I’m rather fond of all the frontier scenes. MF: Do you have a favorite character or scene in Exile?ĪO: I’m not allowed to have favorite characters. Exile covers a much longer period in time, allowing the characters to learn a great deal more about each other, the kingdom, and most importantly, themselves. The time span of the entire book extends for only the length of about a week and half. Aurelia is about a defining and traumatic moment within her life, but it’s just that-a moment. Why did you choose to go that route with this book?ĪO: Aurelia’s journey begins in the first book, and all her actions stem from the discoveries she makes about herself and her family at the end of book one. MF: Unlike Aurelia, and even though there’s adventure in it, Exile is more about an internal journey on Aurelia’s part. Which is a dynamic element within a story.

A history of tradition and a push for enlightenment. A vast distance between one corner of the kingdom and another. A traditional monarchy and a modern education system. A country with a royal court and a frontier. It has always been very much as it is, in my head, at least since Robert informed me he was from the frontier in chapter 1.

And since this book was about Aurelia discovering her country, what was the inspiration/germ for Tyralt?ĪO: Tyralt is where Aurelia lives. MF: I’ve always been curious how fantasy writers dream up their worlds. I jumped at the chance, and thankfully, she was able to take a few moments out from her teaching, writing, imagining, and cat-loving schedule to answer a few questions. So, imagine my surprise when she emailed me, and asked if I wanted a copy of Exile (Which is out today! My review here). And interviewing her has been on my wish list for ages now. I don’t quite remember how I discovered Anne Osterlund, but I do know that I thought Aurelia was a rocking book, and thoroughly loved Academy 7.

Aurelia by Anne Osterlund