M. L. Garza Interview

1) What fairytale(s) have you chosen to retell and why?

I chose to retell the Grimm fairytale "All Kinds of Fur." It goes by many other names but the gist of it is that a runaway princess always wears a fur coat to hide her identity. Under the employment of a prince, she dresses in three beautiful gowns during his balls and he vows to learn who she is.
My version takes the coat and dresses and turns them into different forms someone takes in order to exact revenge. I've always been interested in Irish mythology and wanted a new way to tell this awesome fairytale using that. So my version is about a hellhound who is chosen to kill a human king for revenge and is given different forms to let herself get close to him, including that of a young woman.

2) What makes your story unique?

While I see many stories that reference the fae out there, I don't see many that try to adhere to the true mythology of the old stories. I try to weave the original flavor of ancient Irish beliefs into something relatable today. It's a challenge but totally worth it!

3) What was your favorite fairytale growing up and why?

"All Kinds of Fur" was always a favorite of mine, but I also loved reading the story of King Thrushbeard, the king who pretended to be a poor man in order to humble his proud princess bride. The way they fall for one another and become so compatible is great, and I love the transformation of the princess from a horrible person into someone humble and hard-working. In fairytales, it's usually the men who have to change, but this was a fun turn on that.

4) Who was your favorite villain?

As a kid, the archetype of the Wicked Stepmother always scared and intrigued me. Here was a woman who was supposed to love and protect you and she ended up being the most dangerous thing in your life. I always found that dichotomy so fascinating. Of all the Wicked Stepmother, I have to go classic and say Cinderella's stepmother is so delightfully horrible!

5) Is this a standalone or do you have more books planned?

This book is technically a standalone, but it is in the same universe as other Irish stories I plan to publish after this. They all fall under a series/universe that I call The Golden Court and feature stories throughout Irish history and mythology. These characters in "She of the Many Skins" do come back in other stories so stay tuned!  

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