Gabrielle K. Byrne: The other big inspiration was the dragons

Aurora: What was your inspiration behind your most recent novel?

Gabrielle: One of the things that inspired Rise of the Dragon Moon was Anatolia Strongarm (Toli). She popped into my head and was fierce and stubborn and refused to leave. She began as a side character in a completely different book, but was such a strong presence it became clear really fast that she needed her own story. The other big inspiration was the dragons. I built a cold world with little light around them because I wanted Toli to grow up hearing (and telling) stories about them by the fire. I wanted the dragons to be a force in the lives of the people, not just physically as predators, but also emotionally through story, and shared experience.  Creating that mythology and sense of mystery about the dragons was so much fun.

What character do you most relate to and why?

I really relate to Toli’s sister Petal. She’s a keen observer of human nature, and tends to take a more nurturing role, especially in a crisis. In her way, though, she’s just as tough as Toli. Having said that, I also relate to Toli’s pragmatism. She knows how to call things like she sees them.

Why do you feel young adult books are so popular and have such a voice right now?

I think literature for young adults really speaks to the unearthing of their power. Finding your voice—discovering your boundaries, learning your strengths, facing your weaknesses, and understanding what hurts you or the people you love—is a huge part of becoming an adult. Seeing young characters finding their own voices, overcoming adversity, and stepping up to change or make change can be very inspiring. In addition, I think readers, regardless of age, are comforted by story, and by the acknowledgement, through the lives of characters, that life is tough sometimes, but that it’s possible to move forward and find what we need.

Please describe the content of your latest book and what can readers expect from the read.

Rise of the Dragon Moon is an epic fantasy. It’s a story about Princes Toli, who may be heir to the throne, but really longs to be a fierce hunter and warrior. Her queendom is at the mercy of the dragons that killed her father, and Toli believes it’s only a matter of time before they return to destroy what’s left of her family. When the dragons rise and seize her mother, Toli will do anything to save her–even trust a young dragon who may be the key to the Queen’s release. With her sister and her best friend at her side, Toli makes the treacherous journey across the vast ice barrens to Dragon Mountain, where long-held secrets wait. Bear-cats are on their trail, and dragons stalk them, but the greatest danger may be buried in Toli’s past. It’s a fast-paced adventure about sisters, growing up, loss, trust, and friendship in a rich fantasy setting.

What’s next for you in the book world?

I’m working on a couple new books. One is a companion book for RISE OF THE DRAGON MOON, called SONG OF THE DRAGON SEA. It takes place on Ire, but in the mysterious south, where there are all kinds of new characters and different dragons. The other book I’ve been working on is something that I’m very excited about too. THE GRIMWOOD DEEP features a wonderfully snarky girl named Poppy Sunshine who wants to hunt cursed objects in a forest full of monsters.

Who is your favorite writer right now and why?

I’m not sure I can pick just one, Jonathan Stroud is a perennial favorite. His Bartimaeus series, and Lockwood series are some of my favorites. I just re-read Skellig, by David Almond, which is one of my all time top ten. This year I’m also really loving Katherine Arden, Naomi Novik, and Nnedi Okorafor. Basically, I love fantasy that has rich detailed worlds and characters that are strong-willed outsiders.