Review Fix chats with Hazel and Holly author Sara C. Snider, who discusses the novel and her goals for it.
About the Author:
Sara C. Snider was born and raised in northern California before making the move to Sweden at age 25. She is a published author of two fantasy novels—The Thirteenth Tower and A Shadowed Spirit—and a dark fantasy novella, The Forgotten Web, which won the novella category in the 2015 Lyra Contest. She has a bachelor’s degree in Archives and Information Science and is a proud member of the Stockholm Writers Group.
More information available at www.SaraCSnider.com and you can visit Sara C. Snider on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, BookBub and GoodReads.
About the Book:
In Hazel and Holly young witch sisters Hazel and Holly live in the Grove, a community nestled in an enchanted forest where witches and warlocks practice elemental magic, and where necromancy is not allowed. So when their long-lost father uses necromancy to trap their dead mother’s soul, older sister Hazel is determined to find her father and undo his treachery. But despite Hazel’s plans of becoming a one-woman army, she can’t do everything alone. It’s not until wild sister Holly convinces her to leave the house for once and go to a party that Hazel finds a pair of unlikely allies in two bickering warlock brothers.
Review Fix: What inspired this book?
Sara C. Snider: At its core, this book was inspired by the tree names Hazel, Holly, Hemlock and Hawthorn, who are the main characters. It was originally a flash fiction story that I then expanded upon and serialized on my blog into the novel it is.
Review Fix: How is it different from your previous work?
Snider: It’s more quirky and humorous than my other stories. All of my stories have dark elements, but I’d say this one is the most lighthearted. This was the story I just let myself have fun with when I wrote it, which is something I’ve never done before. It’s also the longest book I’ve written so far.
Review Fix: What makes this book special?
Snider: I think the characters and their relationships with each other is what makes this book special. Hazel, Holly, Hemlock and Hawthorn all have different personalities which makes for some interesting interactions between them with lots of fun banter.
Review Fix: What creators do you think have influenced you the most?
Snider: Neil Gaiman is a big influence as reading his work made me want to become a writer in the first place. L.M. Montgomery with her wonderfully quirky and loveable characters.
Review Fix: How do you want it to be remembered?
Snider: I’d like Hazel and Holly to be remembered as a fun story filled with interesting sibling dynamics and sisterly love.
Review Fix: Who will enjoy it the most?
Snider: I think anyone who’s looking for a fun and quirky fantasy adventure.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Snider: Next is the third book in my Tree and Tower series. After that I’ve got an idea for a story involving a creepy archivist and an undead little girl that I’m really looking forward to exploring more. I might possibly work in a sequel for Hazel and Holly somewhere along the way as well.
Review Fix: Bottom line, why must someone read it?
Snider: Anyone who needs a humorous story in their life about sister witches with a YA, fairy tale vibe should definitely give it a go.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
Snider: Anyone who’d like to keep in touch to see what I’m up to can visit me at www.saracsnider.com where they can sign up for my mailing list or check out my blog.
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