Tansy Raynor Roberts- 10 Questions (2023)

1. Why did you initially decide to write a book?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember! I loved fantasy novels as a teenager and started writing one of my own at the age of 13…

2. What genres do you enjoy reading?

Gaslamp & court intrigue fantasy, traditional English mysteries, historical non-fiction and LGBTQ romance.

3. What do you love most about being an author?

I love the act of feeling a story come together from a few ideas to something solid on the page. I love talking to readers, as well! Book people are the best people.

4. What is currently on your TO BE READ pile?

Circe by Madeline Miller, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton, and two separate books about death traditions in Ancient Rome.

5. What drew you to the subject of your latest novel?

I’ve always been obsessed with the houses in costume dramas, from Upstairs Downstairs to Downton Abbey. My latest series is Gaslamp fantasy about a fairy governess tangled in strange magics – the first book, Gate Sinister, was set in a country manor with a magical garden and a gate into the Forest of Arden. The sequel, House Perilous, released in April 2023, is about a London townhouse that hates you, an enchantress who has men locked in her cellar, and a fairy murderer on the loose. It’s so much fun.

6. Where is your novel set? (If you write fantasy, how would you best describe the world of your latest novel)?

An alternate version of Victorian London, where faeries are real but exiled, society is obsessed with love philtres, and all manner of mythology collides. House Perilous is set mostly in London.

7. What’s the most interesting book you’ve read in the last year – and why?

I’ve just been raving to people about Jodi McAlister’s latest rom coms, Here For The Right Reasons and Can I Steal You For A Second? They’re set in a Bachelor-ish reality TV series in Australia at the beginning of the pandemic, and both follow couples (during the same competition) who are not supposed to get together: The Romeo & the contestant he rejected on the first night, and then two female contestants. The books are so smart and funny, the perfect balance of escapism and sharp media commentary. Plus they’re SO AUSTRALIAN OMG.

8. What authors do you love to follow?

I’m always interested in what Courtney Milan has to say, whether it’s about self-publishing, real life activism, or the legal ramifications of Mr Wickham’s actions in Pride and Prejudice. Stephanie Burgis is one of my book sisters – I love everything she writes, and follow her everywhere online. I will read absolutely anything written by KJ Charles, Sarah Rees Brennan, Natalie Haynes and Gail Carriger.

9. Do you prefer paperbacks, hardbacks or ebooks, as a reader – and why?

I love paperbacks – I like to own them and lend them out and arrange them on my bookshelves. But honestly I read ebooks more often. Hardbacks I only endure under sufferance or if they are extremely pretty, but I have a soft spot for really tidy hardbacks, like the Lemony Snicket books or Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village.

10. What else would you like your readers to know about you or your books?

I’m known for cozy comedy with magic, witty dialogue and adorable friendships. But a few of my series are a little darker, so don’t always expect teacups and hedgehogs! (Who am I kidding, there are always teacups)

You can find Tansy here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tansyrr/

Website: http://tansyrr.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20923002.Tara_Marlow

Amazon.com.au: https://www.amazon.com.au/Tansy-Rayner-Roberts/e/B00JLK9Y0C/