Kalyn Josephson currently works as a Technical Writer in the tech industry, which leaves room for too many bad puns about technically being a writer. Though she grew up in San Luis Obispo, California, she graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Biology and a degree in English (Creative Writing). Currently, she lives in the Bay Area with four awesome friends (because it’s the Bay Area and she’d like to be able to retire one day) and two black cats (who are more like a tiny dragon and an ever tinier owl). THE STORM CROW is her debut novel.
I’m so excited for The Storm Crow! Can you describe this book in 3 words?
Giant magical crows!
Do you have a real-life inspiration for Thia and Caliza?
There are bits and pieces of me in all my characters, but the two of them aren’t based on anyone specific. The main inspiration I drew on was my own experience with depression, which is reflected in Thia.
What is the most surprising thing you’ve ever had to research for this book?
Nothing too surprising, but definitely some really cool stuff! I did a lot of research into flight mechanics and the biology of crows, which was really fascinating. For example, did you know crows hold grudges? So be nice! 😉
Who are your writing role models?
Laini Taylor is one of my favorite authors and also the writer who inspired me to try my hand at writing a book. Her prose is just so lush and beautiful. Another is V.E. Schwab, who has a knack for creating characters I’d die for and plots that are utterly engrossing.
What was one of your favorite books growing up, and did it inspire you to write?
Unsurprisingly, I loved the Harry Potter books! The magical world definitely inspired me to create my own. But it was DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor that really set me going.
If you could take any object from your book and make it real, what would you choose? Why?
I’d choose Thia’s black gold bow. Black gold is a metal made from the feathers of battle crows, and it’s this beautiful midnight black with veins of gold. Plus, I love archery! Once upon a time I was even actually kind of good at it.
INTERVIEW : YA SH3LF