Author Interview Questions – Hollie Rogers

About the Book

1. The Hunter’s Heart takes readers deep into a world of wolves, whispers, and justice. Can you introduce us to Faye Blackthorn and the heart of her story?

Faye Blackthorn is, as you can probably guess, a hunter! Her family line can hear the spirits of the land as whispers on the wind, which influences much of the book. She’s prickly, confrontational, and stubborn, but she cares deeply for her loved ones and is fiercely protective. Her story is about grief, rage, and forging connections in the darkest times. Faye’s journey is a rough one, with many twists and turns, but she has to rebalance herself if she wants to find justice and the peace she’s seeking.

2. The book begins with disappearances and killings that shake Riverwatch—what drew you to build a story around mystery, spirits, and the balance of justice?

So, I’ve always loved nature, spirits and folklore, so I wanted to incorporate some elements of those things in my writing. The world of Caillte Domhan was heavily inspired by my path and practice as a pagan witch, along with the idea that everything needs to be brought into balance. (It’s a concept I’m actually exploring deeper in another series, but this one really took over!) Ultimately, Faye’s story is a vengeance story, but everything has a price and it shows!

3. The setting—the woods and their secrets—almost feels like a character itself. How did you craft the eerie, suspenseful atmosphere?

Honestly, it kind of is! I wanted to create a world that really felt alive, so I spent a lot of time just exploring the world I built in my mind and taking walks in the local woodland to give it some substance. I’ve literally spent the last two years living in Caillte Domhan! I also researched folklore surrounding different types of trees and wove it into their personalities (this will show much more as the series progresses!) to make sure the world around the characters feels as complex as they do!

4. If you had to describe The Hunter’s Heart in just three words, what would they be?
   “May cause heartbreak” 

Inspiration & Process
5. What first inspired you to write The Hunter’s Heart? Was there a spark moment, an image, or even a whisper of a scene that set the story in motion?

I had some vague ideas about a world where the forests could talk and people could hear them, then it kind of evolved from there. Believe it or not, this was actually my very first attempt at writing a story with a “morally grey MMC” (HA!) and Ruid’s personality very quickly put an end to that! The scene that first inspired the direction of this book didn’t actually even make the final draft!

6. The idea of “justice without balance” runs through your book—how did you decide to weave that theme into Faye’s journey?

Faye’s family work closely with the Anam Tír, which means they have to balance for every life they take while hunting. Faye’s journey kicks off when something is taken from her that can’t be balanced so easily, so the spirits don’t give her a moment’s peace until it’s accounted for. Though by the time she does restore the balance, a new price is paid… 

7. Did you always envision this story as the start of a series? What can readers expect as the world expands in book two?

This was meant to be a standalone novel… But I just couldn’t help myself! Book 2, Queen of Ashes, is actually very close to completion now! It will introduce readers to a new set of characters and it’s set about 50 years before The Hunter’s Heart. It might seem a bit odd, but their stories will collide in book 3, Prince of Thorns, which is slated for release some time late next year if I can keep up momentum!

Characters & Themes
8. Faye forms unexpected alliances—what makes her a character readers will root for?

Faye is a force to be reckoned with and has a snarky, no F’s given attitude that many of my readers so far have loved her for. The unexpected alliance, with someone who balances her so well, really lends to her development as a character without smothering her spirit too. 

9. The woods and spirits play a central role in driving the plot. How did you balance supernatural elements with the human conflicts in the story?

I tied the influences of the spirits into Faye’s character, making it a driving force behind her emotions. With the other influences (*cough* Ruid’s little secret *cough*) I made sure to blend it into their interactions so that it never felt like the supernatural elements were forced in.

10. Without spoilers, what’s one revelation in The Hunter’s Heart you think will stay with readers long after they close the book?

Ooooh, this is a tough one… Probably the scene in the very last chapter, after balance has been restored. I won’t give away any spoilers, but pay attention to the little details! Every single one is there for a reason! 

11. What do you hope readers will take away from Faye’s journey—about justice, secrets, or strength?

I hope that the take away from Faye’s story is finding strength in connection, rather than in getting lost in the darker moments. No matter what, there’s a reason to keep moving forward.

Writing & Publishing Journey
12. What was the hardest scene in the book for you to write—and the most rewarding?

The hardest scene in the book to write was probably the big battle scene in the middle of the book. There were so many moving parts and I had to fight not to get bogged down with details. I love writing description and it really got away from me in the earlier drafts. Between that and literally ANYTHING with dialogue. I hate writing that, haha! But the battle scene turned out really well, I think! 

13. This is the first book in a series! How did it feel to bring The Hunter’s Heart into the world knowing more stories are on the way?

TERRIFYING. But so exciting! But TERRIFYING. I still worry sometimes I missed a critical bit of worldbuilding that can’t be added later, or that the series won’t live up to the expectations I’ve set, but honestly that’s more of a me problem than a real issue. I’m so excited for people to see where this series goes! (I also expect there’ll be an angry mob after me at some point or another…)

14. How has your writing journey grown since starting this project?

I’ve gotten better at writing dialogue, not to mention much more confident with people actually reading the things I’ve written. Only two years ago, I would rather have thrown myself into an active volcano than share even a paragraph of my work, but now here I am unleashing my crazy books on the unsuspecting world! 

15. What advice would you give to other writers looking to dive into fantasy storytelling?

Find yourself a group of writers! Honestly, I adore my writing group and getting to cheer your friends on really helps motivate you to keep going. They’ve kept me (sort of) sane throughout the process of creating The Hunter’s Heart and have been some of my greatest supports through both the writing process and all of the personal stuff that happened while I was working on my manuscript. If not for them, I wouldn’t have gotten to this point. So, find a community, write it scared, write it tired, and cheer on your fellow authors every step of the way. 

Fun & Quickfire
16. If The Hunter’s Heart were adapted into a fantasy film or series, who would you dream-cast as Faye?

I live under a rock and had to get help from my writer friends with this one, we settled on Saoirse Ronan! 

17. Do you write best at night when the world is quiet, or during the day with the buzz of life around you?

Definitely night! 

18. Coffee, tea, or something stronger while writing?

I am fuelled by readers’ tears and copious amounts of tea!

19. What’s your favorite fantasy creature—and did it inspire any part of your book?

I’d probably say kelpies, but sadly they don’t really have a chance to influence anything in The Hunter’s Heart. But maybe a future book…

20. What’s the one feeling you hope readers have as they turn the final page of The Hunter’s Heart?

Bittersweetness, or maybe curiosity? Look, as long as they’re not lighting torches and screaming “burn the witch!” I’m happy!