Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Mary Hallberg
Book Title: A Rose for Eva
Released: 03/04/25
Genre: YA Paranormal/Fantasy
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “A Rose for Ava”?
Hallberg: Rose is a spin-off to Penny Dreadful, a duology I started writing back in 2012. That story was meant to be a love story that was also dark and spooky and dealt with death. Ava was a minor character from that series, and when it was finished I realized her story wasn't over yet.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Hallberg: Because I didn't know Ava was going to have her own story, I just gave her a name that was popular at the time. Declan Kennedy was named after Leon Kennedy from Resident Evil.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Hallberg: I started out writing horror, and want to continue writing it. The Penny Dreadful universe is technically a deviation, but only a slight one. I want to write books that are dark but also romantic.
If "A Rose for Ava" were adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Hallberg: I always imagined Freya Allan (Ciri from The Witcher TV show) as Ava
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Hallberg: Go do something else for awhile, then come back to the work. I've always always come up with a new idea by then.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Hallberg: Don't give up. It might take a lot longer than you anticipated.
What is your favorite book, genre, and/or author?
Hallberg: I read all different genres, but my favorite book is The Merciless by Danielle Vega (which is horror).
What are you working on next?
Hallberg: Next out is the sequel to Rose, which takes place years later and follows another character. Then I also have a few horror novels I want to write.
Find out more about A Rose for Ava and Mary Hallberg here:
website: maryhallberg.com
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Find it for purchase here
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