Today, I’m excited to be interviewing with Jodi Lynn Anderosn as part of the blog tour for her latest YA title Tiger Lily, a brilliant work of literature. I fell in love with the book from the first pages.
Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair. . . .
Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn’t believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland and immediately falls under his spell.
Peter is unlike anyone she’s ever known. Impetuous and brave, he both scares and enthralls her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland’s inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything—her family, her future—to be with him. When she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she’s always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter.
With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it’s the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who’s everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart.
Author Bio
I write books about vaguely magical peach orchards, resorts in the afterlife, enigmatic island princesses beloved by Tinkerbell, and…civics! I was an awkward and strange child who kept lots of secrets. Now I live with a sweet Basenji dog named Peanut who loves to eat shoes, and a sweet husband who is good at all the things I’m bad at, like being organized and thinking things through. I’ve loved writing and reading about mythical and strange things since I can remember.
Thanks for joining us today, Jodi! First, would you tell us a little about yourself and how you become a writer?
Excellent questions! Thank you!
I was a secretive child and I kept secret notebooks under my bed filled with stories and journal entries. I was always so private about my writing, and I never dreamed I’d publish books. I studied English literature in college but was too shy to take a writing class – still, all that reading helped to mold the way I wrote. Eventually I became an editor, because I loved working with other people on their books. And eventually, all that editing helped me lose my shyness and start sharing my own writing. From there it just grew – I left my job to write full time.
What inspired you to retell Peter Pan with the focus on Tiger Lily, and why through Tink’s perspective?
J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan and Wendy is one of my favorite books. During a late night conversation with my best friend about book characters whose stories hadn’t been told, I thought of the native princess Tiger Lily. I started asking myself why, with a courageous and beautiful girl like her on the island, Peter would have devoted himself to Wendy. And that was it: I had a strong, sudden sense of a great and difficult love story, and two people letting each other down, and I felt like I had to write it. I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
I’m so glad that you decided to do so. I love the new take on Neverland. I’m sure a lot of us are asking the same question: Why did you decide to make it as dark and dangerous a world as it is?
I really tried to take a cue off of Barrie’s original book, in which Neverland is such a dangerous place. In Barrie’s story, it represents the darkest and wildest parts of our imaginations. So I wanted everything to be truly scary; the pirates are seriously creepy, the mermaids are deadly. And I wanted to contrast that to the appeal of safe, civilized, far-away London – I wanted London to dangle like a carrot in the distance, tempting Peter and the lost boys with its safety. Iwanted there to be this conflict between being true to the wilderness in one’s soul, and being comfortable and safe.
Many of the characters’ actions are reminiscent of the original story, yet they are different at the same time. What kind of challenges did you face while retelling the story in a new fashion and keeping true to it at the same time?
I have such deep respect for the original book, which is such a masterpiece! I knew I was walking on tender ground, and that making Peter older was taking a huge liberty. But I tried to respectfully stick to Barrie’s themes: growing up, individuality, loss. And I tried to touch playfully on all the major story points: the crocodile with the clock in its belly, for instance (in my version, the clock belongs to Tiger Lily’s father, who loves gadgets). Also, in the past, Tiger Lily’s tribe has been portrayed pretty offensively, so I tried to approach that very tenderly and consciously. I tried to base the tribe on small town life in general, rather than on any real group of tribal people: I tried to take small town life to fairy tale proportions. The whole thing was a tender process – I felt like I was carrying a precious and breakable egg and trying not to drop it!
I appreciate how you took liberties while balancing it with the original story. It is what makes Tiger Lily such a unique and wonderful read. Peter is a boy who hasn’t fully matured, yet he’s shouldered the great responsibility of caring for the lost boys in a dangerous world, forcing him to grow up a bit quickly. How did you balance his vulnerability with his leadership role?
That was definitely tough, and I turned to the original story a lot for clues on how to deal with that. I tried my best to show Peter’s inner conflicts – he’s constantly strong but also, constantly vulnerable. One minute, you think he doesn’t have a care in the world, and the next, it seems like the weight of the world is on his shoulders. With the lost boys, it’s this combination of wanting to lead them but also, wanting to be taken care of. That’s where Wendy comes in.
Peter is a wonderfully complex character, and it really shows through his actions. How have the characters changed since you first envisioned them? Was there a character in particular that surprised you?
Tik Tok and Pine Sap seemed to come out of nowhere as I wrote, which is so weird, because now the story couldn’t exist without them! Tik Tok, with his love of wearing dresses and giving himself fancy hair-dos–combined with his wisdom about human nature–stole my heart. And Pine Sap…he’s Tiger Lily’s best friend and unconditional ally. To me, he is a true hero.
I adored Pine Sap as well and was so glad that he was a constant throughout the story. Do you see Neverland as being an island in our world? Why did you decide to make the setting as it is?
Interesting question! I picture Neverland as an isolated tropical island — somewhere far off the beaten path (it doesn’t come up on Trip Advisor, but it’s still out there!) I like the idea that reality can be magical, so instead of making Neverland fantastical, I made it isolated — so that life could have evolved differently there: hence the mermaids, and faeries, and people who never grow old. Also, it’s so interesting to me that just a couple of hundred years ago, people didn’t know what surprises lurked on the other side of the globe: it seemed pretty possible to them that there might be sea monsters and mermaids. I love trying to put myself in those shoes.
We all know how Peter’s story will end and thus where a part of Tiger Lily’s story ends. Where do you feel the heart of your story is and how did you go about getting there?
I think the heart of this story is the idea that a love that doesn’t work can still be a great love, and can still change your life in enormous ways. At heart, this is a true and difficult love story.
What can readers next expect from you?
I’m working on a chilly ghost story set on a peninsula in Wisconsin, about two girls who live next door to each other but have vastly different lives. And I’m working on a middle grade book called The Ordinary World, about a journey across the earth.
Holly says
Really great interview!I've really been wanting to read Tiger Lily since it came out, but reading this interview makes me want to read it more! I love how she came up with the process!
Fall Into Books says
I've been so curious about this book. I didn't know it was from Tinkerbell's perspective. Now I HAVE to read it!
Roxana Zuziac says
I love the cover. The book looks amazing and I can't wait to read it.
Thank you for the interview!
roro says
fun post
Rubita says
I never wondered too much about Tiger Lily because she doesn't get much attention. She was, at best, a peripheral character. But I like the idea of expanding on peripheral characters!
Hushed Paradox says
I love how her and Elizabeth Norris all kept secret notebooks with their stories. Great interview.
Lexi says
I love her inspiration for writing Tiger Lily. I can't wait to read it and I didn't expect it to be from Tink's perspective!
Helene says
I love Jodi's point of view on love. I can't wait to read this book. I love retellings of fairytales 🙂
Jennii says
This book makes me want to read it in the most painful way… I feel like I'll be unhappy that they don't end up together, but it's so intriguing as a concept.
Cordelia Fitzgerald says
I was originally iffy about this book bc how do you force a YA theme onto a children's book? But after reading the interview I see that there is much more than the childishness that is portrayed in the Disney version. To delve into the emotional infrastructure of Peter and Tiger Lily actually sounds incredibly interesting and appeals to a more mature audience without removing the magic of the original story.
Chi Kittie says
Wow, such a lovely interview. I love hearing the authors take of Neverland and Peterpan. I also love that the book is being told from Tinkerbells POV. Very cool and original.
– Beckie
Disincentive says
Oh my. I loved Peter Pan. I also kept notebooks and journals under my bed! Wait… I still do. Her next book seems amazing, too! 😀
Sally@Always Lost in Stories says
I love the idea of seeing the Peter Pan story from Tiger Lily's perspective (a fairly minor character in the original).
Thanks for this giveaway- great interview!
Lili says
I loved Peter Pan as a kid, but I loved the movies, I've never read the book. I really want to read the actual book.
wni says
I would love to win this book! Heard so many good things about this one.
Jen says
I am a huge Peter Pan fan. This is the first time I've seen a book like this!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway.
Lori says
I can't wait to read this book. I love retellings, especially when they are respectful of the originals and give off a similar feel. I can't wait to see how Jodi portrays Neverland and I'm also looking forward to her updated Tiger Lily. I need to get Disney's portrayal of her out of my head. Thanks for the great interview and the giveaway!
Carl says
I'm so glad to hear that there is a somewhat dark feel to the book. It does echo Barrie's original and in my opinion makes the book much more interesting. Thanks for the interview and the giveaway.
Anonymous says
I've been hearing so much about this book, but only realised now that it is about Peter Pan… Peter Pan was my favourite book as a little girl! This sounds amazing, and thanks for the great author interview too.
Andra says
I've always loved the Peter Pan story. And it seems like a great idea discovering a story within a story, like you did with Tiger Lily. 🙂
claireja says
Peter Pan is one of my favorite fairy tales, so I'm super excited to read this one!
Catalina L. L. says
Thanks for the unintentional writing tips- they gave me some good ideas . I can't wait to read this book, as I like most non-happily-ever-afters (or at least books that defy the love at first sight is guaranteed to last forever model) It should be a refreshing change for me.
Tasnim says
I'm dying to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Cara says
Based on your review, I am really interested in this book! I was always a sucker for Peter Pan when I was younger. I'd love to read this twist on the story.
The Blonde Zombie says
Thank you for the giveaway, I REALLY look forward to reading this book. Such a great interview, I like how Jodi decided to go darker with this story 🙂
The Romance Bookie says
I love how she came up with "Tiger Lily"! It seems to happen sometimes at the most random times! Love it! 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway! I've wanted to read this one for quite some time now! 🙂
Soma Rostam says
I love how the author is trying to change the original story of Peter Pan, gosh! how can he leave a girl that loves him for someone else? I am beginning to hate Wendy, anyway. Thanks so much for the wonderful giveaway
deasuluna says
I love what she said about trying to really bring out Peter's inner conflicts and how they made him who he was that though he's strong and caring he is vulnerable like all the others, he is the first lost boy after all! Thanks for the chance at this great giveaway!
Evie says
Tik Tok seems to be such an interesting character. Now I want to read more about him.
Thanks a lot for the giveaway!
Erika says
I love hearing how you were inspired to write about these two characters and hope to get a chance to read it soon! Thank you!
Maria pronounced Mariah says
This is an idea I have yet to hear any other author come up with. I am looking forward to seeing this fairy tale retold in what I am sure is a truly new and unique way!
Thanks so much!
Na says
I like like why you made your setting isolated. I can totally see new life growing and changing in this isolation. It's not something I really thought about but it makes good sense.
Amanda Ray says
I have read about this book on several blogs- each time I do, makes me want to read the book even more. I have added the book to my TBR list. Great review of what sounds to be a great book!
Debz says
I love hearing how authors come up with their stories. Tiger Lily looks like a wonderful book, and I don't know why I still haven't read it! I'll have to added this to my TBR pile during my next book splurge!
A Backwards Story says
I loved seeing the origin story about why you wrote Tiger Lily's story, Jodi. Also, thank you for telling us about how you handled developing your world. It adds a new layer to my respect for your lovely new novel!
fourheadjen says
Wow, one of the best interviews I've read! Really difficult questions to answer 🙂
I need this book now!! I'd love to see Jodi's new take on it and get something new out of this book, as with all books.
88dreamers says
Thanks for the great interview, some very good questions there 🙂
Natalie Aguirre says
Awesome interview. This sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Tore says
I really want to read this book. I love reading Peter Pan and Wendy. I love that the author added Tiger Lily someone before Lily for Peter. Thanks for the giveaway. Tore923@aol.com
Maidenveil says
I'm looking forward to this book! I love that a minor character is given a story/voice of her own.
Beczy says
Peter Pan is a book I've always wanted to read. I'm sure I'll get around to it some day, but in the mean time Tiger Lily sounds wonderful. I've had my eye on it for a while and can't wait for the opportunity to read it.
Jen says
I've been hearing soooo sooo much about this book and i really want to read it lol. I LOVE Peter Pan, it's one of my favorite stories ever and one of my favorite movies ever. I can't wait to read this new take on Peter Pan.
-JennyC