Author Interview: I. V. Marie

Get the inside scoop on ‘Immortal Consequences’!

I. V. Marie is the author of our August YA ‘Behind the Veil’ featured book: Immortal Consequences. Read on to get the inside scoop from inspiration to favourite scenes and more!

What inspired you to write Immortal Consequences?

This book is truly the love child of all the things that bring me so much joy as an avid reader of YA Fantasy – a magical school, dangerous trials, banter and tension, a cast of complicated yet loveable characters – but it’s also so much more than that. It’s also very much a love letter to those of us who have endured the unrelenting waves of grief and learned not to drown. 

Did you have to do any special research for Immortal Consequences?#

I did quite a bit of research focused on university campuses – especially ones with Gothic-inspired architecture. I really wanted to paint a vivid image of Blackwood before diving into the world, and drawing inspiration from real-life campuses really helped spark those initial ideas.

Describe Immortal Consequences in 5 words

So. Much. Banter. And. Yearning.

Can you tell us about your writing process?

I like to call myself a discovery writer. As much as I’d love to be a planner with a super detailed outline, my brain just does not work that way. I usually write the first 10-20,000 words without any sort of outline, and once I discover the characters and world a bit better, I can start creating a (flexible) outline for the rest of the book!

What was your favourite scene to write and why?

Ooh, this is a hard one! There were so many scenes that I truly loved to write, but I’d have to say the ball sequence was a particular favourite. I mean, who doesn’t love a dramatic ball scene? Also, any time I get to write banter of any form, I’m a happy writer. 

Did you listen to any particular songs/playlists whilst you wrote this?

Yes! I love writing to music – I absolutely cannot write in silence. But it has to be instrumental. So lots of classical music and film scores. One of my all-time favourites that I listened to a lot while writing the third act is On the Nature of Daylight. I can listen to that song over and over and it simply never gets old.

When you write, do you have any go-to snacks? If so, what are they?

Honestly, I don’t think I could write and eat at the same time! I’m usually so immersed in what I’m writing that I’m barely a functioning human, haha. But I do always have at least one drink, usually tea or coffee. Something warm to sip on.

What did you find most challenging about writing this book?

The most challenging aspect was definitely making sure I didn’t somehow end up with 300,000 words, haha! I’m definitely an over-writer, and I find myself getting a bit carried away, especially with 6 POVs! The extended Isa cut would have probably been two hundred more pages of action and banter – but that would be an extremely long book!

What can you tell us (if anything) about the sequel?

Well, as I type this, I can officially say the first draft is complete! One little piece of book 2 info I can divulge is that the scope of the world becomes a lot larger. In Immortal Consequences, much of the action is confined to Blackwood and it’s much more insular – whereas in Book 2, we get to explore the depths of purgatory a bit more.