Author Interview: Alma Katsu, author of The Taker

A Big Hooked on Books Welcome to 
Alama Katsu!

Alma Katsu is the author of the debut paranormal/historical fiction novel The Taker. She has a BA in Writing from Brandeis University (where she studied under John Irving) and an MA from the Johns Hopkins Writing Program. She lives with her husband in Virginia.

The Taker was released September 6 2011 and is published by Galley Books (an imprint of Simon and Schuster).

Make sure you check out my review of this amazing debut!



Christa: You've mentioned that there are some elements of Pinocchio hiding out in The Taker. Are there any other stories that influenced you while you were writing?

Alma: There are probably many stories that crept into The Taker from my subconscious. For instance, I was watching one of my favorite movies, Orlando (directed by Sally Potter), and I realized that some of The Taker’s lushness may have come from there. And Lanny’s life story is not unlike a type of “fallen woman” story—Fanny Hill and Moll Flanders springs to mind, as well as the more contemporary Slammerkin, by Emma Donoghue. The biggest influences on my writing are undoubtedly fairy tales, particularly the old versions, which were quite dark. There’s some Sleeping Beauty in The Taker (with Jonathan perhaps as the Beauty). And I might as well tell you that the fairy tale in the second book, The Reckoning, is Beauty and the Beast.

Christa: I know it's probably hard to choose, but what character in The Taker wasyour favourite to write?

Alma: It is hard to choose! Earlier versions of the book were written in multiple third person POV, so I got to be in the heads of all the main characters, and that was really eye-opening. There are sides to all of them that you
can’t see by looking only through Lanny’s eyes. Even though she thinks she knows the rest of them really well, there are things she doesn’t know, especially about Jonathan, and some of his secrets come out in the next
book. Believe it or not, I’d have to say Adair was the most fun to write, because he’s so tricky: arrogant and self-deluded at the same time.

Christa: What (if anything) can you tell us about your next book, The Reckoning?

Alma: The Reckoning picks up where The Taker left off—so I’ll leave it to you to imagine what comes next! Many of the characters return, including some that you might not expect (or thought possible). I hope it’s wild and fun for
readers, and surprising in the same ways that The Taker was.

Christa: Was it easier to write the second book? What were some of the challenges?

Alma: Writing the second book has been extremely challenging. Frightening, actually, trying to get it all right, hoping that it’s tricky enough, original enough, and that no one will be disappointed. Luckily, I’ve got an excellent
editor and she’s put a lot of work into The Reckoning and taught me a lot about storytelling.

Christa: Which cover do you like better – U.S. or U.K?

Alma: I love them both! They each have a different style, yet both fit the story well. I’ve been talking to Gallery about plans for the trade paperback cover, and I think it will be just as different and yet appropriate (sorry, can’t spill
any secrets, yet—we’re just at the idea stage.) The UK cover for The Reckoning is another gorgeous work by Daren Newman, the artist who did The Taker cover. And I’ve just seen the Italian cover and it is haunting—
but unfortunately it’s embargoed until publication!

Christa: Any plans to come visit us up in Canada?

Alma: No plans yet but I would love to. Maybe if I beg and plead with the
publisher…

Christa: What upcoming fall/winter books are you the most excited for?

I’ve picked one up already, REAMDE by Neal Stephenson. I will certainly get the new Murakami, 1Q84, when it comes out. I’ve been so busy with revisions to the second book and launching the first book that I’ve fallen behind on book news, I’m afraid. And there are about forty books in my
TBR pile, I’ve sort of stopped thinking of acquiring more.


Christa: Thank you very much Alma for stopping by and answering some questions! I personally loved The Taker and I can not wait for The Reckoning!

If you haven't read The Taker yet (or if you've read it and want your own copy) well then make sure you enter my Fall into Fall Giveaway! It's one of the books available to be won and it's open internationally!

Click Here to Enter!