Interview with Amy Kuivalainen, Author of A City of Hearts and Feathers (The Order of Anubis Book 1)

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A City of Hearts and Feathers (The Order of Anubis Book 1)?

I have always loved the history of Istanbul, and after two visits to the city in the past few years, I knew I had to write a story based there. History seeps through the ground there, and everywhere I went, my brain exploded with ideas. I really love stories of secret societies and magic, so I wanted to build a world that layered that into the inherent magic of the city itself. Add in a sexy immortal bodyguard and a bookish female main character, and the story wrote itself.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of A City of Hearts and Feathers (The Order of Anubis Book 1), what would they be?

I listened to a lot of Hozier writing this one, so for Kahil it was ‘NFWMB’, and for Zoe it was ‘Too Sweet’.

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

I’m lucky that my fave genres to read are my fave genres to write – romantic urban fantasy and PNR. My book ideas generally start as me hunting a book and unable to find it!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

A lot of Ruby Dixon because I can’t get enough of her worlds.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I really enjoyed any of the scenes at the secret Order house. I’m obsessed with secret societies and mythology and I really got to nerd out when creating The Order of Anubis. They were the hardest for me to create but also my faves.

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

I write on a walking treadmill, using a Freewrite on a standing desk. I always write best when I can’t run away and quickly do something else!

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

Adapt and overcome. It’s served me well because the writing industry is always changing, and it’s important to learn to be flexible.

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

I would really like them to remember that I took them on an adventure that they didn’t expect.

Amy Kuivalainen is the author of the new book A City of Hearts and Feathers (The Order of Anubis Book 1)

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