Interview with Kersten Hamilton

I am super excited to have Kersten Hamilton by the blog today for an interview! Kersten Hamilton is the author of Tyger, Tyger and in the Forests of the Night. You can find her on the web at her website.

If the characters from In the Forests of the Night got stuck on a deserted island, who would fare the best? The worst? And who would be the one to get them off the island?

Gil would fare the best. He’ll eat anything, after all! Abby wouldn’t do well at all, I’m afraid. Her constant talking would drive Finn to super human efforts—he’d swear to get them off the island, even if he had to walk on water to do it! Mamieo would keep them sane by telling stories of the peregrine, wandering Irish monks who set out in small ships to explore the world. Aiden and Lennie wouldn’t want to leave—they’d be reenacting scenes from The Swiss Family Robinson. Mr. Wylltson would need to get back to his books. Thomas and Roisin would be lost in one another’s eyes….and Teagan, when she wasn’t studying the fauna, or kissing Finn, would be thinking her way out of the situation. In the end, it would take them all to get off the island.

Do you have a favorite mythological story or tale?

I really love the Finnian Cycle – the stories of Fionn Mac Cumhaill. I like Beowulf, too. But my favorites are the stories of the Nordic heroes who fought monsters knowing at Ragnarok was coming—because fighting monsters is the right and courageous thing to do even if you know you are going to lose.

If you could be any paranormal creature, what would it be?

A phoenix. I think the ability to burn up and rise again is absolutely a must for a writer.

Is there a book that is out now that you wish you had had growing up?

No. I know that’s funny to say, but I had so many books to read as a child I couldn’t have finished any more. I’m very happy that I still read children’s books today, though. I wouldn’t want to miss a single one!

Who was your favorite character to write in In the Forests of the Night?

Teagan. This time it was Teagan. She changes and grows so much in the story. All of the stuff that I have known was inside her starts to come out where the reader can see it.

Through your many jobs you had before settling down and eventually writing, did you have a favorite?

I liked being a wilderness guide the best. I loved the wilderness, the horses and the camping. And the best time of all was when I was alone on the mountain.  


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Thanks for stopping by Kersten! You can find Kersten on the web at her website and twitter. Also, make sure to check out the awesome Trailer Contest she is hosting for In the Forests of The Night.