Interview with Kathryn Trattner, Author of The Dead Saint (Blood and Rubies Book 1)

22 May 2024

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Dead Saint (Blood and Rubies Book 1)?

I was reading a lot of historical military history and dark romance when two characters I’d been considering for a different novel clicked. It was magical, everything just fell into place and made sense. I love an epic adventure full of danger and enemies to lovers stories so it just made sense.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Dead Saint (Blood and Rubies Book 1), what would they be?

“Hostage” by Billie Eilish and “Was ich liebe” by Rammstein.

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

I love all romance but especially historical, gothic horror, fantasy, and anything history-related. I really enjoy writing fairy tale retellings and epic dark fantasy.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

“Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic” by Tom Holland, “Runaway Queen” by Mila Kane, and “Ten Things I Love About You” by Julia Quinn.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene in the whole book is when Sorcha and Adrian finally kiss. They’ve denied their attraction for ages but finally give in. It was one of the scenes I wrote first and it’s the best.

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

I wish I could say I have a quirky writing habit. I end up writing the most over my lunch breaks during the week. On the weekends my cat likes to sit in my lap, but writing rarely happens because she doesn’t like the noise and lets me know when it’s time to put the Macbook away.

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

You can have as many fresh starts as you want.

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

I hope that they will remember that it’s a really amazing epic adventure with the perfect enemies to lovers.

Kathryn Trattner is the author of the new book The Dead Saint (Blood and Rubies Book 1)

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