Q&A: Emma Hamm, Author of ‘The Deathless One’

We chat with author Emma Hamm about The Deathless One, which follows a princess who is murdered at the altar and makes a deal with the god of death for vengeance and to save her people.

Hi, Emma! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hello! Always happy to talk about myself. I’m an author from Maine, with way too many cats and dogs (we have 7 cats, two dogs, and hopefully no other surprise animals.) I started writing when I was really young. First on RPG forums and then, on a dare from a friend, ended up writing a book. I really fell in love with story telling at a very young age!

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

Oh I was young young. I remember being little and watching a movie with my parents that wouldn’t have a scene like I wanted it to and then having to rush upstairs to act it out in my head. There were always so many plot devices and spin off tales that happened in my noggin. And now I’m an adult who gets to tell them!

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: The Giving Tree
• The one that made you want to become an author: The Abarat by Clive Barker
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Hollow Kingdom by Clare B Dunkle

Your latest novel, The Deathless One, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Feminine rage and dead things

What can readers expect?

A story that is really unusual for what you see in the current genre. Jessamine (FMC) fails a lot. She’s not going to be good at almost anything at all in this book, so it’s a story of learning for her. And The Deathless One (MMC) is not the usual alpha hero. He’s tired, he’s abused, and he’s perhaps a little untrustworthy.

Where did the inspiration for The Deathless One come from?

A lot of it actually came from the video game Dishonored! It’s a mashup of time periods, so you’ll see people in Victorian garb, but women also wearing pants. You’ll see guns that actually exist, and flushing toilets, but also oil lanterns.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

My favorite scene is absolutely the one in the clothing shop. Jessamine learns throughout this story that she doesn’t know who she is or really have any grasp on what she wants out of life. Even to the point where she realizes she’s never actually picked out her own clothing. That scene does something to my heart that I really adore.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

Only the usual life distractions! I’m happy to say this book flowed really easily and quickly. Perhaps the only challenge was my editor asking me to make it spicier which… twist my arm.

What’s next for you?

Finishing up the rest of the Gravesinger series! I’m very excited to say they are all written, and we’re currently in the editing stage of the last book. Then I’m hopeful to put another series out there to see who bites. That’s all the hint you’re getting.

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?

I’ve been reading a LOT of different things this year all over genres. MC romances, dark romance, monster romance, contemporary. I will say there was a very very good contemporary I read called The Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura that was just chef’s kiss. Everything I wanted out of a tomb raider esque story with all the humor of Indiana Jones.