Peter Pan was one of my favorite Disney movies growing up. I wanted nothing more than to be able to fly and do all the fancy sword tricks while fighting bad guys.
Fun fact: I took up fencing briefly a while ago and I sucked at it. What doesn’t suck, though, is debut author Courtney Millecam’s Peter Pan retelling: The Never Heir! Let’s welcome her to this week’s Feature Friday and get to know her along with the inspiration behind her work. Don’t forget to check out her book on Amazon!
Welcome! Introduce yourself and tell us a little about your writing.
I’m Courtney and I write historical fantasy. My debut book, The Never Heir, came out on May 16, 2023. It’s a 1920s Peter Pan retelling that explores what happens to the lost boys once they leave Neverland. When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading, spending time with my family, or taking care of our chickens and llamas.
What’s something unique about your book that will make readers immediately want to check it out?
The Never Heir takes place in 1920s London, which was such a fun setting to include alongside the Peter Pan elements. I brought in a cast of characters that are the wealthy bright young things of London’s upper class. There’s a quest for enchanted objects, bargains with the fae, secret/hidden identities, and a romance subplot that’s swoony, not spicy.
What inspired you to write The Never Heir and The Otherworlds series?
I’ve always loved classic novels, especially children’s classics and have always wanted to write a retelling. I got the idea for The Never Heir while I was at the gym. I had forgotten my headphones and over the sound system came Ruth B’s song “Lost Boy.” It got me thinking about how many of the Peter Pan retellings out there focus on Peter or Wendy as a main character, and I wanted to know about the lost boys. What had become of them if/when they left Neverland? The Otherworld series will be three books. Book 2 focuses on a side character from book 1 and will be a retelling of another classic story. The third book will see characters from books 1 and 2 come back together and will involve elements of another beloved children’s classic. I’ve hidden Easter eggs in book 1 to give readers clues as to what retellings I’m going to do.
Tell us about your favorite character you’ve written about and why?
Charlie is my male main character and former lost boy. He’s fighting to create a new future for himself in 1923 London. He’s mysterious and he boxes in illegal matches as a way to make ends meet. He’s sweet and strong and has a strong sense of right and wrong, even if the consequences of his actions don’t always turn out as planned.
Without giving us any spoilers, what’s your favorite quote or scene from your book and tell us a bit about it?
Evie, my female main character, says this to Charlie after a party. “You are one of a kind, Charles Tulane, and you shouldn’t be hanging around with scoundrels, pretenders, and cheats like us.”
Where can readers find you?
I’m most active on Instagram (@courtmillecam) and in my newsletter (sign up at https://www.courtneymillecam.com) and my book can be found on Amazon.
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