Who else was a big fan of Beauty and the Beast growing up (and is still jealous of that giant ass library)?
Here’s your chance to bring that memory back to life in a whole new light! Today, we’re featuring Author Elle Backenstoe and her debut novel Of Curses and Beauty, a fantasy retelling of the classic fairy tale!
First off, introduce yourself and tell us a bit about you and your books!
Hi! I’m Elle Backenstoe. I live in Eastern Pennsylvania with my husband, son, and our two dogs. I grew up with my nose buried in a book and sometimes emerge long enough to write some words of my own. Romantasy is my preferred genre to write, but I also dabble in Fantasy and Romance separately.
My debut novel, Of Curses and Beauty, released in March of this year. It is a sweet YA fantasy romance retelling of Beauty and the Beast that features forced proximity, found family, and feminist undertones. In September 2023, I’ll be publishing a spicy vampire novella as part of the Bound by Blood series. I also have another retelling in the works with an expected release in early 2024.
I run on pop punk music and Coke, and will always choose sweet over salty. When I’m not reading or writing, you can find me at my home-away-from-home, the dance studio.
What inspired you to write Of Curses and Beauty?
Of Curses and Beauty began as a short story that I’d hoped to submit for a fairytale retelling anthology. Since Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairy tales, it stood to reason that I would choose to retell that story. I decided to begin my story with the idea of beauty as a curse and it grew from there. Unfortunately, it grew too much and quickly surpassed the requisite word count for the submission, but I’d say it all worked out in the end.
Tell us about your favorite character you’ve written about and why?
Alaine is the female main character in Of Curses and Beauty and she is easily my favorite, so far. I used a lot of personal experiences as inspiration for her character, and so she came out as a sort of mash-up of all the traits I wish I had. She’s feisty and stubborn, but also loyal and caring. I had a lot of fun writing her.
Without giving us any spoilers, what’s your favorite quote or scene from your book and tell us a bit about it?
This is tough for me to narrow down. I have a visceral response to the quote “I fear I am blooming for you”. This is from a part of the book where one of the characters is finally opening up and we see the first hints of the romance blossoming between them. I think that’s all I can say without spoiling anything.
I’m also quite fond of “If he thought he was getting a rose, she’d be sure to sharpen her thorns.” It’s one of Alaine’s more bada$$ moments and gives me all kinds of girl power vibes.
Where can readers find you?
You can find all the links to my social media, newsletter, books, etc. at https://www.ellebackenstoe.com/links.
I have a bookfunnel freebie that will be on there soon!
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