1.- Could you introduce yourself to Jamreads’ readers?
I’m Sara Omer, a Pushcart Prize-nominated short story writer. I’ve been a technical editor for medical and engineering publications and am now pursuing teaching. You can find my (sometimes unsettling) poetry and prose in places like The Dark, PodCastle, Small Wonders, Strange Horizons, and elsewhere. The Gryphon King is my first novel, but if you’re interested in reading about underwater cosmic horror apocalypses or a cozy tale of a family living in a pumpkin—my short stories should have you covered.

2.- When did you start writing with publication in mind?
I think I started revising with publication in mind. I wouldn’t say I don’t dream of publishing every story I finish writing (novel and short story), but there’s a point in revision where things feel serious, and I think “yes, the rest of the world could see this and might like it.” It’s been about two years since I first sent a query letter! 

3.- How did the first idea for The Gryphon King appear?
I was thinking a lot about Ottoman harems while I was at the Topkapi Palace, and something that showed central Asian nomadic cultures in a powerful light. I knew I wanted a story inspired by that history and cultural perspective, and then I also wanted a story about pegasus-riding princesses, so those ideas eventually melded together. 

4.- How much time have you been working on The Constellation of Chaos since that first idea? Has it evolved much from that inspiration?
It’s been four years now! It had a different title, some characters had slightly different names, and it was a multi-POV story from something like six perspectives. Some of the defining characteristics of Nohra and Bataar were actually plot points that originally belonged to other characters whose stories were set in different parts of Dumakra. I rewrote everything focusing more narrowly on Bataar and Nohra.
In its squishy natal form, Nohra dies very early and a younger sister carries on the story getting vengeance. In this version, Bataar is just The Villain. I clearly grew attached to both of them.

5.- Politics play an important role in this book; why would you say it happened?
Politics can sound quite boring until you remember it’s often rife with lying, scheming, manipulating, backstabbing, and bending rules. Then it’s wholly entertaining—at least in a fantasy book when it’s not our world bouncing around as the plaything of the rich and powerful. 
Every move Bataar makes is a calculated political move, and Nohra grew up half-resigned to be a political bargaining chip, so any interaction they have becomes political because of who they are. I’ve also talked a bit to Fantasy Hive about how politicking naturally happens after the epic fights and can be just as violent. 

6.- From all your cast of characters, which one ended being your favourite and why? Any last-hour surprise/addition that stole the spotlight?
Darya is my favorite because she’s a joy in every way. Food and warmth follow her. Every detail surrounding her is delicious, and she has a bit of a mysterious air. Nassar is unfortunately also a favorite because he’s a piece of shit, and I think he’s funny. 

7.- How did you feel about debuting? How it has been that first week?
I’ve been traveling abroad, jet lagged, searching for WiFi on the streets of London to check social media and thank people for their kind posts about The Gryphon King. My first in-person event was lovely with the amazing folks at Super Relaxed Fantasy Club, and seeing my book in stores when I’ve popped by them has been surreal. I’m very happy and excited even though my brain is mush. 

8.- What other books would you recommend to people that enjoyed The Gryphon King?
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter and Untethered Sky by Fonda Lee have some similarly monstrous beasts and interesting man versus nature commentary in non-Western fantasy settings. There’s a character in Hadeer Elsbai’s The Daughters of Izdihar that has similar vibes to a magical character in TGK (and a wonderfully outspoken menace of a noblewoman). Also Manzakar by R. Laham features fearsome steppe warriors. 

9.- What can we expect from Sara Omer in the future?
Book two! More monsters! More drama! More djinn!