Sunday Funday with Emma Weylin
It’s no secret that I adore fairy tales. From the super-dark to the heart-tugging Disney versions. It’s also no secret that one of my favorite things about being a writer is taking an etched-in-our-brain fairy tale and turning it upside down. In my case, it’s making the dragons the good guys, and turning Thumbelina human-sized.
In Emma Weylin’s case, it’s turning the story of Little Red Riding Hood upside down. So today, I’m interviewing not only Emma about Dark Forest, but her characters decided to pop in as well, and answer some of the questions themselves. So grab your popcorn and Red Bull (oh, that’s just me?) and settle in for some fun.
Eden, taking her own advice and settling in: Emma, tell me a little bit about Dark Forest, and how it came into being.
Emma Weylin: Well, that’s almost a long story of how I got to the point of writing it, but the story idea came into being a few years ago when I was listening to a live band my father plays the keyboard in. They were playing a song called “Li’l Red Riding Hood” by Sam the Sham, and there is a lyric in it that goes “Even bad wolves can be good.” and I always thought it would make an awesome tagline on a novel. At the beginning of July I wanted to write a quick werewolf love story, and that line came back to me.
Eden: That’s awesome, I love that tagline. I also love this story, by the way. Now, tell me about the main characters, Aiden and Rose. Do they behave now that their story is finished?
Emma: Aww, thank you! Emma snorts It depends on what you mean by behave. Aiden is currently trying to convince me I don’t need to add him or Rose into the next story for the Secret Blood Series.
Eden: You’re welcome! So now you know you have to tell me all about him.
Emma smiles: Aiden is awesome. He’s a lone wolf, which in my werewolf universe means he doesn’t live inside a conventional werewolf pack. He’s known for many years Rose could be his mate, but the town believing he’s a murderer and possibly a werewolf has kept him from approaching her, but he has befriended Rose’s Grandmother who every affectionately calls Grams.
Eden leans in and grins: So, Aiden, what’s your favorite thing about Rose? Remember, my mother may read this, so keep it PG.
Aiden flashes a wicked grin: It’s my experiance women like the higher rated comments better, even if they are mothers. But if I have to choose something that doesn’t involve lots of pleasure and sweating, I’ll go with her instincts. She doesn’t spend a lot of time second guessing a decision once she makes it.
Eden snickers, then tries to go serious: So, are you going to let me talk to her about you? What do you think her favorite thing about you is? Other than the manly bits.
Aiden gives her the evil wolf eye, before he shakes it off with a huff: She can decided for herself if she’ll talk to you or not. Being awesome and a werewolf isn’t enough?
Eden grins at him while calling out: Rose? Hi Rose. So if you had to name one thing about Aiden that just sets him apart from everyone else, your favorite thing about him, what would it be?
Rose grins as she looks at Aiden, then turns her attention to Eden: His quiet strength. He’s just there, and you know it, and it makes you feel better, safer, like nothing in the world could hurt you.
Eden smiles at Rose: I asked Emma how the two of you are behaving now that your story is finished, and is available online. How do you feel about the world reading the story of how you and Aiden fell in love?
Rose blushes: I think it’s awesome. I love that saying about right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives you a fairy tale. Love is magical, and I like sharing that magic.
Eden leans forward, her eyes sparkling: So, is there anything else you’d like to add before I let you get back to your forest and your happily ever after?
Rose shoots Aiden a look, before she shakes her head and smiles at Eden: I think we’ll keep up the world mystery for the readers. Spoilers are never fun.
Eden smiles back, because it was impossible not to smile back at Rose: Sounds like a plan. It was awesome to meet you both, and good luck with your story!
Aiden nods and hooks his arm around Rose: Nice meeting you.
Rose leans against Aiden: Thank you, and good luck with your first story when it comes out.
Eden does a quick little excited boogie: Thank you. Watches them disappear before turning her attention back to Emma: They are so much fun.
Emma half-laughs, half-snorts: They have something up their sleeve they haven’t told me about. I bet we’ll see them again as the series progresses.
Eden goes into full-on happy dance mode: That would be awesome, I would love to see more of them in the series. So, since it’s in the middle of the night, do you have anything else you want to add before I let you get some sleep?
Emma: The only thing I will add at this late hour is keep an eye out for Druid’s Wish, which will be out November 25th!
Eden: Yes! And I’m looking forward to interviewing them, too! Thanks for coming!
Emma: I had a lot of fun! Thanks for having me!
So there you have it. How much fun are they? Dark Forest is available now, everywhere ebooks are sold, so go pick up your copy now, and don’t forget to leave a comment here so Emma will be awesome enough to come back for her next book!
Emma Weylin’s website
Emma Weylin on Facebook
Love you all, and thanks for stopping by for the first edition of Sunday Funday!
~Eden
