The Beast Heart Series Book #2: Wolf Warrior by Erin Tunney
Clara faces monsters, but many of her greatest challenges come from people rather than mythical creatures. Why do you think human nature often makes for the most compelling villain?
Human villains are interesting because they’re a little unpredictable. They can hide their true nature behind a smile and speak in a way that makes them seem trustworthy. Lord of The Flies is one of the few stories I remember that showed people at their worst (even when it was young boys)!
Your novel explores exile, betrayal, and finding the strength to keep moving forward. Was Clara’s emotional journey or her physical adventure more difficult for you to write?
I’d say the emotional journey is harder because you’re making sure that it’s set in a way that feels realistic without throwing the entire growth right out the window!
The Wild Shepherdess is both a title and a calling. What does it mean to be a shepherd in your world beyond simply leading others?
Upon thinking about it now, it’s about coming to terms with your abilities. Clara is a gentle soul, and shepherds are like that in real life. Clara’s empathy attracts others to her. She knows what it’s like to be an outsider and recognizes that a gentle approach is how things need to be done. In book two, it might not feel like that because of her hostage situation.
Fantasy often permits us to examine real-world issues from a safe distance. Were there themes from our own world that naturally found their way into this story?
Human history has had its fair share of corruption, so it had some influence on my story.
Your world includes humans, selkies, dragons, hellhounds, and other magical beings. When creating different races and creatures, what qualities make them feel emotionally believable instead of simply fantastical?
Like with any writing, it’s usually about making sure that the way they interact fits into their personality and how to make it as realistic as possible.
Power can heal, protect, corrupt, or destroy. As Clara’s abilities grow, how did you keep her humanity at the center of the story?
As best as I could throughout the second book. She’s endured loss and bullying her whole life, so it wouldn’t be too surprising when readers find her having valid crash-outs from time to time.
Readers often remember a single scene long after they finish a book. Is there one chapter or moment in Wolf Warrior that feels especially meaningful to you as its creator?
It was the moment with the Leviathans and Clara meeting. Imagine being stuck in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by gigantic monsters you were asked to kill. Then, they talk to you. It’s both haunting and awe-inspiring at the same time.
Many fantasy stories revolve around a chosen one. What makes Clara’s journey different from the traditional hero’s path?
The chosen one does happen to be a favorite trope. For Clara, hers is being the “reluctant chosen one.” She never signed up for a grand destiny, but it happened to her anyway. Clara finds herself taking on the role with each revelation she comes across.
Every fantasy author creates rules that govern magic. Were there any rules you imposed on yourself as a writer to keep the story grounded and the stakes believable?
One rule I have is consistency. Making sure the characters don’t act out of their normal roles unless they have a valid reason. The same goes for the magic system.
If readers close the book remembering just one truth about courage, loyalty, or hope, what do you hope that truth will be?
The hardest thing in life is learning to calm down, but it’s also important to recognize you’re not alone.