Interview with A.S.R. Gelpi, Author of A Land of Shadows and Moss (The Dandelion Chronicles Book 1)

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A Land of Shadows and Moss (The Dandelion Chronicles Book 1)?

This story came about as a question from a beta reader of a different book (The Dandelion Tree). The reader wanted to know what happened during a character’s middle years. In the prologue, the character was 12, then we jump to when she’s 20. Hence, this book attempted to answer the events leading to the prologue and what happened afterward. Although it was originally a companion book, it swiftly became the first book in the series.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of A Land of Shadows and Moss (The Dandelion Chronicles Book 1), what would they be?

The songs that come to mind are: Unstoppable, Never Give up, The Greatest, and Courage to Change, from Sia; I also think of “Wildfire,” by AudioMachine.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Fantasy.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Two Twisted Crowns, by Rachel Gillig; The Last Tale of the Flower Bride, by Roshani Chokshi; Crescent City, by Sarah J Maas; Prince in Disguise, by Tavia Lark; Love, Theoretically, by Ali Hazelwood (I picked this one after reading her “Bride” fantasy book; The House on the Cerulean Sea, by TJ Klune; The Priory of the Orange Tree, by Samantha Shannon; Spark, by Penn Cole; The War of Two Queens, by Jennifer L Armentrout; Heartless Hunter, by Kristen Ciccarelli; and a bunch more.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There are so many, but I would choose the scene where Kharis heals her sister Saya using magic. To do so, she must wrench her from Death, so she risks everything to do so.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I move a lot, so I have a flexible desk, but I also have three separate writing spaces in the house.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

My motto: No one defnes what you can and cannot do, except you.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

There are a few: (1) To maintain a moral compass that leads them to their true north; (2) That no one can define or contain them; and (3) Courage is acting despite being afraid.

A.S.R. Gelpi is the author of the new book A Land of Shadows and Moss (The Dandelion Chronicles Book 1)

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