Interview with Angelina J. Steffort, Author of Wings of Ink

06 Mar 2024

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Wings of Ink?

This book has been living in my mind for years. I bought the cover around Christmas 2019 and have been dying to put the story into words ever since. If you know my Quarter Mage series, you know that the Crow Fairies have done despicable things in the past that seem hardly redeemable. So this particular brand of cruelty struck me as the perfect part for the Beast, while I wanted my Belle to have more sass and come from a broken past that allows for little hope. With an enemies-to-lovers setting and an arranged marriage, Myron (the Crow) and Ayna are set up for misery, banter, and sizzling romance that takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Wings of Ink, what would they be?

Myron’s theme song is “Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars. I can’t remember how I stumbled upon this song, and the cheeriness of the beat doesn’t have anything in common with Myron’s broody temper. But there’s something about the lyrics that does fit. You’ll know why when you read the book.

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

I read a variety of genres, but love epic romantic fantasy and fantasy romance (YA or adult). Currently, I’m reading weird fantasy with my seven-year-old. It’s a nice change from the high stakes in my writing genres.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

On top of my TBR sits a reread of Bring me Their Hearts by Sara Wolf, but it will take me a few weeks until I can start, because up next is a read-through of Heart of Night, the sequel to Wings of Ink.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There were a lot of scenes I enjoyed writing. My favorite was probably the one where Ayna gets unlikely help to save Myron from an attack. When that particular help took form was one of the best moments during the writing process. And of course the banter. That’s always fun to write.

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

I’m a pretty boring writer. Usually, I sit on my couch, at the dining table, or in a coffee house while producing words. However, I do devour an ungodly amount of chocolate throughout the writing process. Does this count?

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

Life is what you make of it. Don’t be afraid to make changes. Don’t make changes because you’re running from something. If you do need to run, though, be aware of what you leave behind. You can’t walk with one leg through one door and with the other leg through another, so make your choices, or life will make them for you, and you’ll need to live with what you get instead of what you choose.

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

Love doesn’t always come in the package you wanted, and that’s good. If you dare open the package you’re gifted, you might get something so much better.

Angelina J. Steffort is the author of the new book Wings of Ink

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