Heather’s Bookshelf:
Author Interview with Margot de Klerk
Book Title: Wicked Magic & Wicked Blood
Released: 07/21/21 & 07/08/22
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Wicked Magic”?
de Klerk: This was a world I had been dabbling in on and off for years. When I decided I wanted to start publishing, it was the logical place to start. It combines my love for Oxford (the city where I studied) with the paranormal, which has been one of my favourite genres pretty much since I first started reading.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
de Klerk: I love playing with names! I do a lot of research into the origins of characters and their families, and try to pick something that fits. I often work with the name meaning as well. For example, “Delacroix” (of the cross) is a play on vampires being afraid of crosses in mythology.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
de Klerk: All of my novels are character-driven, and the plot grows around the characters. I always try to create realistic characters, people you feel you could meet on the streets. Most of all, though, I try to entertain. All of my books are light reading.
If "Wicked Magic" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
de Klerk: Oooh, that’s a hard one! I have two face casts: Madelaine Petsch for Monica and Elle Fanning for Lily. For the rest, feel free to imagine them as you want!
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
de Klerk: I work on a different project. I’m working on my fourth book now, and I find that I fall into a pattern—I get stuck around the same point every manuscript. It helps to just take a break from that project and work on something else: sometimes my next novel, or sometimes a sewing or knitting project.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
de Klerk: Just write. I only got better at writing from actually writing. Also, you can’t sell a book until you’ve finished it, and the only way to do that is to dedicate a bit of time every day to writing. Also, if you think you’re slow, don’t worry. You’ll get quicker with practice.
What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?
de Klerk: I love Sunshine by Robin McKinley and Uprooted by Naomi Novik. Highly recommend them. For light-hearted reading, I also enjoy the Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage.
What are you working on next?
de Klerk: I’ll be publishing an adult post-apocalyptic novel in January, and I’m currently working on editing that and writing the sequel.
Learn More About the Author, Wicked Magic & Wicked Blood :
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margotdkwrites/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MargotDKwrites/
Website: https://www.margotdeklerk.com/
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