Author Spotlight: ‘Sisters Red’ By Jackson Pearce
Posted by meredith on 06-25-2010
Today’s Author Spotlight is on Jackson Pearce and Sisters Red, a modern retelling of Little Red Riding Hood.
From the Buffy school of kick-ass girl vigilantes, Scarlett and Rosie March are sisters who have been hunting the werewolf creatures known as the Fenris ever since childhood when their grandmother was attacked and Scarlett lost her eye. Through alternating narratives, Jackson balances the supernatural action that drives the pageturner with a slower burning conflict that grows between the sisters as forces both paranormal and typically teenage (enter the cute woodsman) push them to grow up and apart.
Sisters Red is out in bookstores now, but we’re giving away free copies to the first three commenters who share their favorite fictional heroine and why.
Full disclosure: Little, Brown is the sponsor of the Ypulse Books Channel.
Ypulse: What inspired you to write a modern twist on Little Red Riding Hood? How did your own experience with fairy tales play into that?
Jackson Pearce: Red Riding Hood is such a complex fairytale, full of symbolism and a multitude of themes. You’ve got the girl wandering away from her safe haven, through the woods on an altruistic mission. The predator, who in some versions is a trickster, and in some an out-and-out monster. The sometimes clever but sometimes victimized granny, the girl distracted by pretty flowers and wandering off the path…there are just so many ways to interpret and retell the story. I felt like it was begging to be reset in modern times.
While I’ve always loved fairytales, I can’t pin down the exact moment I heard Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, The Little Mermaid…any of them. I think it’s that way it is for most of us—fairytales are simply a part of us, with no start or end point in our minds. I think the lingering presence of fairytales helped me translate Red Riding Hood into a modern setting—since Red Riding Hood is always there, somewhere, in the back of my head, it made it easier to move her from the corners of my mind to the streets of Atlanta.
YP: Who were your influences for the characters of Scarlett and Rosie? (Personally I get flashbacks to Buffy and I love it.) Any thoughts on who you’d cast in a movie version?
JP: It’s hard to pinpoint where either character came from. I was a Buffy fan, and also loved the Firefly series, so I know when I think of fighting styles, I think of Buffy and River. When I think of personality and character development, however, it gets a bit more complex.
I missed the last few seasons of Buffy, but I have always remembered one specific scene in the series. Buffy’s mom, upon discovering she’s a slayer, says “Well, it stops now!” to which Buffy responds “No, it doesn’t stop. It never stops. Do you think I chose to be like this? Do you have any idea how lonely it is?”
I think that line really helped me figure out who Scarlett is as a character— she’s so caught up in what she feels she has no choice but to do, that she can no longer differentiate between who she is as a person and who she is as a hunter. Similar to Buffy, Scarlett didn’t choose to be like this, but she likely wouldn’t have the courage or the willpower to walk away from it regardless. I think the difference between Scarlett and Buffy, however, is that Buffy truly longs for a normal life, whereas Scarlett has dismissed normalcy as something for the ignorant. It makes sense, I suppose—Buffy is gorgeous. If she wanted to hit the streets of LA and be a normal girl, even just for a day, she could. But Scarlett doesn’t have that luxury, since she’s covered in scars and deformities from her encounters with the Fenris—she’s an outsider no matter what. I think that makes them, at heart, very different characters, even though they can appear somewhat similar at times.
There’s only one person I’ve ever really been able to see playing Scarlett or Rosie—an actress named Tania Raymonde, who played Ben’s daughter Alex on the LOST series. She was delicate and sweet, and I always felt she’d make a perfect Rosie…but then in one episode, she fights with her father, and suddenly I saw her as Scarlett. I think she could pull off either!
YP: What is your take on the current fixation on werewolves in teen pop culture? How, if at all, did you use the existing model to create a unique mythology for the Fenris, who are very different from the relatable “teen wolf” types we’ve seen lately in “Twilight”?
JP: I combined and altered various myths (most notably the Norse mythical wolf, the Fenrir) to create a new mythology, but a monster that will kill and devour you is pretty old school—it’s only relatively recently that books have been trending toward the sweet, misunderstood monster; werewolves, vampires, demons, and the rest were originally dark, evil, bestial killers, not hot guys eager to take you to prom. I wanted to bring the killers back—while I have nothing against the misunderstood creature, I did want to see some old school monsters back on the YA scene.
YP: How did you make the choice to alternate narrators between sisters? Did making the change in voice have any effect on your writing process/environment?
JP: It seemed natural to alternate narrators between the sisters—the story belongs to both of them. My first book, As You Wish, is also told by alternating narrators, so I was lucky to have a little experience with the style going in. While writing Scarlett, I always felt Rosie was in the wrong, whereas when writing Rosie, I always wanted to tell Scarlett to back off! Sometimes I had to take a break between chapters, to get into the head of the other character.
YP: What do you have planned next in terms of getting the word out about Sisters Red. Any plans to take on other fairy tales?
JP: I’m doing several bookstore events over the next few months, and am always either blogging, vlogging, twittering, or doing live shows online—I really love the internet presence aspect of book promotion! It’s wonderful to interact and talk with readers on a daily basis.
In terms of other fairytales: Next year I’ve got a companion book to Sisters Red called Sweetly coming out. Sweetly is a retelling of Hansel and Gretel.
Beyond that, I’m working on a retelling of The Little Mermaid for a third companion book, and toying with a few other fairytales for future novels in the Sisters Red world.
For more coverage of YA books and publishing, check out the Ypulse Books & Print Channel sponsored by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, publishers of Sisters Red.
Categorized under: Author Spotlight, Books & Print
June 25th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Great interview! Looking forward to reading this :)
June 25th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Great interview! I’ve always loved the Little Red Riding Hood. I’ve been dreaming of reading this book since it released, but haven’t had the chance to buy it. :(
June 25th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
AH! Amazing interview I can’t wait to read your book!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
I read all the “Homecoming” books as a teenager and still sometimes think about the series heroine, Dicey. She was strong and smart, especially for someone so young, and never gave up trying to improve her life and the lives of her siblings.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Such a fun interview! I canNOT wait to read this book :D And can’t wait for Sweetly either!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Ha, the Buffy reference makes me giggle! I miss the Nineties and I look forward to picking your book in the near future. Also, the cover is gorgeous.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Yay for Sisters Red!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
I recently got back into YA (both reading and writing), and I can’t wait to pick up a copy of Sisters Red! It’s at the top of my list!
Thanks for the awesome interview!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Great Interview!! Can’t wait to read Sisters Red!!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
My fave fictional heroine is Buffy Summers. She always does what she has to to save the people she loves.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
i wanttt!!! hehehee
June 25th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Oooh, go Sisters Red!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
I love the idea of a “retake” on Little Red.
Favorite fictional heroine is Nancy Drew. She’s smart, talented and very well dressed.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Forever and always, my top YA heroine would have to be Kit from Elizabeth George Speare’s A WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND. I love how spunky and different she is from everyone else in the New England community. And that she never gave up on her friends. Lovely book.
I can’t wait to read SISTERS RED! I’ve heard nothing but good things about it.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
My favorite heroine would have to be Isabel from Mistwood by Leah Cypess. She was strong, and throughout the book she had me guessing about her character. I liked how she had to rediscover herself, and the fact that she’s a shape-shifter just adds on to her awesomeness!
Amazing interview! :)
June 25th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Yay for Sisters Red!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
I read this book and I loved it! I actually just posted my review on my blog. I love the use of mythology you mention. It seems like myths are one of the only true plots, aren’t they? Regardless, SISTERS RED was amazing. Loved the girl power, and Little Red Riding Hood. Great book! Thanks for the interview!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
OO awesome :) Im dying to read this!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
I can’t wait to get enough money to buy this book! Loved the interview!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
I have to say, though my favorite fictional heroine would have to be Katniss from The Hunger Games. There’s something to be said for her intrinsic strength and honesty.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Elena from Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. She’s strong, takes no guff but also has a soft side. And, hey, she gets bonus points for being a werewolf. :)
June 25th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
I have been dying to read Sisters Red but Amazon.ca doesn’t have it! Anyway my fav fictional heroine would be Elizabeth Bennet of course!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Oh and my favorite heroine would between Buffy and Harry Potter.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Clary in the Mortal Instruments, for sure :) She’s strong and awesome and kick-ass, haha. Plus she gets the cutest guy ever…
June 25th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
My favorite heroine would be Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter Series because she is so smart aand very likable. She get’s Harry and Ron out of trouble most times and is very dependable.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
I think my favorite fictional heroine would have to be Jane Eyre. She was an orphan who grew up to become a governess and fall in love – it’s a very inspiring story.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
I wish I could go o one of your signings! Hopefully you’re coming near me!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
I loved SISTERS RED so much. I can’t wait for SWEETLY!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
I love Katniss from The Hunger Games. So strong and brave – something I could NEVER do. I am in awe of her.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
BTW great interview im really looking forward to read it, it looks amazing :)
June 25th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Sorry didn’t read the why part..darn it..well Elizabeth Bennet was my fav Bennet sister and I could relate to her the most in the book. Jane Austen is my fav!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
It is hard to have a fave fictional character. My tastes change as fast as I read the next book.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
My favorite fictional heroine is Fire from Kristin Cashore’s Fire.
Even though her father was a horrible influence and a lot of people thought the worst of her, she should up for herself and what she believed in, and remained a good person.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
My favorite fictional character is Katsa from Graceling by Kristin Cashore. She is an awesome fighter, but her emotions and inner conflict about her powers make her a fascinating character.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Hmm my fave fictional hero would probably be Max from Maximum Ride. She’s a great role model & she has a sense of humor!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
I must say that everything I’ve heard about this book so far is absolutely fabulous. It’s definitely on my Wish List. Retelling fairy tales seems to be the genre of choice right now….but not everyone can pull it off so effortlessly (or at least seemingly so). Congrat’s on the success of your book and best wishes on the future installments! ^_^
June 25th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
My favorite fictional heroine is Lucy from the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. It was the first time I actually related to a character in a book.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
My favorite fictional would have to be Lena from Beautiful Creatures. She follows her heart and tries to do good with her Caster powers, looking out for others before herself and trying to not “go Dark”.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Oh and my favorite fictional heroine has GOT to be Belle from Beauty And The Beast. Shes an emotional heroine :)
June 25th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
I really like Riley Jensen from Keri Arthur’s series. She’s tough but real and isn’t afraid of her feelings. I’d love a copy of Sisters Red
June 25th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
I loved Megan from You are So Undead to Me by Stacey Jay! Funny girl!
Congrats on the success of Sisters Red!
June 25th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
my fav fictional hero would have to be clary from city of bones i love that shes so strong minded! :)
June 25th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
I have been wanting to read this book sooooo bad. I hope to buy it as soon as I get a bit more cash :)
My Favorite heroic fictional character…. hmmm one of them has to be Meghan from the Iron Fey series. I am having a hard time thinking of other ones right now since I just read three of those books :)
Valorie
June 25th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
My favorite fictional heroine-definitely Nancy Drew. Because, well, the girl can do anything-and she’s got that nifty ability of finding a secret passage ANYWHERE.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
I saw via Twitter that you can win a book by stating your fave heroine. I already commented, but just in case this one will count: My favorite heroine is Kate from The Mysterious Benedict Society. She’s just too cool and I lover her bucket.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
My favorite Heroine would have to be Bella Swan from Twilight. I always connected with her even before I read the books, and valued her sense of maturity and maternal love for people, including her parents and her daughter. She owns up to her flaws and imperfections and never pretends to be someone she’s not. I really enjoyed how that was shown it the 2000 odd pages in the series.
June 25th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Well, I’m not one of the first three, but I’d like to share my favorite herione story anyway.
Definitely Katniss from The Hunger Games. She was so young when she had to take care of her family. She never complained and did it anyway. She protects her mother and sister and would clearly die for them. She’s strong and just a GREAT role model, of all things. I love her! :)
June 25th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Great interview! I’m excited to read the book.
My all time fave heroine…and I do mean all time…is Nancy Drew. She was the first strong female character I ever read about, and I read every book. As “dated” as the books are, the messages of right over wrong, and personal accountability are still valid today. I love that Nancy, her dad and Hannah, were always willing to help others. These books summarize the values my family raised me with. My 8-y-o daughter is reading them now! :)
June 25th, 2010 at 11:35 pm
Only the first three ?
Anyway, I love Ciara Griffin on WVMP Jeri Smith-Ready, She’s so Alive :)