Good Reading for Young Adults caught up with author KALYNN BAYRON to discuss her latest novel, Sleep Like Death, a thrilling twist on the classic story of Snow White.

What can you tell us about your latest novel Sleep Like Death?

Sleep Like Death is a dark fantasy reimagining of the classic fairytale, Snow White. I’m so thrilled to be retelling this specific tale because it’s something I’ve wanted to do since I wrote Cinderella Is Dead in 2016.

In what ways have you reimagined the classic story of Snow White?

When I’m retelling these stories, I try my best to find a new way of looking at them. I never want to retell a story beat for beat. With Snow White, I’ve kept some familiar plot points – the magic mirror, the poison apple, the queen. My take on this story involves issues of motherhood, loyalty, family legacies, love, loss, and secrecy. And of course, there are horror themes that run through the fantasy elements because I love a good scary story!

Where do you get your love of storytelling?

I’ve been a reader my whole life. Growing up, I read everything I could get my hands on. Good stories fuelled my love of storytelling and led me to a career in writing. I’m still an avid reader. I think you have to be in order to be a good writer.

What lessons or morals do you hope to impart on readers through your fairytale reimagining?

Firstly, I hope readers have a good time with these stories. I want them to be engaged and entertained. Second, my hope is always that readers who are part of historically marginalised and excluded backgrounds feel seen by the work. Representation, even in genres like fantasy and horror, are important.

Princess Eve is a formidable character – did you draw from women in your own life to help shape her?

Eve is based on a many people I’ve known in my life. She’s a young girl who has been forced to grow up quickly, so in that sense she and I are a lot alike. But her other character traits come from other people, not one person specifically though.

What inspired the magical elements in your story?

I love stories that incorporate magic systems. What I love about Eve’s magic, is that it is a part of who she is. She accepts it, and uses it in ways that benefit her and her community. I also love magic that incorporates nature and natural elements.

What was the most enjoyable or challenging part of writing this novel?

Crafting each of these characters was so much fun! Even writing the bad guy was fun. I think the most challenging part of this, or any retelling, is figuring out how much of the original story to include. I want readers to be able to identify familiar settings and characters from Snow White but I also want them to see these characters in a new light. Finding that balance can be a challenge but I think I managed to get it right!

Do you have any plans to return to this fairytale realm again?

I’m always open to the possibility to expanding this fairytale world. I’m certain I’ll get back to it one day.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kalynn Bayron is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of the YA fantasy novels Cinderella Is Dead and This Poison Heart. Her latest works include the YA horror novel You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight and the middle grade paranormal adventure The Vanquishers. She is a CILIP Carnegie Medal Nominee, a Bram Stoker Award nominee, a LOCUS Award finalist, and the recipient of the 2022 Randall Kenan Award for Black LGBTQ fiction. She is a classically trained vocalist and musical theater enthusiast. When she’s not writing you can find her watching scary movies and spending time with her family.

Visit Kalynn Bayron’s website here