Author Interview with To Be a Fae Author- Tricia Copeland

Welcome to the author interview with Tricia Copeland as she shares with us about the final book in her Realm Chronicles series, To Be a Fae (The Realm Chronicles Book 5)!

Blurb

Evil lurks in unexpected places.
Poised to usher in a new era of unity for all fae, Queen Titania grasps for a solution for her people. With chaos in the human realm and her own, she’s stretched to make progress in either.
She finds she can’t turn her back on the witches when they’re so close to finding the key to ending Sonia’s reign of terror, but Titania worries for her fae and their need for continuity.
Both realms are on a collision course with chaos, and Titania must choose whether her people will be best served by aiding in the battle the witches wage against Sonia or by stabilizing warring forces in the fae realm.
One fateful day turns the tide, leaving Titania questioning all her allies.
How do you stop evil when it resides within everyone?
To be a Fae is the final book in the Realm Chronicles series and a harrowing, twisted tale of a fae queen’s attempts to secure the realms of Middle and Upper Earth.
Read To be a Fae to embolden Titania as she fights for peace today!

Ready to learn more about To Be a Fae, the gripping conclusion to this YA Fantasy series? Keep reading for our interview with author Tricia Copeland!

Author Tricia Copeland, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with Scribbles about your newest and final book in the Realm Chronicles series, To Be a Fae!

Q: To Be a Fae picks up some time after the loss of Foster, Titania’s intended mate. Right from the beginning you have chaos brewing. Using this particular plot point you emphasize that Titania has been rather remiss in her duties. She wished to be reunited with her people, so why has she been so lax?

Author Copeland: If you’ve experienced a large loss you know the impact such a violent change can have on your ability to function. After losing my sister, I felt like I was walking around in a fog for months. And here we’re also getting Titania’s own view on how she’s running the country. It could be that she’s been doing adequately well, but for a person who’s used to over-excelling at things she feels her contribution has not been up to par. Also, I believe others have been shielding her from the bit of chaos the kingdom has devolved into.

Our sympathies once again concerning the loss of your sister. Thank you for choosing to share that with readers in your books through Titania as well. It definitely brings her behavior more into perspective.

We have to say that we got the sense that Titania was being shielded somewhat from the chaos that was gradually overtaking the kingdom. It definitely felt like certain individuals in her close circle knew she was struggling and needed more time…time unfortunately, that she really didn’t have.

Q: (a) Quinn stated in no uncertain terms that he didn’t wish to wield the monarchy, so it really begs the question as to why Titania is slow to retake up her duties? Beyond her mourning of Foster, of course.

Author Copeland: I believe Quinn didn’t want to wield the monarchy and lose Aubren for Titania’s family. With Titania’s death, he is the last remaining member of the Alphaeaus line save his and Titania’s father who are aging and in no state to lead a kingdom. As we find out later in the book, there are those who plot for Aubren to be merged with another kingdom, so Quinn doesn’t want that to happen. I won’t give too many spoilers.

Quinn absolutely did his part for the kingdom stepping up when he felt that it was necessary. We definitely applaud him for that.

Q: We feel the need to ask this because it is never addressed in the book, but what happened to the cottage that Titania was living in? What about the sheep, the goats, the pigeon that she was raising? What happened to them? Did they just get left and forgotten? Or did Titania send someone to bring them to the castle and/or find them a new home?

Author Copeland: Since it has been some months since Foster’s death as we start this book, it was my intent that someone had handled moving her things from the cottage.

Okay! Thank you for clearing that up for us! We didn’t want those poor critters out in the woods feel abandoned and left to their own fate.

Between Titania’s fae behaving “unfae-like” and Caesaria’s demands, chapter one is quite packed with drama.

Q: We have to ask – why does Caesaria make the threat of ending the treaty if she doesn’t get the items back that she wants?

Author Copeland: At the end of book 4, To be a Fae Rogue, we learn through Hunter’s letter to Titania that Sonia rejects their offer of her mother’s remains and hurls them across the room using her magic. As Caesaria and her group of vampires believe Sonia’s mother Lilith to be the mother of all vampires, they would naturally want her remains returned to them, especially when they were promised that in handing them over Sonia would stop her reign of terror. As Lilith’s remains are now in pieces and Sonia is still a threat, they feel they’ve been overpromised and underserved.

That absolutely makes sense! Can’t say that we can fault Caesaria for her behavior in light of that revelation.

Q: (a) We understand the importance of these items to Caesaria and the Guardians, but after the demands to get all beings to sign the treaty in the first place, why threaten to throw it all away like it was never really that important to begin with?

We know Titania’s opinion on the matter, but it’s still curious to us that one would go to all that trouble making those demands unless Caesaria didn’t think that they would succeed in the first place or that she had little intention of holding to it for long.

Author Copeland: Caesaria and her Guardians also had to give up what they believe is their true nature. In signing the treaty they must stop feeding on humans, the ultimate lifeblood of their kind. Caesaria and her group didn’t really want to be part of the treaty, following rules set by others and are looking for a way out.

Again that makes a lot of sense. Caesaria felt that her and her people gave up more than the other groups with the agreements made. Can’t exactly fault them at the end of the day for looking for a way out. LOL!

Author Copeland: Perhaps I answered this above. Caesaria is walking a tightrope. She wants to live her life without fear or Sonia, and the witches may offer the best hope for getting rid of her. But she gives up their freedom in working with them.

Honestly, author Copeland, this will probably have readers looking at Caesaria in a different light. We know that we now look at her with better understanding thanks to your explanation!

Q: Throughout To Be a Fae author Copeland you present Titania with many problems that have to be dealt with. One particular problem that Titania is forced to deal with is the closing of the rings to Sheol. Why did you choose to have this become a “bone of contention” between Titania and the High Counsel?

Author Copeland: Closing the rings disturbs the natural balance of the realms set by the Creator. If souls can’t shuttle back and forth between the realms as they’re intended those souls won’t be able to find peace. Souls that may belong in Sheol may not be able to be held where they belong.

Q: (a) Titania is frequently pushing to have more input with the High Counsel and Ring Keepers. Is there a deeper meaning behind this? Or is Titania just simply pushing for change for all monarchs to have more say in what goes on around them?

Author Copeland: Titania upholds and believes in the division of power between the Ring Keepers, which form most of the High Council, and the monarchs. The Ring Keepers hold special connections with the Creator and have been trained for generations to make judgments about the rings’ openings and closings. Titania is torn between this and what she sees as maintaining the natural balance between the realms.

Q: When Titania’s sense of foreboding comes to fruition concerning the issue with the souls, are these souls that encounter the fae… are they all evil? If so, does their confusion keep them from causing more harm than they do?

Author Copeland: These souls are not all necessarily evil, some may just be lost and looking for their final resting places. Some may be sentient, realizing that causing problems may increase their chances of returning to the human realm.

Q: Sonia is still a threat, but she doesn’t have a bigger presence in this final book? Why did you choose to write the story this way?

Author Copeland: As a “soul creature” Sonia is elusive and hard to find or track. Plus, our heroes have witnessed her power. They do not seek to take her on directly. Although they may certainly be given the power they need to perhaps siphon her power, or disable her in a different way, they are very cognizant of the fragility of life and what losses they may experience.

Q: (a) We really expected there to be more push-back concerning what Titania, DJ and Tyler are doing in trying to find all of Sonia’s family. Did Sonia ultimately truly want to be reunited with the family members she had lost over the years?

Author Copeland: I believe Sonia does want to be reunited with her family. Of Witches and Vampires gives you a little glimpse into Sonia’s origin story and I’m slowly piecing together her experience between that time as a child and the reign of terror that’s shown in Kingdom of the Damned. I think my next addition to this series may be Sonia’s backstory and how she came to be so vengeful against all of these other creatures of the shadows.

Oooh! That makes a lot of sense. So, while Sonia is a vengeful being, she still craves her family and having them back with her. That creates an interesting twist for the storyline for sure!

Oooohh! A new addition to the series could be coming?! Sounds exciting!! That is definitely something that us and our readers are sure to be looking forward to reading when it comes out!

Q: Author Copeland, you create quite the harrowing situation in To Be a Fae when Titania finds herself, unknowingly, in a truly dire situation. What was it like for you writing that particular chapter of Titania’s life?

Author Copeland: I hated thinking of Titania in this situation, the fear and isolation she must have felt would be truly horrific. I hate cold, dark places, and am claustrophobic, so the cave offered the perfect setting to get into the zone of a truly low place emotionally for Titania.

For sure that whole scene had us on the edge of our seat. You had us absolutely wrapped up in the situation and ready to have a freak out. LOL! Talk about great storytelling!

Q: Throughout your book, To Be a Fae, you offer readers a healthy amount of detail and had the foresight to circle back and answer some questions that would arise. How did you know where to do this and when to do it?

Author Copeland: For me I don’t like reading too much back story or “telling” readers what’s going on. If I’m getting bored writing something, just like if I’m getting bored reading something, I know I need action. Offering little snippets throughout a story keeps the plot moving while peppering in information that readers will be looking for. A finale is probably the most challenging book to write. You want to balance the epic plot of the book with tying up all the ends.

Well, we have to say that you did quite the good job with it! You made it a real challenge to come up with some good items to question you for this book’s finale interview. LOL!

Q: Quinn makes it known that he wishes to return to his own home now that Titania has returned and begun to pay more attention to the matters at hand of the kingdom. Why is she so reluctant to let him leave? We’d have understood if he had ever been under threat, but that was never the case.

Author Copeland: Quinn wishes to return to Bedham to live a simple life with his family. Titania wishes him to stay within the safety of her kingdom for fear she will not be able to protect him and his family. And yes, there was no direct threat to him, but with Foster’s loss, and Quinn being the only other member of the Alphaeaus family that could lead Aubren, she doesn’t want to risk losing Quinn.

That is understandable. Especially in light of the fact that when Titania tries to select another “heir” the counsel and some of the monarchs even balk against her choice. So, it’s more understandable as to why Titania would try to protect Quinn and his family, especially in light of her recent losses.

Q: Once again, the subject of marriage makes it’s appearance, much to Titania’s chagrin. LOL! We have to ask – why was she so surprised that her father would bring the subject back up?

Yes, things went…sour, so to speak, with the other kingdoms and princes after her “faked death” but she shouldn’t have really expected the subject to be done and over with.

Author Copeland: LOL, yes! Titania knows this will come up again and again until she marries. She loathes the idea of being forced into a marriage or asked to pick a partner just for the sake of her kingdom, although we’ve seen her go that route despite her objections before. Now more than ever I believe Titania wishes to keep this one thing as something she could make the choice of for herself, and do it solely for herself, which definitely in the beginning of this book she is not ready for yet.

Q: With To Be a Fae we got the sense that there was ultimately a trio of kings who did not approve of Titania. Why did the remaining two kings decide that now is the time to act in pulling troops from the army and to take control of the rings in their territories?

Author Copeland: We see in many organizations, countries, and governments the struggle between keeping unity between a whole people and providing needs for smaller groups of people. You see this in the fae realm as well with several monarchs deciding to take control of the rings from the ring keepers. There has been this rift from the beginning of the series where those two monarchs, which happen to have the largest territories, place the needs of their kingdoms above the needs of the whole realm.

We understand that they hold a grudge, especially the king whose son Titania only agreed to marry for the usage of their army. But we just felt that there was more driving these decisions beyond good old fashioned sexism that we get a glaring dose of later in the book.

Author Copeland: I think my statement above about the monarchs of Borean and Lindleton deciding to take the rings from the keepers speaks to their ideology that they have rights over the territory in their own kingdoms, even if since the beginning of time the Ring Keepers and High Council controlled the rings.

Wow was that whole situation with King Hector eye-popping! Kudos to Titania for keeping her cool in that particular situation. You definitely used that whole scene to showcase Titania’s growth and maturity. So absolutely applaud you for utilizing your storytelling skills in that moment author Copeland.

Author Copeland: Thank you. Part of me really wanted to have Titania shout all the ways King Hector’s thinking had been delusional and harmful to their realm, to have her wag a finger in his face and say: “see, I was right.”

Q: What was the decision making process on keeping Titania’s attacker’s identities secret? Why decide to grant them this anonymity?

Author Copeland: Not knowing the source of the attacks speaks to the gravity of the issue of the whole vs. individual kingdoms in the fae realm. Titania could no longer trust that a fae would not harm another fae, as is usually the supposition within the fae realm. Just the realization that her life was in danger from at least one source, if not several forces working together, heightens the stakes for this young queen.

Author Copeland: This decision highlighted a long-standing tenet in the fae realm, that because something has always been done a certain way, it should always be done that way. Titania in many ways fights the same issue in working with the witches of the trinity. Vampires were believed to be evil creatures, not to be associated with. And the fact that several of the trinity and their heralds are half-vampire poses problems in working with them. This is one idea that Titania is trying to change in her realm, that just because a female has never been a monarch, doesn’t mean a female shouldn’t be a monarch, that just because we believed at one time all vampires were evil, doesn’t mean all vampires are still evil, that just because we’ve always done something a certain way doesn’t mean that way is still the right way decades or centuries later.

Author Copeland: In my belief, I am sure some of those passing judgment may have gleamed satisfaction from the decision. But as I mentioned before, the fae have been a very constant group. Until Titania came into the stage of fae politics, they rarely interfered in the human realm, their ideas and tenets had remained stagnant since their creation.

Q: The romance building between DJ and Titania is a favorite part of this book for us. What was it like writing this into To Be a Fae?

Author Copeland: I guess I can admit now that this storyline was planned from the very beginning. Although I loved Foster for Titania, DJ and Titania were always in my heart. From the moment I envisioned each of the characters when writing Kingdom of War, where we first meet both Titania and DJ, I wanted them to be together. They both came from broken homes, they both learned about their special role in this fight of good vs. evil seemingly late in the game, they both grow into their own power and understanding of the beings they want to be. I loved writing their love story, how initially Titania could hear how DJ felt about her, and how he supported her even when she chose another. I loved giving Titania the time to grow into and allow her feelings for DJ to develop.

The romance angle was planned from the very beginning!? Wow! Just…wow! LOL! Talk about long term planning ahead! LOL! We say that, but apparently we have some catching up to do with the cross-over series as well. LOL!

Q: Titania goes back and forth concerning her feelings towards DJ throughout the story. Of course, she feels a sense of loyalty to Foster’s memory, but eventually she allows herself to admit that she is developing feelings towards DJ. Was the struggle so much simply because he was not fae? Or was it because of the amount of loss that she had experienced?

Author Copeland: Titania’s struggle with admitting her feelings for DJ sprang from several issues. First, the fae did not historically associate with vampires. Second, DJ was not fae and she felt a large sense of betrayal to her people for thinking that she may love or contemplate marrying someone who was not fae. Third, she did not want to face the decision of either she leaving the fae realm or DJ leaving the human realm.

Q: We have to admit that when Holden makes yet another surprise appearance we immediately scowled. LOL! He’s like a bad penny, he just keeps popping up! LOL! Why have him be the one that Titania crosses paths with as she’s leaving the castle?

Author Copeland: Although we initially thought Holden to be very upstanding and noble, he turned out to be a bit spineless. I will give him kudos for being loyal to his family. Although I’m not sure how well-placed his allegiance is. Because Holden was such an integral part of the beginning of Titania’s story, I wanted to bring him back in some way.

Q: We just found it a bit odd, because he had yet to really make an appearance in the story up to this point. He hasn’t spoken to her since he left, so why have him show up? Was it to show that Titania will always be the bigger person when it comes to him?

Author Copeland: I think Holden wanted to let Titania know that he’d always loved her, had been true in his feelings, and maybe to perhaps appease his own guilt.

It feels rude to say that nobody cares about Holden anymore, but for us, it’s true. Hahaha!

Author Copeland: Ha, ha! Initially when I introduced Holden’s character, I did see a bit of potential for them being a power couple. But it just wasn’t meant to be and sadly, yes, Holden did become a bit of the bad penny! 😉

Q: In To Be a Fae, author Copeland, you write in some scenes that are truly going to take readers by surprise. These scenes ramp up the tension, suspense, and even the angst. It creates a sense of danger and foreboding. What was the thought process while writing those particular scenes?

Author Copeland: I always aim to place the reader front and center in a scene, as if they are the characters. And this is truly how I feel when I’m writing. I become my characters. Since this is a first-person POV, I want readers to experience everything that Titania experiences from the lowest of the lows to the highest of the highs.

*** POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT! ***

Q: After everything that has transpired over the Realm Chronicles series, there isn’t a big final showdown with Sonia. The lead-up offers a comprehensive and reasonable explanation as to why, but is there more to it than just that?

Author Copeland: Since there is no way for a soul to be destroyed, except perhaps by becoming as powerful as the Creator or going to the Creator and requesting such, which also would arguably be impossible, although perhaps it would have been granted in this instance, for the Creator did allow Terron/Theron’s release from Sheol, it stood that the only way to stop Sonia was to entrap her as our characters did. I also liked showing that there may be more than one way to conquer evil, through the power of intellect and cooperation.

Q: To Be a Fae is the final book in the Realm Chronicles series. Are you sad to be saying good-bye to Titania, DJ, and the rest of Middle Earth?

Author Copeland: The further I am from finishing the manuscript, the sadder I am to let go of these characters. My initial feelings upon finishing the manuscript were of relief. It was so hard for me to put these characters through all their trials and tribulations and it was wonderful for me to know that these characters were experiencing their happily-ever-afters.

1. Is there any possibility of a spin-off series or novellas that will focus on some of the characters that readers get introduced to in To Be a Fae?

Author Copeland: There are definitely thoughts ruminating around in my mind for a spinoff or other books in the series such as a prequel detailing Sonia’s history.

That is definitely exciting news! We can’t wait to find out what you write next!

Q: Is there anything new that you’re currently working on? Or potentially planning? Specifically, are there any specific characters who were introduced that are eager to have their stories told?

Author Copeland: Bynja, the Nix, is at the forefront of my mind at the moment. The selkie, Unna, would also be an interesting character to develop.

Huh…and here we thought that the ethereal fae would be the top choice. LOL! We just say that because we got the impression from To Be a Fae that her story might be playing close to the front of your mind with how things flowed.

Q: What book would you recommend for readers to check out now that the Realm Chronicles has been drawn to a conclusion?

Author Copeland: If you haven’t read the Kingdom Journals series which tells the stories of the trinity witches and their quest to break a curse on the witch lines, and in many ways are the prequels to the Realm Chronicles books, then I would definitely recommend starting with Kingdom of Embers. I have a reading guide for both the Kingdom Journals and Realm Chronicles series that helps readers navigate these two crossover series. You can find that here: Kingdom Journals and Realm Chronicles Book Guide | Tricia Copeland & Maria Jane.

Alright readers! If you haven’t read the Kingdom Journals series, now is the time to do so! Don’t forget to click on the link above to see where the two series crossover so that you’re able to get the full reading experience of these two worlds coming together!

Q: Who will you miss the most out of all the characters in the Realm Chronicles series? Besides Titania? 😉 LOL!

Author Copeland: I will miss so many of these characters, but besides Titania, I think most of all I will miss Alfreda, Isla, and DJ, and perhaps if we could resurrect one other certain character.

For us, we’re going to miss DJ. He brought such life to the story, and brought joy and love back into Titania’s life. Despite her trying to resist him for as long as she did. LOL!

Author Copeland: I’m so glad you loved DJ. Thank you so much for diving into this series and the characters with such detail and engagement. Talking about the story and characters truly is the best part of the experience for me.

Author Tricia Copeland, we appreciate you taking the time to share with us here at Scribbles and our readers about your fifth and final installment in your Realm Chronicles series, To Be a Fae. We look forward to reading whatever comes next for you in the future! Until then, we and our readers will pivot to your other series! LOL! Thank you so much for your time today and good luck with your future writing!

We enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to read and review To Be a Fae, and you can check out the review here.

About the Author:

Tricia Copeland is the critically acclaimed and award-winning author of Kingdom of Embers, To be Fae Queen, Lovelock Ones, and Azreya, Aztec Priestess, and dozens of other titles. She is the host of the Finding the Magic Book Podcast who weaves magical stories about love, courage, and finding your passion.

Tricia Copeland believes in finding magic. She thinks magic infuses every aspect of our lives, whether it is the magic of falling in love, discovering a new passion, seeing a beautiful sunset, or reading a book that transports us to another world. An avid runner and Georgia native, Tricia now lives with her family and four-legged friends in Colorado. Find all her titles including contemporary romance, now penned under Maria Jane, young adult fantasy, and dystopian fiction at www.triciacopeland.com.