Check out our special guest post by Leigh Bardugo, author of Shadow and Bone and the forthcoming Siege and Storm. And stay tuned for information on an exciting giveaway!

Exploring Your Own Universe
by Leigh Bardugo

The Russian influence is very much present in the tangibles of the world of Shadow and Bone — the architecture, the food, even some of the geography and flora. But it also seemed to work its way into the political and social dynamics at play in the story. As for the magic and mythology, a few elements from Russian folklore appear, but most is my own invention.

World building is a tricky thing. There were choices I made with the language that I thought were justified, but that drew some readers out of the story. It’s disappointing, but as an author, I have to respect that response and do my best to learn from it.

And really, I think the challenges of creating a secondary world are so worth embracing because a moment arrives when that world feels like it comes alive for me, when I’m not doing the work of building, but simply living in it. The best part is when other people expand on that — through fan art or cosplay or playlists. Then I get to experience the world through the reader’s eyes and it’s the most amazing feeling. I get to see the characters in new ways, to view the world from a totally different perspective. I get inspired all over again.

Powell’s Books Exclusive Giveaway:

Leigh Bardugo will be among seven fantastic young adult authors appearing together in an exciting event at Powell’s Books in Beaverton, Oregon on April 17. Hypable will be giving away three signed booklets exclusive to the event, featuring new content from Leigh, as well as authors Mindee Arnett (The Nightmare Affair), Lisa Desrochers (Personal Demons), Sarah Fine (Sanctum), Kristin Halbrook (Nobody But Us), Kody Keplinger (The DUFF), and Ingrid Paulson (Valkyrie Rising).

Enter right here for a chance to win one of the three signed booklets, and stay tuned for further guest posts from these exciting authors! This giveaway will close at 11:59 p.m. EST on April 17, and is open to readers in the U.S. and Canada.

And no matter where you are in the world, make sure to check out our previous guest posts with Mindee Arnett and Kristin Halbrook!