Crossing Over Interview

Crossing Over

The Land of the Dead is a dangerous place to be.

Whether it's a curse or a blessing the fact remains: whenever Roger is in enough pain he can cross over to the Land of the Dead and speak to the people there. It's an unexpected gift - and one that, throughout Roger's life, his violent uncle has taken advantage of. Roger has been hauled from fairground to fairground and beaten into unconsciousness, in order to bring word of the dead to the recently bereaved. It's a hard, painful way of life, deceiving the living for a crust of bread.

So when Roger has the chance of a new life, it seems a gift. He has a chance at safety and at living a life of his choosing, tucked away in the royal court. But life is unexpected and when Roger falls in love with the bewitching, wilful Lady Cecilia he has no idea what he is letting himself in for. With every step he takes towards her, he is drawn deeper into court intrigue, into politics and even into war...

Crossing Over is a fast paced, character driven, story driven tale, packed with action, ideas and danger. Engaging and smart, this is a dark and powerful read. Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and Patrick Rothfuss.

Anna Kendall was born in Ireland and immigrated with her parents to the United States at the age of twelve. For several years she taught fourth grade. Anna lives in Seattle, where she plays a lot of chess. This is her debut YA novel.

Crossing Over
Hachette Australia
Author: Anna Kendall
ISBN: 9780575094253
Price: $29.99

Interview with Anna Kendall

How does it feel to have your book compared to Kristin Cashore and Patrick Rothfuss?

Anna Kendall: I'm delighted with the comparison. Like the heroine of Cashore's Graceling, my protagonist Roger Kilbourne has a special talent that is both an advantage and a curse. I think most of us feel that way about ourselves, in some way or another.


Do you think your past in teaching has helped in writing Crossing Over?

Anna Kendall: Not really. I taught fourth grade, and Crossing Over is intended for readers older than nine or ten. What did help more were my own memories of my teen years. My desires and fears and fantasies were strong if a little chaotic, and I didn't want to sugar-coat anything for young people. They are too astute to accept anything bland or condescending.

What inspired you to create The Land of the Dead?

Anna Kendall: Death is the major question about life, isn't it? Why it happens, what might happen next, how it gives meaning to life (or fails to do so). In my experience, thoughtful young people are vividly aware of these questions. The Country of the Dead in this trilogy lets me explore some possible answers.


Are you motivated by real places and real people when writing?

Anna Kendall: Everything a writer ever does, everyone she ever knew, every place ever visited -- they all find their way into fiction in one way or another. Crossing Over does not use my experience directly, but rather experience mixed with imagination.


What advice do you have for aspiring writers or artists?

Anna Kendall: Read, read, read. Read good stuff and decide why you like it. Read bad stuff and try to see how it could have been improved. Then write, write, write. There is no substitute for practice.