The following is an interview with Cynthia Pelayo regarding the upcoming release of her novel, Forgotten Sisters, through Thomas & Mercer. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Pelayo about her creative experience in adapting Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid for modern audiences, what she hopes that readers may take away from the story, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Forgotten Sisters! What are you most excited for readers to experience with this modern-day retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, and what served as its inspiration?
Cynthia Pelayo: I’m most excited for readers to be introduced to the sisters in the novel, Anna and Jennie, and to slowly follow along as the mystery unfolds.
The story is inspired largely by the sinking of the S.S. Eastland, which rolled over in the Chicago River on July 24, 1915. Hundreds died and it’s one of the worst maritime disasters in United States history. Also, the story deals with a recent series of unexplained drownings of young men in the Chicago River.
BD: The creative process of approaching an adaptation of a prior work – especially one as well known as The Little Mermaid – can be a daunting experience. How would you describe your approach to breathing new life into the story, and what did you find to be most rewarding/challenging about the process?
CP: Most people are going to be familiar with the Disney version of The Little Mermaid and not Hans Christian Andersen’s version, which is quite tragic. My recent novels are all fairy tale adaptations, but they’re not straight adaptations which follows the overall fairy tale narrative. Much of what I do is layering elements of the fairy tale which complements the new tale I am telling. For Forgotten Sisters, much of what I borrowed from Hans Christian Andersen’s tale are the aspects of longing and suffering in which the little mermaid encountered all for love.
BD: What makes Thomas & Mercer the perfect home for this story?
CP: Thomas & Mercer is able to give this story a massive platform, and I wanted as many people to read and learn about the S.S. Eastland as possible.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that Anna and Jennie’s story may connect with and impact today’s readers?
CP: I think what Anna and Jennie tell us is that love is important, the love for one another. What their story also tells us is that sometimes people will navigate their entire lifetime searching for love, because it’s that vital.
Love is the only thing that really matters across space and time.
BD: Are there any other upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
CP: I can say that my next novel is an adaptation of Charles Perrault’s The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood. That will be released in 2025 by Thomas & Mercer.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Forgotten Sisters and your other work?
CP: They can find me at my website, cinapelayo.com, or on Instagram, cynthiapelayoauthor.
Thank you!
