What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Undrowned?
Several traditional Chickasaw stories inspired Undrowned, but one stands apart—the story of the King of the Tie Snakes. While delivering a message to a neighboring village, the chief’s son impulsively tosses his father’s ceremonial vessel into a stream and instantly regrets it. He dives after it, only to be dragged into an underwater cavern where the floors and walls writhe with snakes. There, he meets the King of the Tie Snakes. I found my character, Jasper, in this boy, and Undrowned imagines why the King befriends him.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Undrowned, what would they be?
Way Down We Go by Kaleo: The deep, haunting weight of this song echoes Jasper’s literal plunge into the eerie depths of the Underworld. Link to the YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-7IHOXkiV8.
Heathens by Twenty One Pilots: This would be the eerie, claustrophobic vibe playing in the background while Harissa tells her mom she’s only killed one person. Nothing says mother-daughter bonding quite like a murder confession. Link to the YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UprcpdwuwCg
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I’m eclectic and enjoy reading in most genres, but I lean heavily toward sci-fi/fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, and nonfiction.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Currently, I’m reading Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green. I will eventually read and probably love Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary. Why it’s taken me so long, even I don’t understand. Also on my list: The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones; Human Acts by Han Kang, translated by Deborah Smith.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The scene where Jasper finally meets the Horned Serpent and his bravado fails him is foreshadowed from the beginning. It’s my favorite scene. I had Jasper’s quirks down by the time I wrote it and knew his reaction to the snakes would be atypical, since goofball humor is his shield. I love seeing a main character finally step into their arc.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Uh-oh, confession time. I tend to operate on a time deficit and make heavy use of writing sprints, but if I’m not making progress, I’ll get up out of my chair and do some push-ups or lunges. That makes me sound really fit, but no. I am not fit.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Live simply; remain grateful.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
It’s my hope that readers see how vibrant and diverse the clans of the Chickasaw Nation are. Indigenous peoples are not one-dimensional museum relics. We’re thriving, dynamic movers within our communities. Our stories are still being told.
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