Behind the Scenes with Amy Sparkes

What book feels like home to you?

“The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien is one of my absolute favourites. I read it when I was about eight years old and can still remember the way it made me feel. The world-building was astounding. The characterization was both clear and detailed. The balance of coziness and adventure was delightful. And it feels utterly timeless. All of my children have a copy and they love it, too. Whenever I read it, I am transported back not only to this world, but also to me as an eight-year-old. I always thought I would be very at home in the Shire, with my curly hair, merry nature, and love of the simple pleasures of the countryside.”

What’s your most unusual writing habit?

“I’m a musician and I play the piano by ear (working as a pianist was actually my first job when I was 15 years old). I link music and writing all the time. When I am swapping between different stories, need a bit of inspiration, or am working through complicated emotions in a character, I’ll go and play the piano. I tinker with little tunes I’ve written for characters, or something that gets me into the feel of the story. The House at the Edge of Magic series has its own theme tune that I wrote! I hope one day I’ll be able to share these little musical adventures with my readers.”

If your characters could critique you, what would they say?

Flabberghast: “Ah, now, Madam. I hate to disturb you; however, we do have a little bit of an issue with the House at the moment. If you wouldn’t mind putting down that pen and that cup of tea—that is the 10th cup of tea this morning, is it not? And that is the tenth idea you have written down this morning? If you would be kind enough to come and help us remove Eric’s foot from the bath tap, it would be greatly appreciated.” 

Nine: “Oi. Don’t pretend you can’t hear me, because I know you can. Once I’ve been in your head, you’ll always hear my voice. So, listen. I know for a fact that you’ve got all these ideas bubbling away in your mind. Your brain is just like the House, strange things around every corner. And I know that some of your ideas are spin-offs for us, and you know what? I reckon it’s about time you did something about it. Got it? Good. Ready when you are.”  

Eric: “Lady crazy?” 

What’s the strangest thing in your workspace? 

“I’ll put my hand up. It’s probably me!”  

Which character from your books would you most likely befriend? 

“I would love to befriend Eric because he is simply so gorgeous. My eldest child used to be (and still is!) very fond of Scandinavian trolls and had grown very frustrated that trolls were always portrayed as unkind or unlikable creatures in stories. I promised that I would write a troll that everyone would fall in love with—and so Eric came along. He is so wholesome that I know I would feel so safe and loved with him, which is exactly how Nine feels (even though she probably wouldn’t ever admit it in so many words). However, there is definitely a part of me that would like to get to know the Witch more. She is dangerous and unpredictable, but I thrive on a little bit of peril. I think there is a lot to discover about her as a person, and I’m sure there would be some excellent adventures—I just hope I’d make it out in one piece! At least Eric would be waiting for me with a cup of strawberry tea and some ‘interesting’ food at the end of the day.”