A: In some respects. Zaria and I are both avid readers. She likes mythology and fantasy and so do I, but I also like many other genres of fiction. Like Zaria I had one friend at a time until suddenly I had many. Unlike Zaria, I’m not sure I would have been able to climb onto a wyvern and pull a spear from his back. In that respect she is a lot braver than me. I do not intend to get that close to wild animals.
Secret of Gloomwood Forest
Zaria Fierce’s Birthday Fashion
This is how I imagined Zaria’s birthday outfit:
Black Fleece Wool Dress from Brooks Brothers
Stand Collar Long Wool Blend Coat (Petite) from Nordstrom’s
Lyssé Control Top Leggings from Nordstrom’s
Red Plaid Hair Bow in Vintage Fabric from BeSomethingNew on Etsy
Journee Collection Women’s ‘Shelley-3’ Slouch Mid-Calf Microsuede Boot from Overstock
Poll: How do you picture Geirr Engelstad?
When you’re reading Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest how do you picture Geirr Engelstad? Does he remind you of Tyrel Jackson Williams (Lab Rats) or do you see him more as Jaden Harmon (Drop Dead Diva)?
Q: Why is Zaria Fierce wimpy?
A: A girl is usually considered in the role of damsel in distress. She’s not often considered to have the strength and courage it takes to save the day. Even Zaria doesn’t think she’s brave, or strong, or heroic at the start of Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest, but she is, and she’s about to find it out for herself.
Poll: How do you picture Aleks Mickelsen?
When you’re reading Zaria Fierce and the Secret of Gloomwood Forest how do you picture Aleks Mickelsen? Do you picture him as Kyle Red Silverstein (Blended)? Or do you envision him as Toby Nichols (22 Jump Street)?
Q: How did you choose Zaria Fierce as the name for the main character?
A: I have a friend whose name is Zarabeth and I always thought it was cool that her name began with a ‘Z,’ so I started there. Obviously, I couldn’t just use her name so I thought of other ways to say ‘Sarah.’ There are a lot! I settled on Zaria because Zaria means princess which has significance in the story.
Her last name came to me very quickly. Zaria would be a girl who longed for adventure, but didn’t think she was capable of it because she was shy. Zaria Timid is silly, but Zaria Fierce is not. And, fierceness is the characteristic she will learn that she has had all along.
