Magic and Madness: Interview with Mariah Rae Birch, author of Her Pretty Knight
Let's talk about her debut sapphic romantasy, her writing process, and more!
Hi! I’m Ivy L. James, poet and author of queer contemporary romance. I have 3 books under my belt, with a fourth releasing 29 Oct 24. I’m also making my foray into sapphic fantasy romance—which is how I met our interviewee of the day, Mariah Rae Birch!
Mariah recently debuted with Her Pretty Knight, a sapphic princess/bodyguard romantasy. It’s the first in a series of standalones set in the same world, which is perfect for me, because I’m already obsessed.
Now, I’m a picky reader. The story itself has to be good, the characters have to resonate, AND the narrative style has to draw me in. Her Pretty Knight has all three. And a lovely cover doesn’t hurt…
Blurb for Her Pretty Knight
An addictive forbidden romance between a fake princess and her bodyguard…
After losing everything ten years ago, Sir Galeon has dedicated her life to serving her kingdom as a knight. When the prince entrusts her with guarding his soon-to-be bride in his arranged marriage, Galeon does not expect to have her heart captured by the confounding princess.
Della has more than one deadly secret. Not only is she pretending to be Princess Cordelia, but she is also a witch in a world where magic is as dangerous as it is illegal. Her ability to manipulate death is the reason she is here, and her only way out. The last thing she wants is an overly loyal knight following her everywhere.
Della knows that Galeon can never learn her secrets. And Galeon knows the prince's bride is entirely off-limits.
As reluctant proximity turns to tentative trust, initial attraction becomes burning desire. What should have been simple becomes terribly complicated.
Yet nothing will stop Della from fulfilling the bargain she made to save her sister. Not even an inconveniently timed baby phoenix or rumors of false identity. Not even murdered corpses in the library or a jealous prince.
Not even a pretty knight.
The first in a series of stand-alone stories set in the same world, this slow burn steamy queer romantasy is inspired by classic fairy tales and Arthurian legend, where the shining knight is a scarred woman, the princess is also the witch, and the prince is anything but charming.
This story contains grief, violence, explicit language, and a guaranteed HEA.
Interview with Mariah Rae Birch
1. To start off, tell me about your writing journey! When did you first start writing seriously? When did you decide you wanted to publish?
I’ve been writing since I can remember, but I finished my first complete novel in November of 2022, when I quit my corporate day job of eight years. Before starting my new job search, I gave myself a few months to write and recharge, and it was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.
I used to stifle my own creativity by worrying what others would think of my writing, and I left a lot of projects unfinished. When I let go of that expectation and wrote only for myself, I created something that I finally wanted to share. Publishing has always been a dream of mine, and I’m super excited that Her Pretty Knight gets to be my debut.
2. What inspired you to write Her Pretty Knight? Has it changed in any major ways since conception?
The idea started in fall 2023. All I knew was that I wanted to write a sapphic knight bodyguard romance romp. Originally, it was only going to be a single POV from Della’s (witch/fake princess) perspective. I wrote the opening scene with Galeon (lady knight) and the prince, partially as an experiment to get to know the characters, and knew I wanted more from Galeon. Once I started writing, it poured out of me, and I finished the first draft in about three weeks.
3. Are there any media influences (books, films, art, etc.) for Her Pretty Knight?
I drew inspiration from an amalgamation of classic fairy tales, and from film and TV shows I was raised on, such as the BBC’s “Merlin” TV series, “A Knight’s Tale” and “The Princess Bride.” I also listened to Hildegard von Blingin’ music on repeat while drafting.
4. What draws you to write sapphic romantasy?
Sapphic and queer romances are my favorite, and I also prefer alternate worlds and historical settings. I want to give my characters a world where their happy ending isn’t constrained by their sexuality. So, romantasy offers a lot of freedom to be creative.
5. Your Sapphic Lady Knights series has an interesting take on magic: it’s a disease that can consume the user. What inspired that?
My favorite magic systems are ones that have consequences. And while most of the magic systems I’ve encountered require recharging of some sort, I wanted mine to be something that was dangerously abundant.
6. What themes and symbolism do you enjoy exploring the most in your works?
I love to write love stories. Primarily romantic love, but I also enjoy exploring other relationships. Found family and siblings are particularly satisfying to write.
7. What does your writing process look like? How do you stay organized?
I learn my characters by writing them, and generally let them run wild to tell the story, so I don’t do well with detailed plotting before I begin. I usually have a destination and several strong anchor points (scenes or beats) that I work toward, but a lot of it occurs organically as I go. I use writing software that helps me stay focused and where I can organize and move scenes around easily, which is helpful during both the drafting and editing stages.
8. What are future works you’re excited to bring to life?
I have two more stories in the Sapphic Lady Knights series started, and several other series planned in other worlds!
Handy Links
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