The following is an interview with bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken regarding the upcoming release of the romantasy novel, Fallen Gods, through Red Tower Books. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Van Dyken about the creative process of bringing the story and characters to life on the page, what readers may take away from the story’s themes, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Fallen Gods! What are you most excited for readers to experience with this modern-day retelling of Norse mythology, based in your own Norwegian heritage?
Rachel Van Dyken: Thank you so much! I’m so thrilled to share this book with everyone; it feels like I’ve been waiting forever! I think I’m most excited for readers to experience Norse Mythology in a University setting. The book has a really eerie, yet believable, feel—I want them to think they’re about to run into Odin during their next Starbucks break.
BD: How would you describe your creative approach to bringing this world and characters to life on the page, especially in light of your deft work in weaving fantasy, romance, and Norse mythology into your narrative?
RVD: I did a lot of research and, thankfully, my grandpa (who has since passed) on my dad’s side had a plethora of Norse Mythology books, as well as poems, etc. he passed down to me. I used them as a reference point and then tried to come up with a really cool world where Gods walk amongst us. I have an extensive list of mafia books, too, so it was kind of like blending what I normally write into a fantasy novel which made it really fun.
BD: What makes Red Tower Books the perfect publishing home for this story?
RVD: Red Tower is incredible at taking chances on different sorts of stories. They have romance, space odysseys, urban fantasy, villain heroes, pirates—honestly, the list goes on and on. The minute I introduced the concept, they were really excited about which I’m so thankful for.
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 this story may connect with and impact today’s readers?
RVD: This story deals a lot with identity and that’s something that really impacts not just our young people, but ourselves as a society right now. Who are you, what defines you, what makes you, you, and what makes you stand for what you believe in. It also really stresses the point of redemption and knowing that you aren’t where you are born or what your parents say you are. I hope it challenges people not to settle for being told “who” they are supposed to be but help them ask the question of what they want to be known for.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
RVD: Some of my favorite past projects are my mafia romances (Eagle Elite) which focus on the Cosa Nostra, as well as my paranormal fantasy, The Dark Ones, which is based entirely on the book of Enoch and fallen angels. This may be my first real fantasy, but I’ve been writing in the trenches a really long time.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Fallen Gods and your other work?
RVD: The best way to connect with me is Instagram (@RachVD) and on Facebook! I’m really active in both places and love connecting with readers!
