Dame Ophis
by Merlina Garance
Released: Feb 14, 2025
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Why this book and why now?
I remember watching an adaptation of The Three Musketeers, and there is an awesome fighting scene with a woman, that got me inspired to write about a female knight. From there, it wasn’t hard to think to add a witch in the mix, and make it all very, very sapphic!
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
They do! I love symbolism but I also really struggle to name characters. Sinha’s name came to me very easily, and when I checked, it turned out it fits names given in her culture so it was perfect.
Cerris ws named by a friend, and is a type of oak tree… which you’ll see is very relevant to the story.
How does it feel to finally share this book with readers?
I’m very excited, especially because it’s the first book I got character art for, and more preorders than ever! People can get the paperback with an art print which also feels special.
What’s one fun fact about your book that most people wouldn’t know?
Of course there are parts of me in every book, but there is one special anecdote about an edible plant that is verbatim my own…
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
Cerris is a knight, so obviously she wouldn’t go anywhere without her sword, and horse. She probably would want rope as well: always useful and very versatile.
Sinha is a crafter, and knows a lot about plants. She probably would want a cauldron to brew medicinal drinks, vials, and a basket.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Cerris would pull all the stops to woo Sinha. Travelling far and wide to get the best wine and food around where they live, rare flowers, and perhaps honey to have a little fun on the side of the meal…
Were there any scenes or characters that surprised you as you wrote?
I didn’t expect to add the last chapter, nor where the characters ended up! It just came organically as I felt there was something missing to conclude the story. No spoilers! It just is a very different environment from the rest of the book.
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.
The girls would most likely be enjoying a nice glass of honey mead!
If your book had a scent, what would it smell like?
Hazelnut and fir tree!
If your book had a signature dessert, what would it be?
Chestnut and honey cake… (try it, trust me!)
If your book had an official mascot, what (or who) would it be?
A snake, of course!
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
I’m a complete pantser… Stories first come to me in bursts of a few scenes, and then, Frankenstein like, I have to weave in the rest of the creature around those first few pieces.
Who are your biggest literary influences?
I grew up mostly on French literature from the 19th century, and had a particular fondness for Emile Zola when I was younger.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently listening to Ace of Spades by Faridah àbíké-íyímídé, which has two absolutely stunning narrators.
