Circle of Stones
by Reba Birmingham
Released: Nov 20, 2023
Genre: Speculative Fiction
Why this book and why now?
Not to get heavy, but our world is one big “good against evil” story script and always has been. The actors, location and scenery may change, but there are always decent people in every story carrying on and doing their best. I love the juxtaposition between worlds (doing laundry and receiving a call from the Hercynian Garden, hehe.) My beloved Panda and Mitzi Fowler are all of us, faced with evil intruding into their lives. I write about this timeless battle, to show that LGBTQ people are good and ordinary and sometimes heroic. Oh, and that love and good will win in the end, although it gets close sometimes. . .
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
The first manuscript for the book was a lot longer, but my publisher said gently “Dear Reba, you might have two books in here.” So, surgically removing big bits for Book Five without harming my timeline was a challenge. I also cut out some minor characters because, although I found them fascinating, they can distract the reader.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Panda and Mitzi would binge the series Janet King, about a lesbian Australian Crown Prosecutor.
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
The Hobbit (Tolkien). In the beginning (like Bilbo) she really hates adventures.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
Elderflower Mocktail. Half a cup of boiling water over two elderflowers and add 1/4 cup sugar. Let steep for 10 minutes. Let cool down and use as your syrup in the mocktail. Mix 1/3 cup elderflower cordial, 3/4 cup grapefruit (pink) juice, 2 TBSP lime, 1 & 1/2 cup sparkling water. Super refreshing.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
“Holding Out For A Hero” by Frou Frou. It is inspiring.
