The year is 1983. Christian is 22 years old when he leaves his home in Denmark to spend a year in Florida with a very wealthy family and go to med-school. A joyful night out with friends is shattered by an encounter with a savage predator that changes his life forever. Soon he faces challenges he had never expected. A supernatural gift he has no idea how to embrace. A haunting family in the house next door. A spirit-filled girl who seems to carry all the answers. An ancient secret hidden in the swamps of Florida. One life never the same. One love that becomes an obsession. Two destinies that will be forever entangled.
Would you start by telling us about yourself and writing?
I am 35 years old, a mother of two young girls and currently living in Florida with my family. Originally I am from Denmark but three years ago we chose to leave the cold and move to the sunshine state where every day is a potential beach-day and where winter-boots are something you wear with your shorts when they bring in artificial snow in December for the kids to play in. I have written several books in Danish before I started writing in English. My Danish books are published in Denmark, Germany and Norway.
I wish I enjoyed playing in artifical snow, but I hate the cold too much. Winters, I bundle up so much that I look like Oversized Red Riding Hood. Savage is coming out June 15th. What inspired you to write it?
My daughters. I love the mind of little children. Their world is so magical. Their way of viewing everything inspired me to the world of the family of magical women living next door to where Christian lives when he first arrives in Florida. Women can be so strong and powerful.
Women are amazing. My mom almost single-handedly raised my brother and me while my dad worked. When did you know that you wanted to be an author?
I have always told stories. I remember telling stories to my friends as a child in school and making them forget that they had to go out and play for recess. Even my teacher would listen in and he told me to keep it up and to write them down. I wrote several notebooks filled with stories that he read. He encouraged me a lot. I went on to become a journalist and wrote my first novel when I was 28. It was published by one of the big Danish publishing houses.
Your teachers sounds really cool. He’s the kind of mentor that I read about and wish I had in real life. What do you enjoy most about writing paranormal and fantasy books?
Being able to use my imagination. I used to write mystery novels but that was so unfulfilling to me. I need to use my vivid imagination.
Your books explore much of the supernatural. Many of your characters have unique abilities. I like Halona’s ability to move things with her mind. I would never have to worry about my brother taking my seat at the couch again when I fetch something. Which character’s abilities do you envy the most?
I’d like to be able to read people’s minds like Aiyana can in the book. She hears people’s thoughts. It might be a little annoying from time to time. But it would be cool to always know what your kids are up to.
What books are on your TBR list?
John Irving’s newest: In One person.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Just that I love to write and I hope people will enjoy my books just as much. And I simply adore these characters in Savage so much that I am hoping to give each of them their own novel. I am planning on writing three books about Christian, my main character in Savage, one about the spirit-filled Native American girl Aiyana and about when she first found out who she really is, plus one about her sister Halona that does telekinesis and their grand-mother who predicts natural disasters.
About the author
Willow Rose writes YA Paranormal Romance and fantasy. Originally from Denmark she now lives on Florida’s Space Coast with her husband and two daughters. She is a huge fan of Anne Rice and Isabel Allende. When she is not writing or reading she enjoys to watch the dolphins play in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Cammie M. says
Like Willow, teachers are a big influence in my life too! Great interview!
Andra says
I love how children think as well. They are not limited in their imagination, which adults sometimes are.
(And just a little fun fact – I'm from Denmark as well!)
marybelle says
I'm not sure I'd like to read minds. To noisy & busy I think. I enjoyed the interview thank you. Great to find new to me authors.
Mary P