Interviews

Below you will find an interview between Sarah Fanning and myself about the writing of Starblood. I have also added links to two other interviews which can be found on blogs.

The text below is a transcript of an interview conducted by Sarah Fanning.


Sarah – What was your inspiration for writing Starblood?

Carmilla – “They” always tell you to write what you know. I’ve been part of the Gothic subculture for over twenty years. It holds a mystery and glamour that seduces many and frightens others. I wanted to write about that, and to show that Goths are fully rounded human beings too.

Sarah - With which character do you identify most? Why?

Carmilla – Probably unsurprisingly, I’d have to say Star. All my life I’ve struggled with one aspect of my personality or another. I cannot say I’ve ever felt like anything other than a misfit. I identify with her confusion and her desire to be true to herself while at the same time burying, as deep as she can, those aspects of herself she does not like.

Sarah – Are there any parts of Starblood that you’ve drawn from your life?

Carmilla – Well the Goth club was inspired by clubs I’ve frequented, but it is a work of fiction and imagination rather than a portrayal of people I know or events I’ve witnessed.

Sarah – You touch on the horrible hate-fueled murder of Sophie Lancaster (link to http://www.sophielancasterfoundation.com/), do you feel Starblood can help make a difference in eradicating intolerance and hate crimes?

Carmilla – In all honesty, no. I think there are so many forces in the modern world pressurising people to find scapegoats for their problems, I would be naïve if I thought one book, and a work of fiction at that, could make a difference. I would, of course, be delighted if it did.

Sarah – Magick and religious elements both influence Starblood. Do you feel that they are intertwined with the Goth subculture?

Carmilla – I believe magic and religion are intertwined in life. Worship of any entity creates an energy that magic can release. I do not believe that religion and magic are more prevalent in the Goth scene than in other cultures.

Sarah – There are many similarities between Raven and Lilith – is Star’s reaction to Lilith influenced by her feelings toward Raven?

Carmilla – While Raven is certainly in touch with her Lilith aspect, her aggression and need to be in control mask a lack of self-confidence. Star, of course, does not understand this and her image of both women become blurred as a result.

Sarah – If you were to lead a book group discussion on Starblood, on what would you focus?

Carmilla – I’d probably focus on the sexual themes of the book. I’ve always been interested in the way people are so easily controlled by their sexuality, and that theme is repeated throughout the book. As a species we strive to be civilised and look towards material goals to complete us, and yet our, often denied, sexualities always seem to have the last laugh at our expense.

http://soiwrotethisbook.blogspot.com/2011/05/author-interview-carmilla-voiez.html

http://www.birdsontheblog.co.uk/interview-with-carmilla-voiez-author-of-starblood/