Janna Ruth

I'm writing action-packed supernatural adventures in Europe, so while you're hunting monsters, learning magic, and defend those who can't defend themselves, you also get to go sightseeing.

I grew up in Berlin, Germany and used to travel a lot as a child with my grandparents, visiting a lot of European countries. Now I'm putting that excitement, the history, and the culture into my books and take you all traveling with me.

I was definitely a bookworm. My father used to be a grown book worm and I got my love for reading from him. He first introduced me to fairy-tales from all over the world, then the classics, and eventually fantasy novels. I used to be the kid that went to a camping ground for a week and took nine books (and yes, I finished them all ;)).

Robin Hobb, for sure. She's my big idol in the way she builds these worlds and most importantly develops her characters.

1. Robin Hobb

2. Sébastien de Castell

3. George R.R. Martin

4. Leigh Bardugo

5. Rachel Gillig

Actually, I have very few local friends who read, but I have kids and they keep recommending my books to their friends, so I guess if I did a tally it would be my own book "A Force of Nature" that goes out wrapped most of the time.

There's something of me in each of my characters. Rika of Spirit Seekers has that environmental/climate change interest I inherited from my mum. Alix of Parisian Ghosts has my history nerdism (and the tendency to visit too many graves while travelling). And Samantha of Ashuan used to be a lot like me, at least throughout her teenage years (book 1-6).

The most personal book I ever wrote, though, was Time to Remember, which is based on the Christchurch Earthquakes that I lived through as a student. None of the characters have my experiences, but they all have the emotions I felt. And I cannot get through this book without crying.

That's such a mean question! Ashuan is my baby. This series has been with me for over 20 years and I know the characters like the back of my hand. They're friends, you know.

As for my favourite book, it's yet to come and it's the Ravenblood cycle, which is a dark fantasy series with lots of magic, rotten gods, and traumatised characters fighting for something bigger than them.

I've recently remodeled my writing space, and I now have a corner desk next to the window. Eventually, I'll have two screens, but right now, it's just one. There's pens on the left of it and a bunch of cuddle toys and crocheted amigurumi gathering on the right. There's always something to drink nearby and my notebook. I also have a pin wall to remind me of everything important. Behind me is my bookshelf, a big white monstrosity that is covered in ferns. And when I mean covered, I mean, there could be books, there also could not be books... you'll have to find out - after you hacked yourself through the jungle.

I have a hanging egg seat outside, which I quite enjoy, but most of the time I read in bed. Can't get much comfier.