Insolence
by Gwin Savage
Released: Sep 22, 2025
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Why this book and why now?
Three years ago I got caught up in the romantasy craze and started reading them voraciously. But I couldn’t find ANYthing that reflected my lived experience as a polyamorous lesbian with a genderqueer partner.
I realized if I was looking for this type of rep in my reading, surely others are out there needing the same fix. That’s when I started planning my series.
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?
This book has changed drastically! My third draft went to a developmental editor, who felt the FMC whose head you’re in most of the time was too immature and unlikable, and certain dynamics/scenes were toxic.
Well, I’m writing dark romantasy with toxic, angsty lesbians, so there wasn’t much I could do about that. But I saw her point about the immaturity and some things being too much for what I was trying to accomplish with Insolence. But I loved those elements. Literally kicking my feet writing them.
So I took them and wrote a whole different book around them, which I released last year as my debut. One MASSIVE rewrite later, Insolence is finally ready to meet the world and I really think it’s a stronger, better book because of it.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
My characters were largely inspired by different aspects of myself and my loved ones, so I’d certainly like to think so! As long as Tiss didn’t get any crazy ideas with a letter opener around me, we’d be cool.
How does it feel to finally share this book with readers?
Coming to the end of a long, arduous journey. And that feels amazing! I love this book with my whole heart but it’s tried to kill me on multiple occasions. There were times I was thisclose to throwing in the towel out of frustration and generally being sick of writing and rewriting the same dang book for three years. But the struggle I overcame writing it is what’s made it such an incredible experience, in the end.
Is there anything you wish readers knew before diving into this book?
Check the triggers and don’t go in expecting emotionally well-adjusted people doing healthy things, haha! But also don’t quit before the character arc kicks in because we’re all about growing, changing, and learning from our mistakes.
Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
Tiss. She’s the character that has the most aspects I’ve borrowed from myself and my own struggles learning how to do this crazy life thing.
Were there any scenes or characters that surprised you as you wrote?
The greenhouse picnic scene between Tiss and El. There’s also a big flashback sequence near the end that was a delightful journey of discovery as I wrote it. Those are probably my top two favorite parts of the book.
Which character was the most fun to write, and which was the hardest?
Same answer for this one: Tiss. That bratty little maniac had me kicking my feet and cackling writing some of the shenanigans she got up to. And also pulling my hair out trying to stay true to my vision for her, while making her a (hopefully) more nuanced, sympathetic, fully-rounded character that feels like a person who’s struggling with her nature and some really horrid circumstances vs a caricature.
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.
Pear brandy. It’s Cook’s specialty and she only makes a small batch every year. This year’s batch is particularly nice.
If your book had an official mascot, what (or who) would it be?
Bibi! Elodie’s animal companion. She’s a raven the high priestess raised from a hatchling and enjoys mimicking her and other characters, as well as the sacred finches in order to score extra treats.
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
I’m a plantser. While I outline all of my books in detail, there are always elements I discover along the way.
Do you have any writing rituals or habits?
For a while there I was burning my “inspiration candle” to draft or edit. It was vanilla mint and really made a difference, I swear. I haven’t thought of it in quite some time but I should get another one of those!
If you could have dinner with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
Hands down Margaret Atwood.
