Author Interview: Sidney Hargrave

The end of August brings us an interview with Sidney. They chatted with us about how basically everything in the world inspires them, how they use music while creating, and how ambitious with their writing they were as a six-year-old.

Don’t forget, you can also follow them on twitter.

Let’s start at the beginning. How did you first get into writing?

My earliest writing memory is of an epic medieval romance I wrote when I was six years old. It was approximately ten pages long and was illustrated. What led me to this path I couldn’t tell you! What I can tell you is that I was an avid reader as a child, and at some point I must have decided that I wanted to write my own books!

What are your favourite genres to read and write?

I adore Fantasy and Science Fiction, but I also really love historical fiction. When it comes to writing, though, I tend to stand firmly in the Fantasy section, mostly Urban Fantasy.

And are there any genres or tropes you wouldn’t write?

I don’t think there are any I would actively avoid! I can’t really see myself writing a Western, but you never know!

How do you get inspiration for your books?

My inspiration largely comes from things I interact with on a daily basis. For example, one day I might be inspired by the magnolia trees at work, or the way shadows play on a crosswalk. Then, of course, there’s the media I consume. I still read a lot, and I follow many artists on social media. Sometimes, too, I get inspiration from conversations with friends! So it’s safe to say that my answer is; everywhere.

Do you have a writing playlist? And if you do, does it focus more on the lyrics or melodies, vibe of the songs?

Oh, honestly? I make a playlist for nearly every character I write, and then I cycle through them while I write. They’re largely based on the vibe more than the lyrics, though there are few exceptions to the rule. But I love music, and I can’t work without it.

What’s your writing process? At what point do you let other people read your drafts and who are they?

My process is hectic. It starts off with a solid outline, and from there it becomes something of a natural disaster. I like to write in pieces, then sew it together like a quilt. As for the rest, I actually let people read pretty early on. I only send it to my best friends, Noel and Rowan, first. But once I’ve really started developing a draft, I’ll branch out and let a few other close friends read!

Summarise your most recent/next book in up to 5 words and a meme.

Chaotic, egregious, bloodthirsty, rollercoaster, messy.

“What if I… the goddess of Vengeance… possessed you and destroyed the world? Ahaha just kidding… unless?”

Which three authors would you say influenced your writing the most?

Oof, this is tough. Definitely Susan Cooper, she was formative. Then Martha Wells and, if I’m honest, L.E. Modesitt, Jr.

If (when!) your book(s) were to be made into movies, who would you like to direct them?

Oh I don’t know directors! But I’d prefer POC and/or women/trans/nonbinary persons, 100%.

And for something that is also very important to us & what we put a lot of emphasis on when blogging. What does ownvoices LGBT representation mean to you?

It means the world, honestly. There’s almost nothing better than seeing LGBT content was made by a member of the community, because when I was growing up I almost never saw people like me. That visibility is super important, I think.

Rec us some great LGBT books you’ve read recently! One can never have enough recommendations!

Please read literally everything by J. Emery/Jessica Meyers, they are AMAZING. I’ve also enjoyed Sarah Gailey, Shira Glassman, Phoebe Barton, and M.A. Hinkle lately. Oh, and Noel Heimpel, who I think only has a webcomic out right now but has a fabulous novel in the works!

What’s one piece of advice you would like to give your younger self?

Stick with it, and stop being so scared of writing gay things! You will not burst into flame, I promise.

If you could have dinner with one member of the LGBT community, dead or alive, who would it be?

Sarah Gailey, actually! I feel like they would be a riot!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sidney Maris Hargrave, they/them, is a genderfluid gray-aro/ace writer living in Virginia. They have been writing professionally for over ten years, with two self-published works and a short-story on the way. In their free time they have an alarming tendency to write, draw, and even crochet. They live with two cats and their best friend, all of whom keep them on their toes.

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