Today is the first official day of Autumn, at least in the United States. This is the perfect season for all things superheroes – the TV shows like The Flash and Supergirl are coming back and in theaters, we’ll soon be seeing Justice League and the new Thor film. I, for one, can’t wait for all things superhero, and that includes superhero themed books like Dreadnought and the sequel Sovereign by April Daniels – both out now!
Author Interview With April Daniels
1. How did the idea for Danny’s story first come to you? Did it start with the superheroes, a character, something else?
It sort of all gelled at once. I decided I wanted to write the book I wish I’d had when I was 15, and I wanted it to be a blatant power fantasy for trans girls. Superheroes naturally fit that goal, so that’s what I went with. Generally, that’s how my process works. I get the really high concept idea first, and I start filling out the details from there.
2. How did the superhero name Dreadnought come about?
I knew that the protagonist needed a good name or else the book wouldn’t work, so I spent a while brainstorming options. Several of them that I didn’t pick, like Carapace, ended up becoming supporting characters instead. Eventually I hit on the idea of looking at Wikipedia’s list of British warships, since the Brits tend to be super dramatic and hardcore about the names in their navy. Dreadnought was at the top of the list, and I stopped reading at that point.
3. Who are your favorite superheroes?
I am tremendously bad at picking favorites. Sorry.
4. Did you always plan on Danny’s story being a duology? Any plan for more superhero books?
Yes, I plan on revisiting these characters and this setting. It’s a little early to say exactly how, but I’m very excited to return to this story.
Want to
buy your own copies?
Giveaway Time!
Three winners will win a copy of Sovereign (e-book or physical)
U.S. only – giveaway ends Friday, October 6th
Publisher sponsoring giveaway; I am not responsible for lost or stolen items
Must be 18+ to enter, or have parent permission
Use the Rafflecopter below to enter the giveaway – and good luck!
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Looks like a fun duology! Good luck with the book!!
Great name BTW… 🙂
Everyone has to have a favourite superhero!
Great interview though!
Hahaha I am not sure I would know who to choose for a favorite super hero, either!
Author interviews are so fun! I can see how it would be hard for a superhero aficionado to pick a favorite!
Great interview! I’ve never really read super hero books or watch shows, but I just recently watched the Flash with my son and loved it. Now, I’m thinking I need to read and watch more. So, maybe I’ll start with these!
These books sound fun!
I can’t believe it’s the first day of Autumn. Where does the time go?! Also it’s been upwards of 90 degrees and I’m just really tired of shaving my legs, if I’m being completely honest. Enough already. I want my cableknit sweaters and longjohns 🙂
I always love to read about the writing process from authors, so I found that part in particular to be fascinating. Also is it superhero season? I had no idea! Thanks for sharing and hope you have a great weekend!
I have a hard time picking a favorite super too! What a great book. Just entered your fab giveaway 🙂
Great interview! It’s fun to learn a little of the backstory from the author.
I always enjoy author interviews 🙂
Enjoy your weekend and the start of fall.
This book sounds fantastic! Like you I can’t get enough of superheroes, and I love how the characters name for this book came about! Thank you for sharing this post with us!
I love it when books are written because it’s what the author/s wanted when they were younger. I recently saw someone say that you shouldn’t do that, that you should be writing for the kids of now. But I think by writing what you wanted to see as a teen you’re giving that to the teens that want it now, as well!
I love the story of how Dreadnought’s name was chosen – it’s so interesting!
I hope whoever wins the giveaway loves the book 😀
Sounds like a fun adventure with superhero powers!
I’m not a huge superhero fan, but my husband and son are!! They love movies and books. I’ll have to ask them if they’ve heard of this one.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Awesome interview! You make me curious about the books and this author. I’l check them out. Thank you for sharing. Oh thank you for the giveaway too. ?❤️