Today I'm thrilled to share a recent interview I did with
YA Fantasy and Sci-fi Author, Samantha Seidel.
1) What do you most like about this genre that you are writing in?
The challenge to find something interesting. Most of my work features explosions, sword fights, harrowing journeys, and the like. Romance and drama aren’t my usual genres, but I’ve learned a lot of important lessons from diving into them. My greatest lesson was the importance and fun of developing caste systems, politics, and the drama between all of it, which is something I avoided writing. Now I can dive into a couple of book ideas with some experience in my pocket.
2) Who, past or present, is one author you would like to mentor you?
This is as difficult as picking a favorite author. I’ll go with J. R. R. Tolkien; I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the effort he put into writing the Lord of the Rings when it comes to world building. I have a fantasy novel I’ve been working on for years and was recently inspired by him to add language barriers and significant cultural differences within people groups. I’d love to pick his brain about world building… or perhaps borrow his brain.
I have to agree, learning world building from Tolkien would be an unforgettable experience.
3) How do you develop your setting (a photo, a trip, a random comment)?
Pinterest. I have a board just for inspiration filled with forests and cottages and cobblestone streets. Also the world around me, especially nature. I’ll drive back roads and be inspired by how the trees are stacked against each other and the way the water glistens in the afternoon light. Hence why most of my stories aren’t in cities; they’re just so boring.
I love using Pinterest as a repository for ideas! And back roads are the best especially this time of year.
4) If you could share a cup of tea (or coffee) with anyone, who would it be?
Richard Grayson, aka Nightwing… you said anyone.
Hear me out: he’s the son of a bajillionaire, could do anything with his life, and he spends his nights getting battered by villains with superhuman abilities. All for the sake of protecting people. That’s a level of selflessness and honorability that’s mind-boggling. I’ll transport myself into a comic book and buy him a buffet just to find out how he ticks.
5) What one book would you recommend that everyone read?
The unabridged Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Unabridged is vital; the abridged removes entire chapters and plot points, throwing off part of the revenge scheme.
Count of Monte Cristo is well-woven when it comes to connecting dots and building tension. And unlike many stories today where revenge doesn’t change the person, Count of Monte Cristo reveals the true risk of vengeance and how it steals your soul in the process.
6) Who is your favorite character in your book/story?
Prince Percival. I don’t know why, but my male characters tend to be my favorites.
Looking at all the characters I’ve created over the years, Percival’s loyalty and compassion are unmatched. He’s the main reason I decided to try retelling The Goose Girl. His banter with Princess Analise and tension with his older brother are some of my favorite moments to read… and were my favorite moments to write.
7) Is there a specific line or scene from Princess of Mine that you feel directed the entire story in a specific direction? That is, if it were not in the story, everything would have changed?
I can name two, one behind the scenes and one you may write off.
The first is actually the title, “Princess of Mine.” Originally I’d intended to start the story with a poem that Analise’s father would sing to her: “Princess of mine, finer than wine…” I’m not a poet though and it made more sense to start with Percival’s POV, so the whole idea was scrapped (if you subscribe to my email newsletter before January 2026, you can read the poem and original first chapter). An inkling of this remains in the final line of the book and is my secret pleasure: Analise was loved deeply by her father and has now met a man who loves her just as deeply.
The second is a line of dialogue from Percival: “With or without title, a life is a life.” This went through several variations but is the intended theme of the story, that everyone has a purpose and value whether they recognize it or not. I feel like it got lost in the later parts of the story, but this is the heart behind why I chose The Goose Girl and wrote every line the way I did. If only one person is encouraged by this hidden message, then it was worth the work.
Thank you, Samantha, for taking time out of your schedule and giving us glimpse of you and your writing.
More about Samantha:
Samantha Seidel devotes her time to discovering unique vocabulary, designing whimsical websites, and writing thought-provoking fantasies. While she works to get her first book published, she spends her time writing stories that explore complex characters and intriguing plots. Samantha can’t say no to a good book and gets inspired by the world around her. There’s a new experience around every corner if you look with an open mind.
You can find Samantha online at:
