10 Questions with Author Bree Wilde

I got to chat with the amazing author Bree Wilde about her new book Between Smoke and Shadow and her writing process!

Tell us a bit about your book, Between Smoke and Shadow. 

Between Smoke and Shadow is a standalone open-door romantasy, featuring unique magic and forbidden love! It's available through Kindle Unlimited, ebook and paperback. Here's the full blurb:

With treacherous weather and inhospitable soil, the Savoan kingdom is a brutal place to survive—especially if you don't possess magic.

As an indentured servant, working to buy back her freedom, Rune Ealde knows this all too well. Terrified her debt will never be paid, Rune joins a growing rebellion to steal the power that's always just beyond reach. The rebels plan to overthrow the kingdom's founder, the Architect, to find freedom and to build a better world. But if they fail, Rune will face the same fate as her criminal father: an excruciating death, delivered by the Architect himself.

Prince Harrick Ademas has always been in power, but he still feels weak in his father's presence. No more than a pawn in the Architect's elaborate scheme, Harrick has learned to obey commands or face the deadly consequences. He once dreamt of freeing Savoa, but challenging the Architect now is too dangerous to imagine, the downfall too dire to risk.

When a chance encounter brings Rune and Harrick together, their friendship blossoms into unexpected hope. Soon, lingering touches turn to whispered promises, and their forbidden love becomes their purest form of magic. But as they're imagining a future together, one with peace between their people, the Architect is growing restless. He's ready for change, and if he succeeds, there might not be a kingdom left to save.

BETWEEN SMOKE AND SHADOW is an open-door romantasy with forbidden love, court intrigue, and a unique magic system. It is told in first person, alternating points of view. The perfect next read for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent, and The Ever King by LJ Andrews.

How would you describe your book's ideal reader?

My ideal readers are fans of romantasy (think The Ever King by LJ Andrews and The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent) and open-door romance. More specifically, they probably love when he falls first and adores soft FMCs. 

Would you and your main character get along?

Absolutely! Rune is one of my favorite FMCs I've ever written. She's soft-hearted but resilient. She's been handed a tough life, and though she doesn't know how to wield a sword, she's powerful in her own right. 

How many books have you written and which is your favorite?

While Between Smoke and Shadow is my debut novel, it's the fourteenth one I wrote. It's impossible to pick a favorite among them, but I tend to be biased toward my recent and current projects. For now, I would say it's a toss-up of either Between Smoke and Shadow or the vampire romantasy I'm currently drafting!

What comes first for you - the plot or the characters - and why?

This definitely varies by project! For most of my fantasy/romantasy projects, I start with a situation. In the case of Between Smoke and Shadow, the book started as "what if people could steal magic through eye contact?" However, it wasn't until I found Rune as my protagonist that the plot came together. Once I knew her desires and fears, the plot unraveled from there! 

How do you use social media as an author?

As well as I can. I am not technically savvy, and I don't use social media much in my personal life. I am trying to get better at marketing my books, but it's definitely a challenge! For now, my favorite apps are Threads and Instagram (in that order). TikTok terrifies me! (Editor's note: TikTok terrifies me, too!)

How do you come up with character names for your stories?

Namberry.com is my absolute favorite place to find character names. Sometimes, I'll pick a name based on its meaning. Other times, I just like the sound of one. When I wrote a historical fantasy, I used a social security website to find popular names during the character's approximate birth! With Between Smoke and Shadow, I think I picked Rune's name first and then found similar names to fill in the side characters.

What are the essential characteristics of a hero you can root for?

I think this is subjective! For me, I'll typically root for anyone who I understand and empathize with. Even if I don't fully agree with them, I'll be on their side as they figure things out!

What book (or books) are you currently reading?

I slow down with reading new books while I'm working on a first draft. Because I always have to be reading something, I tend to reread one of my favorites. Right now, I am currently rereading Left Field Love by CW Farnsworth. If you haven't read her, she's an indie romance author, and I highly recommend her books!

And, lastly, what can you tell us about any upcoming releases?

I am so glad you asked! I mentioned it in an earlier answer, but I am currently working on a vampire romantasy. I was a huge fan of the Caroline and Klaus romance on The Vampire Diaries (TV show, not the books), and I was SO mad when they didn't end up together. This book is a bit of an ode to their relationship, and yes, it has a happily-ever-after. If you like Between Smoke and Shadow or you just love vampires, witches, and enemies-to-lovers...I think you'll enjoy my next book!

Thank you for interviewing me! I hope you get the chance to read Between Smoke and Shadow and my upcoming vampire novel. 

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