Today we talk about A Princess on Her Own Terms, a book by Kirsty Demuth published with our Publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author, Kirsty Demuth, to get to know her better, what particular moment of her life led her to the writing of her book A Princess on Her Own Terms, as well as if there is a book she is particularly attached to and that has taught her something.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- Is there a particular moment in your life that led you to the writing of your book? What was it?
I have always struggled with my weight, and I wasted decades on dieting and being miserable. It was after my divorce and I was briefly on the dating scene that I realised that I am desirable, even though I am plus size. This changed my life as I now knew I could love my body the way it was and accept what I am and not punish myself with diet after diet. I wanted to get this message across to women everywhere, but especially young girls and so I wrote Saphie, who is not only plus size, but she is also all the things I would hope I am; confident, caring, empathic, independent, tenacious and liberated.
- What would say is the best audience of your book?
My book was written for everyone and anyone, but mostly young girls in mind, who have issues with self-esteem. It was also written for boys in this time of rising misogyny, and I hope Saphie shows girls what they are capable of and boys that girls are strong and independent. I also want girls to feel comfortable in their own bodies in this age of very low levels of body positivity. Saphie loves who she is and what she looks like and is still beautiful and desirable even though she is plus size. I hope this will show girls they are perfect the way they are and that they should love themselves. This message is not just for young girls, and I hope that adults will also enjoy the story and its message.
- What would you like to hear from them?
I would love to hear that they enjoyed the story, but that also Saphie has inspired them in some way. Be it to be kinder to others, being more independent or outspoken, or to being body positive.
- Is there a book you are particularly attached to and that has taught you something?
The Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye really had an impact on my writing. I have always loved fantasy and fairytales (I am obsessed with Disney), but this was the first time things did not happen to the princess in the story, she made them happen. She also was not ‘beautiful’ as she was ‘ordinary’ and yet she got the prince, and this spoke to the child who was already dealing with weight issues and low self-esteem.
- Are you working on a new writing project you can tell us about?
Yes, I am. I have started the sequel to A Princess on Her Own Terms, but I do not have a title yet. In the next instalment Saphie and Freya will encounter a pack of werewolves and work to have them accepted by the people of Xionia. Prince Edward will also reappear and will get himself into trouble with an evil sprite and Saphie and Freya must go to his rescue. Ember and her younglings appear as well in this new adventure of mystical creatures, swashbuckling fights and a new love story for one of the characters.
Europe Books thanks the author, Kirsty Demuth, once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book A Princess on Her Own Terms. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my readers, I hope this book capture your curiosity and it reminds you of the importance of kindness and transparency towards yourself and others.
So, my dear readers, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!