of Myra McEntire's Hourglass, which comes out in May, and it was FABULOUS. There's time travel! And science! And SUPER SEXY BOYS! Can't recommend it enough! Also, I'm suuuuuuper psyched for Victoria Schwab's The Near Witch, which comes out in August. It sounds all Neil Gaiman-y, and fairy tale-esque, and I <3 both of those things.
Good choices – I’m looking forward to Hourglass as well and you’ve just introduced me to Victoria Schwab. Thank you. What are you reading right now? Be honest….
Right now, the book on my nightstand is The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge. It's crazy-good.
Ahh, very interesting... a steampunk fan. That genre is a bit tough for me, but I’ll have to check out The Iron Thorn since you so highly recommend it.
I like Vampire Diaries. I hear you watch Supernatural… I tried, but can’t get through it… I have the power to cancel Supernatural; defend this show and change my mind?
I have actually BROKE UP with Supernatural, and as such, cannot defend it. (Seriously, Show. STOP KILLING OFF ALL YOUR LADY CHARACTERS. EW.) So cancel away! Also, I have the 1st season of The Vampire Diaries staring at me from atop my DVD shelf, so I'm looking forward to diving in. I hear they have MANY excellent ladies on that show!
Yay! Another Vampire Diaries convert. I hope you enjoy the show and thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say I can’t wait for the next Hex Hall installment.