1.) Who is your favorite character in the book?

Probably the Palace of Illusions. Obviously I love my leads, but the Palace has a special place in my heart because its inspired both by my childhood home and also by my ginormous Great Pyrenees (his name is Panda!)

2.) What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

I'm really proud of the ending scenes. I wanted to show Aru's growth and fragility. I wanted to depict that even through the tough times, your friends and family will always be there to prop you up.

3.) Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you've learned as a writer from then to now?

 Don't fall into the game of self-comparison. The only thing you can control is your story. The rest will come as it will.

4.) What do you like most about the cover of the book?

 I love the horses in the background! They look so ethereal.

5.) What was your favorite book in 2017?

Oh gosh, I had a ton!! I loved Done Dirt Cheap by Sarah Nicole Lemon, Forest of A Thousand Lanterns by Julie Dao and City of Brass by S.K. Chakraborty.  

6.) What’s up next for you?

 Right now, I'm working on book 1 of my new YA trilogy, THE GILDED WOLVES. It's a treasure-hunt-ish-heist tale that takes place in Paris' glittering age of La Belle Epoque. I'm also excited to dive into my revisions on Aru's sequel where the cast of characters will grow (including gods, monsters and demigods!)

7.) Which was the most difficult or emotional scene to narrate?

 Probably the scene with Shukra on the Bridge of Forget :( 

8.) Which part of the writing process do you enjoy more: Drafting or                   Revising?

Revising!!! Drafting is the emotional equivalent of plucking out my nosehairs with a pair of blunt tweezers one by one.

9.) What would you say is your superpower?

 BEHOLD THE DISAPPEARING COOKIE ACT

10.) Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?

I care about a lot of organizations. I try to give to charities focusing on women in education. Most recently, I've donated to the Islamic Relief Foundation and the Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation, which is where we adopted our sweet, two-year-old cat (Teddy!).