Interview with Kimberley D. Tait, Author of Vandemere

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Vandemere?

One day, my sister and I were discussing how much we both enjoyed the movie, The Greatest Showman. I’d just finished writing another historical novel with magical realism and was busy querying agents for it, and my sister asked me if I would write a circus story for her, so I did! My grandfather on my mother’s side of the family emigrated to Canada from Romania back in 1926, and he brought with him all kinds of stories and folklore that held us kids captivated for hours. I believe it was through him that I got my gift of storytelling, and I’ve tried to create a character that reflects the magical memories I hold close to my heart.

I’ve always been fascinated by the paranormal, and I’ve spent years developing my intuition, as well as playing around with Tarot. I’ve also spent the bulk of my working career in the horse industry, and have brought my love of dressage horses forward into the storyline of Vandemere. I hope I’ve done a good job passing on my knowledge of horses in an entertaining, insightful way.

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

For my protagonist, Vandemere Petruska, I would definitely choose Come Alive, from The Greatest Showman.

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

Literary fiction. I like to write in various genres but right now, historical fantasy is my favorite.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Ghost Bride by YUangsze Choo, The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding by Jennifer Robson, Exodus by Kate Stewart, and Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I really enjoyed writing the scene where Vandy is recovering in the hospital after breaking his leg in the ring, and Lieutenant Dawson is grilling him about Annie Lee’s disappearance. There is a lot of nuance going on between them, and it becomes a cat-and-mouse game of wits, with each trying to take control of the situation and come out the victor.

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

No quirky writing habits, although sometimes I like to leave off writing for the day in the middle of a sentence so I can come back the next day and know exactly what I was going to say. It helps get the creative juices flowing!

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

Better late than never.

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

Sometimes, these little quizzes cross your path, where someone will ask; if you could sit down to dinner with just one fictional character, who would it be? It’s my dream that someday, one person will answer, Vandy Petruska, from that book Vandemere! I hope I’ve written the kind of character that will stay with readers for the rest of their lives.

Kimberley D. Tait is the author of the new book Vandemere: Book One of Circ de Tarot

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