Today, I’m speaking with Brandie June, author of the forthcoming novel, Gold Spun (out June 8th from CamCat Books). Gold Spun is a magical retelling of Rumpelstiltskin that gives the miller’s daughter of the original fairytale a life, a purpose, and, most importantly, a name. Names, after all, are always powerful….
If Nor can’t spin gold, she can always spin lies. When seventeen-year-old Nor rescues a captured faerie in the woods, he gifts her with a magical golden thread she can use to summon him for a favor. Instead, Nor uses it for a con—to convince villagers to buy straw that can be transformed into gold. Her trick works a little too well, attracting the suspicion of Prince Casper, who hates nobody more than a liar. Intent on punishing Nor, he demands that she spin a room of straw into gold and as her reward, he will marry her. Should she refuse or fail, the consequences will be dire. Desperate for help, Nor summons the faerie’s aid, launching a complicated dance as she must navigate between her growing feelings for both the prince and faerie boy and who she herself wishes to become.
Susan: I loved this story! It’s beautifully written with engaging characters and a page-turning, unique plot. What inspired you to retell the story of Rumpelstiltskin?
Brandie: I’ve always loved the darker, older versions of fairytale, so I tend to incorporate a lot of fairytale or mythology elements into my writing. I also love to flip tropes. I initially wrote a short story about Rumpelstiltskin, making him the hero instead of the villain. That inspired Gold Spun. I gave myself the challenge of fleshing out the characters, especially the miller’s daughter. In the original tale, she doesn’t even have a name, and I wanted to give her a lot more agency. In Gold Spun, she now drives the action as a con artist who is really responsible for people thinking she can spin gold.
Susan: Nor has a difficult life filled with much suffering and loss. Were you ever tempted to give her the perfect happy ending? You know, to make up for her childhood?
Brandie: I don’t believe in a perfect happy ending, because there is always the day after, and as long as you are living your life, there will be challenges. Nor’s story is still ongoing. If she gets a ‘happy ending,’ it will be because she is a fighter, and willing to save those she loves.
Susan: If you could be one character from a fairytale, who would you be and why?
Brandie: Great question! I think the princess from The Six Swans. She goes through some pretty awful trials, weaving shirts out of nettles and taking a vow of silence while doing it, but I like that she drives the action to save her brothers.
Susan: You write exquisitely of royal balls and beautiful gowns. Where did you get this eye for royal detail?
Brandie: It was a combination of research, reading stories with royal characters, and my theatre background. I spent a lot of time on Pinterest and doing online research for clothing that was loosely set in late Medieval/early Renaissance, while still allowing myself to makeup elements (as this is set in a fantasy world). My best friend is an amazing costume designer, and I consulted her. She even hand painted my three main characters, which really helped them come alive. I also think my experience as an actor helps me imagine how things would look, so I fantasize about a scene and then write it down.
Susan: The faeries are beautiful but wicked creatures. I love that contrast. Do they have a legitimate gripe against the humans or are they just kind of nasty?
Brandie: Depends on the faerie! Just like humans, some are kind and some are nasty. The faerie queen believes the humans have done the faeries great harm. I don’t want to give anything away, but I wanted to create a world where someone can empathize with both sides. And there may be more to their history that gets revealed later on… *wink*
Susan: Who is your target audience for Gold Spun? (I think it should be anyone aged 8-108, but that’s just me.)
Brandie: Since Gold Spun is YA Fantasy, it’s primarily targeted for teens 13 – 18, but I think it also is a great read for anyone who enjoys YA Fantasy. Personally, I never stopped reading this genre.
Susan: If you could spin Gold Spun into an empire, what form would that empire take? A movie? TV series? Video game? Fashion line?
Brandie: I would love to see Gold Spun as a movie or TV series. I’m watching Shadow And Bone right now, adapted from the amazing YA books by Leigh Bardugo, and I’m loving seeing the characters come to life in another medium. I also think a fashion line would be awesome! I could totally see some of the royal ballgowns transformed into gorgeous prom dresses.
Susan: What’s next for Nor? Prince Casper? Pel?
Brandie: I don’t want to spoil anything, but I promise there is a lot of story left for all three of them. I’m currently working on the sequel, and I will say readers get to find out a lot more about the faeries.
Susan: Where can readers find you online?
Brandie: My site is www.brandiejune.com and I’m on most social media:
Facebook: The Original Brandie June | Facebook
Instagram: Brandie June (@thebrandiejune) • Instagram photos and videos
Twitter: Brandie June (@brandiejune) / Twitter
TikTok: Brandie June (@brandiebooks) TikTok | Watch Brandie June’s Newest TikTok Videos
Susan: Where can people buy Gold Spun?
Brandie: Pretty much anywhere books are sold online, such as CamCat Books and Amazon, or Barnes and Noble. Plus, I’m offering some sweet book swag for anyone who preorders Gold Spun and fills out my form: BOOKS | brandie (brandiejune.com)
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