Questions About RoseBlood

by A.G. Howard (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (25)

Will it be the same sort of "milder" YA content like the splintered series, or are you going to write this one for an older YA group (as in like 15-18)?

A.G. Howard In the product details, my Splintered books are listed as appropriate for ages 14+ by my publisher. I'm not sure there's any such listing that starts …moreIn the product details, my Splintered books are listed as appropriate for ages 14+ by my publisher. I'm not sure there's any such listing that starts older for YA? Maybe you're thinking of New Adult (which is for ages 17+).

RoseBlood will be listed for the same ages as Splintered (14+). But one major difference is, where my Wonderland series is based on what has often been considered a children's story, RoseBlood is based on a romantic horror/ drama. So the mood is different.

There aren't any *whimsical* underpinnings in this one. Instead, it's very dark and gothic, and the relationships are more tortured / complex. The sensual undertones play a bigger role because it's inspired by The Phantom of the Opera -- a book all about the obsession to be accepted and loved, and unrequited passion turned to madness.

If, however, your concern is how graphic the sensuality or language aspects are, those are still comparable to the Splintered Series. (less)

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What made you go from an Alice retelling to a Phantom of the Opera retelling? By the way I am in love with the new cover :D

A.G. Howard Thanks! I love the cover, too!

As for the move to Phantom, just like all things Alice, I've always been a huge PoTO fan. I can't get enough of Leroux'…moreThanks! I love the cover, too!

As for the move to Phantom, just like all things Alice, I've always been a huge PoTO fan. I can't get enough of Leroux's novel, the movies, and the musical. And since my AiW spinoff was so well received, it gave me the confidence to tackle the Phantom's spinoff possibilities. I've seen other adaptations of the story -- a lot of them actually -- and one prequel that I adore (Phantom by Susan Kay) but not many spinoffs or continuations.

So after thinking it through -- mentally twisting and twining the original backstory into the here and now -- I fell in love with Erik's maniacal brilliance, broken soul, and talent all over again. I knew then that I had to give him a modern stage on which to perform, so I could see what horrors he might stir up for one unfortunate occupant of an opera-themed boarding school.

I'm thrilled with the result, and can't wait to share it with readers! (less)

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OMG!!! I cannot believe my eyes! The Phantom of the Opera is one of my favorites stories, and I hope is as good as your recreation of Alice's Wonderland. Are you planning on a second book? (I know, I know, waaay ahead of time for that question... so not sorry!)

A.G. Howard So happy you're as excited as me about RoseBlood! ;) And there's no second book on the horizon; it's a standalone. There are lots of insights into the…moreSo happy you're as excited as me about RoseBlood! ;) And there's no second book on the horizon; it's a standalone. There are lots of insights into the story here on my review, in case you'd like to know more: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...(less)

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I want to read this but I LOVE Phantom of the Opera. So I'm wondering if you have researched the source material carefully/thoughtfully?

A.G. Howard Yes, I'm making every effort to respect the source material.

I love The Phantom of the Opera, too. I've read Gaston Leroux’s novel twice and made copi…moreYes, I'm making every effort to respect the source material.

I love The Phantom of the Opera, too. I've read Gaston Leroux’s novel twice and made copious notes. That's the most important research, of course. I'm determined to honor the atmosphere, setting, and Erik's backstory, but at the same time, bridge them to the modern world.

The musical and movie don't play hefty roles in the book, but they are mentioned as part of everyday culture.

I've also researched the opera singer, Christina Nilsson, who was rumored to have "possibly" inspired Leroux's naive young ingenue, Christine Daaé. Even Leroux himself has merited research, because his serialization of Phantom in a French newspaper influenced part of my plot. And I've studied image after image of the Palais Garnier which Leroux drew upon when fashioning his " Opera Populaire," so I'll have a refined sense of setting.

And lastly, I've read Susan Kay's "Phantom" twice, because in my opinion, her prequel to PoTo expands on the details of Erik's early life laid out by Leroux with emotion and insight, while still honoring the original.

Of course I'm going to twist things here and there to fit my adaptation, similar to how I did with Splintered and Alice in Wonderland, but I'm staying very true to Erik's characterization and history, and what shaped him into the broken yet brilliant composer, architect, alchemist, assassin, magician, and inventor that he became.

I hope that eases your mind. :)

Vive le Fantôme de l'Opéra!(less)

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How do you come up with the art for the covers!? All of your book covers are masterpieces in their own right.

A.G. Howard Hi! Thank you for the cover love. I wish I could take credit for all my covers! But the books from Amulet all have amazing closeup character shots und…moreHi! Thank you for the cover love. I wish I could take credit for all my covers! But the books from Amulet all have amazing closeup character shots under the direction of two brilliant ladies: Maria Middleton (Abram's in house designer) and Nathalia Suellen, cover artist extraordinaire. :) I'm so grateful and blessed to have them designing my books! (less)

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