Katmere Academy: An Insider’s Guide, page 8
Flint’s love interest was also always known to us, and if you go back and read Crave , we think it’s fairly obvious to the astute reader as well. I’ll give you a hint—Flint only ever isn’t grinning to cover his emotions around one character…
Which of the characters was the hardest to write? Which was the easiest?
Grace is definitely the easiest. She came to me fully formed, just started talking to me within a day of me starting to brainstorm the story. I’ve always known who she is and what she wanted. Calder is another character who came to me really easily. I just loved her so much from the moment she showed up on the page that everything about her came really easily. As for the hardest character for me to write…I don’t know. That’s a hard one. I think Cyrus was the most difficult. I didn’t just want him to be evil for evil’s sake but to really think he was doing the right thing with his evil agenda. A bit of a narcissist with a messiah complex but ultimately someone convinced they’re leading their people to a better life, albeit in the very worst way possible.
How did you decide to add extra characters’ POVs at the end?
My editor and I decided that we really wanted to be inside the hero’s head early on in Crave . We wanted to know what Jaxon was thinking in pivotal moments, and she really, really wanted to know where he went when he left school that one time during the novel. And then with Hudson, I just love him as a character and I really wanted to be in his head for a while.
Why did you choose to write so many different characters in the books? Wouldn’t it have been easier to concentrate on just a couple?
I love writing ensemble casts. I love, love, love it. I love the banter, the problem solving, the complex relationships, the different life experiences, and the additional plot opportunities that they add, so I always knew the Crave series was going to have a rich and diverse cast of characters. There was so much I wanted to explore—plot-wise and thematically—with this series that I really needed an extended cast to do that. But also, feminine power in all its forms is a very important theme to me, and I wanted to create a cast that showed that. Grace, Macy, Eden, Gwen, the Bloodletter, Nuri, Calder—they are all strong women who find and use their power differently, which I love.
Which bonus content was your favorite to write: vamps, witches, dragons, or gargoyles?
I actually really enjoyed writing all of it. I have written a lot of different types of books in my career, but the one type I’ve never written is historical. So I actually really enjoyed writing the historical bonus content in both Covet and Court because it was so different than anything I’ve ever done before. Although, I also really enjoyed writing the Grace and Hudson extra content, too.
Did you go into writing this series with the characters or the plot in mind first?
The characters. Always the characters. There are four different ways to enter story—language, character, world, or conflict. I always enter through character, so while I knew I wanted to write a vampire story, I had to get to know Grace, Jaxon, Macy, and Flint before I really knew where the story was going.
Do you have a favorite character?
That’s another hard question for me to answer. I really love a lot of the characters in this series—including characters that you guys won’t meet until Court comes out. But I think I’ll always be Team Grace first and foremost. She has been an incredibly fun and exciting character for me to write.
What was your favorite scene to write?
I have a favorite scene from each book, actually. In Crave , it’s the aurora borealis scene. That was one of the first scenes that came to me, and I wrote most of the book just trying to get to that scene. I love it so much.
In Crush , it’s harder for me to choose because I love so many scenes in that book. The Boneyard Scene is definitely one of my favorites in that book. Our family dog died the day before I wrote that scene (which was awful) and I took so many of the emotions around that experience—for myself and for my boys, who were absolutely devastated—and brought them to bear in that moment when Flint and Eden are looking down into the graveyard, before they go in. Another favorite from Crush is the laundry room scene, of course. It was so nice to be able to talk about the strings for the first time, and also to just let Hudson and Grace have a moment of fun together.
In Covet , my favorite scenes are all tied up with the Dragon Court. I had so much fun writing that whole sequence of events—the ball, the scenes with Hudson and Grace, the celebration the last night in New York. I also loved writing the scene where Flint is drunk, and Hudson has just fought half the prison. I smiled the whole time I was writing it. Also, with Covet , I love the ending. It was painful and I cried while writing a lot of it, but I’m very proud of it as well.
How did you decide which classes would be featured at Katmere? If you could take a Katmere class, which one would it be?
I just let my imagination run wild while I was coming up with classes for Katmere. I spent a lot of time thinking about what courses would be of use for paranormals—things like physics of flight or spellcasting. But I was also concerned with what they needed to know while living in a world with humans and not in an alternate universe. What did they need to know to protect themselves—The World History of Witch Trials, for example? And what did they need to know to keep humans safe—which is why I created the Ethics of Power course.
The Ethics of Power and Anatomy of Paranormals seem to me like the two most important classes at Katmere. I think about the importance of health and biology classes that all humans have to take that teach us how our bodies work, and I figured that in a world with so many different part-human species, it would be important to understand how each of their systems work as well. And then the Ethics of Power class seems incredibly important to me—if you wield the kind of power that Jaxon, Hudson, Grace, and even Macy and Flint wield, I think a discussion about what is and what isn’t appropriate to do with that power is incredibly important.
If you could be a paranormal creature, which would you want to be?
I would be a mermaid. Or a vampire. Or a dragon. Or a witch…ugh. There are waaaaaay too many choices on this one.
Quizzes
Which Crave Character Are You?
1) What is your favorite snack?
a. Phish Food Ice Cream
b. Marshmallows
c. Waffles
d. Poptarts
e. Granola Bars
2) What course sounds most appealing to take?
a. Spell Casting
b. The Art of Flight
c. Politics of the Paranormal World
d. Art Class
e. History of the Paranormal World
3) What would you do at a party?
a. You planned it, so just enjoy your hard work
b. Talk to everyone
c. Hold court in the middle of everyone
d. Find the snacks and hide
e. Be the life of the party
4) What paranormal would you most want to be?
a. Witch
b. Dragon
c. Vampire
d. Gargoyle
e. I’d hate to have powers
5) What adjective would your friends use to describe you?
a. Loyal
b. Funny
c. Quiet
d. Resilient
e. Witty
6) Which musician is your favorite?
a. Harry Styles
b. Hozier
c. Savage Garden
d. One Direction
e. Lewis Capaldi
7) What would be your favorite snowy day activity?
a. Join in on the snowball fight
b. Have a snowball fight
c. Build a snowman
d. Stay inside and read
e. Help your friends strategize to win the snowball fight
8) What would you use to help win in a fight?
a. A Wand
b. Anything with fire
c. Your Strength
d. Your calming abilities
e. Your wit
9) Which of these paranormal abilities would you want during Ludares?
a. Your ability to create portals/use spells
b. Flight
c. The ability to fade
d. Your ability to withstand heat
e. Your ability to disintegrate things
10) What’s your favorite color?
a. Anything rainbow and bright
b. Green
c. Anything Dark
d. Hot Pink
e. Armani Black
11) Where would you want your Paranormal Court to be?
a. Somewhere with a lot of history
b. Somewhere busy and fun
c. Somewhere dreary and cold
d. Somewhere warm and sunny
e. Somewhere that’s different than it seems
12) Which activity would you use to wind down?
a. Watching tv and eating ice cream
b. Flying
c. Seclude myself from others
d. Paint
e. Throw some axes
13) What is your drink of choice?
a. Coffee
b. Water
c. Hot chocolate
d. Dr Pepper
e. Blood
If you selected mostly A’s, you’re Macy ! Creative, loyal, and fun- Macy always brings good energy and magic to any situation. You love a night in with some Cherry Garcia and can’t miss your morning coffee. Macy is strong, resilient and always there to be a shoulder to lean on, just like you!
If you selected mostly B’s, you’re Flint ! Full of fire, passion and hilarious comebacks, Flint always knows how to cheer you up when you need it most. Whether it’s with some toasted marshmallows for your hot chocolate or flight around the school to take your mind off things, he’s always there to cheer you up. You light up a room with your charm and jokes, just like Flint!
If you selected mostly C’s, you’re Jaxon ! Strong, steady, and reserved, Jaxon is always observing and trying to play out the next three moves. He loves to be one step ahead and will always protect those he loves. You might be quiet, but you’re fierce and a force to be reckoned with, just like Jaxon!
If you selected mostly D’s, you’re Grace ! Quiet, creative, and a dark horse, Grace will always surprise you. You keep your hand close to the vest, but aren’t afraid to throw down a full house to win. Full of pop culture references, a great taste in music, and determination, Grace is always willing to try anything, just like you!
If you selected mostly E’s, you’re Hudson ! Misunderstood, witty, and bold, Hudson can bring levity and a great idea to any situation. You don’t tend to correct people when they’re wrong about you, you’d rather prove it. Hudson is different that what he seems, but what’s underneath is incredible and worth getting to know, just like you are!
Which Crave Court Do You Belong To?
1) What class would you enjoy the most?
a. History of Magic
b. The Art of Flight
c. Spell Work
d. How to Shift 101
e. Power Development
2) What’s your favorite place?
a. San Diego, CA
b. New York, NY
c. Milan, Italy
d. Denver, CO
e. London, England
3) What do you value?
a. Family
b. Hoards of Jewels
c. Runes and Wands
d. Moonlight
e. Power
4) What’s your strength?
a. Perseverance
b. Wit
c. Loyalty
d. Determination
e. Conviction
5) What’s your go-to power-up meal?
a. Cherry Pop-tarts & a Dr Pepper
b. Fire-roasted Marshmallows
c. Waffles & Coffee
d. Anything meaty
e. Blood, any kind
6) What element do you relate to the most?
a. All
b. Fire
c. Earth
d. Water
e. Air
7) What can you be found doing during the weekend?
a. Bingeing Netflix
b. Finding a party to attend
c. Playing Wingo
d. Hiking
e. Going out to eat
8) What’s your preferred method of transportation?
a. Planes
b. Flight
c. Portals
d. Running
e. Fading
9) What’s your ideal pet?
a. A dog
b. A bird
c. A cat
d. A bear
e. A cow
10) What’s your favorite season?
a. Summer
b. Spring
c. Fall
d. Winter
e. Impartial/don’t have a favorite
11) What would you want on your crest?
a. Scales
b. A Dragon, duh
c. Stars
d. Scratch marks
e. A Crown
12) How would you win a fight?
a. By calming everyone before it could even start
b. Flying above them
c. Spell casting
d. Brute strength
e. Persuasion
If you selected mostly A’s, you’re a member of the Gargoyle Court ! You’re loyal, strong, and in tune with the earth. You’re a protector who stands up for those who need help, and you always prioritize doing what’s right.
If you selected mostly B’s, you’re a member of the Dragon Court ! You’re fun-loving, headstrong, and the life of the party. Always quick with a joke or the one to lighten the mood, you prioritize friendships and never turn down a shiny trinket or two.
If you selected mostly C’s, you’re a member of the Witch Court ! You’re smart, caring, and always a step ahead of the competition. Creativity is your bread and butter, and you’d do anything for your family and friends.
If you selected mostly D’s, you’re a member of the Wolf Court ! You’re tough, resilient, and loyal to your friends above all else. You never back down from a fight, and though you’re sometimes misunderstood, underneath your tough exterior you have a pure heart.
If you selected mostly E’s, you’re a member of the Vampire Court ! You’re clever, book smart, and underneath a tough exterior, you’ve got passion in spades. Cool as a cucumber even under pressure, you always think numerous steps ahead to stay on top of the competition.
Deleted Scenes
~1~
Kiss and Spell
Macy
(Timeline: between chapters 68 and 69 of Crush )
My phone buzzes, and I surreptitiously pull it out of my bag. Normally I wouldn’t risk it, and definitely not in Portal Physics, but Dr. Green is gone today and the kitchen witch they have subbing for him seems fine with anything as long as we finish the assignment.
I turned it in ten minutes ago, and now I’m bored out of my mind. Counting the divots in the ceiling can only take me so far.
I swipe my phone on, expecting to see a text from Grace, who’s in art right now, or maybe Gwen, who needs help decorating for the witches’ tea after school today. But it’s not Grace or Gwen.
It’s Xavier , and he wants to know if I’m free to get together this afternoon.
Butterflies do the flamenco in my stomach at the thought. I’ve been waiting for some kind of grand romance to happen to me. What if Xavier is it? He’s certainly handsome enough. Plus, he’s really sweet and funny. Which already puts him ahead of Cam. By a lot .
I want to jump on the invite, but I really did promise Gwen I’d help her decorate. And no matter how hot Xavier is, I’m a sisters-before-misters kind of girl. Or at least, that’s who I want to be. I haven’t had much opportunity to test that out before today, but I’m going with it for now. Even if it hurts a little.
Macy : I’d love to!!!!
Macy : But I have to help Gwen decorate for the witches’ tea for a couple hours
Macy : Another time?
Xavier : Sure
Xavier : Or I could help with the decorations
Xavier : I’m pretty good with a helium tank
I didn’t think it was possible, but somehow my heart beats even faster. Cam wouldn’t walk across a ballroom to hang out with me. But Xavier wants to help blow up helium balloons? It seems too good to be true.
But it’s not like I’m about to let that stop me. You never know what you’re going to get until you go for it, so I might as well make the leap.
Macy : Won’t your claws be a balloon hazard?
Xavier : Not a problem
Xavier : I’m pretty good with my hands
My eyes go wide at that. Is he trying to flirt? Going straight to gross? He doesn’t seem like that type, but—
Xavier : I mean when it comes to building things
Xavier : I’m good with my hands when I build things like balloon arches and stuff like that
I’m grinning so wide now that my cheeks ache. He’s adorable. Absolutely, one hundred percent adorable. And I definitely want to spend the afternoon making balloon arches with him.
Among other things…
Macy : Then feel free to meet me in study room
Macy : That’s where the witches’ tea will be tonight
Xavier : What time should I be there?
Macy : I’m heading up as soon as school’s out
Macy : So four or so?
Xavier : See you then
Macy : See you
I shove my phone back in my bag before I spend the next fifteen minutes mooning over it, waiting for Xavier to text again when he definitely, probably won’t. Then I pinch myself because I can’t believe this is happening. A really cute, really nice boy wants to make balloon arches with me. Me!
Which may not sound super romantic, but it feels romantic. Especially knowing that, no matter what he says, I’m sure there are a million other things he’d rather do after class than blow up balloons.
By the time the end of the day rolls around, I’m all but jumping out of my skin with excitement. In fact, I’m so wired that I convince my history instructor that there’s something wrong with me and I get to duck out of class fifteen minutes early. Which I use to run to my room and change, because if things go well between us, there’s no way I want to look back at our first date and think of myself in my school uniform.
