I was lucky to get an interview with Abbie Evans, the author of Mysterious Ways, and one of this year’s #SPFBO8 finalists.

Please, tell us a bit about yourself…
I’m from New Zealand, and recently returned home after plenty of travelling around. I lived in Germany and Spain for years working as a translator while getting in as much writing time as I could on the side. Apart from writing, I’m into learning languages, comedy, living in new places entirely unlike what I’m used to, and I’m a sucker for cute pet pics.

What was the first thought that popped into your mind when you found out you had made it to the semifinals?
Complete surprise! I went back to check the tweet announcing it about ten times to make sure that was really my name there.

Why did you decide to take part in the SPFBO?
I participated once before two years ago, and got cut right away with a pretty negative review. Which made me all the more determined to write a better book and try again. Hopefully I’ve done that!

Why should we buy your SPFBO8 book?
I love fantasy, but most fantasy books are set in patriarchies, and I wanted to do something different. I also wanted to put queer characters front and centre, so Mysterious Ways is set in a matriarchal and queer-normative world. It’s for queer people who want to see themselves as the default, and straight people to get a glimpse of what it’s like to be the other. It’s also for anyone who’s into enemies-to-lovers(ish), sneaky con artists, angels and demons, and, as the title would suggest, several mysteries to solve.

What got you into writing? And how long have you been doing it?
It’s always been something I’ve dabbled with and enjoyed doing, but it took me a while to take the plunge and write full-length novels. I started seriously writing them about four years ago, and wish I’d started sooner.

Why did you choose to write fantasy? And why pick this particular fantasy subgenre?
It never really occurred to me to write a book set in the real world. I already live in and experience everything in this world; why not create a new one that can be anything I want it to be. So fantasy made the most sense.

Which other author has had the biggest influence on your writing?
I wouldn’t say they’ve influenced my writing, but my favourite authors at the moment are Madeline Miller and Naomi Novik. It changes pretty regularly though.

What’s the best thing about being a writer?
Creating entirely different worlds from my silly little brain. Also when my cat curls up in my lap while I’m writing.

What’s the hardest thing about being a writer?
When I need to get up to stretch my legs and clear my head so I can figure out a plot problem but my cat is curled up in my lap.

How do I get into the semifinals? Just kidding! Or not? Do you perhaps have a tip, scrap of wisdom, or perhaps an author app, tool, or resource that you can really recommend we try?
Ha! Well in my case it was sheer determination to prove a reviewer wrong. But seriously, don’t be afraid of critique, don’t take it personally, take it on board and use it to make yourself a better writer.

What new projects are you working on?
The sequel to Mysterious Ways. I have a full-time job so it’s going much slower than I’d like but it’s …going. Slowly.

Anything else you would like to say before we close?
Thank you for interviewing me! And thank you to Mark Lawrence, all the reviewers, and everyone involved in organising SPFBO to help indie authors get the word out about their books.

Congratulations on becoming a finalist, and best of luck with Mysterious Ways! And a big thank you for doing the interview, Abbie.