An Interview with Marie Lu, Author of Skyhunter
September 29, 2020 | 10:00 AM
An Interview with Marie Lu, Author of Skyhunter
By Team Fierce Reads
Have you heard the good news?
Skyhunter has arrived! That’s right, Marie Lu is back with another out of this world sci-fi novel filled with nonstop action. We’re so excited to read (and reread!) this brilliant new book, but if you need more incentive to add this book to your shelves, be sure to check out this interview with Marie herself!
What makes Talin fierce?
There is the more blatant, physical reason: Talin can fight. Trained from the age of 12 to be a Striker, Mara's elite fighting force, Talin knows how to hunt an enemy down without making a sound and how to kill with a few efficient slashes. But I think what makes Talin truly fierce is her compassion: she is willing to stand up for others even when it's not easy, even when it puts herself at risk. She has a strong moral compass that she's not afraid to follow.
If you could give Talin one piece of advice, what would it be?
Self-care! It can be easy to forget about yourself in your quest to protect others. You are important too, girl.
What's the most interesting thing you learned while researching Skyhunter?
One of my favorite recent nonfiction reads was Fallen Glory: The Lives and Deaths of History's Greatest Buildings, which was perfect for me as I fleshed out the half-ruined world of Skyhunter. The book talks about colossal buildings/structures that once seemed like they would be immortal: Babylon and its hanging gardens, the Library of Alexandria . . . that all then vanished into the sands of time. How can something like those hanging gardens just disappear? It's mind-blowing to think about. Roshani Chokshi recommended this book to me and I highly recommend it now to you all: it's a surreal, mystical read about hubris and impermanence.
If you'd met Talin as a teen, would you have been friends and why?
I think I would have loved Talin—although I think she would've frequently lost patience with me and my indecisive ways. Teach me how to make decisions in ten seconds or less, Talin!
What's one fun fact most people don't know about you?
When I was three, I was bitten on the eyelid by a wild rat and then ended up in the hospital for a month because of complications from that. I'm fine now! I think? My husband is convinced I survived rabies and I'm still waiting for my superpowers to manifest.
What's your favorite part of being an author?
So many things. I love the feeling of finishing a book, the magic of discovering a new story I want to write, and meeting readers in person. Even on the hardest days, it's the best job in the world.
What's the most challenging part of being an author?
By far, facing the daunting first draft. Every time. You'd think this would have gotten easier with time, BUT IT HASN'T.
What 3 words would you use to describe Skyhunter?
Monsters + Found Family
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