Author Interview – Kalyn Josephson

Today I got to chat with author Kalyn Josephson about her MG debut “RAVENFALL” a spookily fun novel about a girl whose family runs an inn at the crossroads of the human world and the Otherworld.

BookishlyJewish: I am so excited for RAVENFALL! Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind the story and the process of writing it?

Kalyn: Thank you so much! I’d love to. It started with the idea of a sentient inn and a family with magical powers, which I got after re-watching the Addams Family. It grew into a bit of a love letter to Irish mythology and autumn, both of which feature heavily, alongside a longtime desire to see the cat companion as the good guy for once (it wasn’t long before Max the cat stole the show, quickly becoming my favorite character).

BookishlyJewish: Correct me if I’m wrong but, your previous books were YA. What made you take the leap to MG and what are the differences you noticed?

Kalyn: That’s correct! Funnily enough, RAVENFALL actually started out as YA when I first wrote it nearly 8 years ago. It’s a story I drafted before my published YA and ultimately shelved. When I revisited it, I realized I’d written a middle grade book, as the story focused so much on the characters’ places within their families, had such wild, whimsical magic, and humor in the darkest places, all things that fit the middle grade space really well.

BookishlyJewish: Interesting, so who is the ideal reader for RAVENFALL?

Kalyn: RAVENFALL falls into the upper middle grade range, so I think it’s a great option for both middle school and high school readers looking for a story steeped in magic and mythology. Particularly fans of things like Supernatural, Encanto, and Practical Magic. But one of the great things about middle grade fantasy is I think it can appeal to readers of all ages looking for something full of magic and heart.

BookishlyJewish: RAVENFALL just got a cover! Any thoughts?

Kalyn: So many thoughts! The artist, Ramona Kaulitzki, completely captured the spooky autumnal heart of the story. I love how central the inn is, the way the title unfurls like a scroll, and all the little creatures you can spot throughout. It’s the kind of cover that the more you look at it, the more you see.

BookishlyJewish: I’ve been staring at it for hours, and I think you are correct. This is such an exciting writing milestone. When did you decide you wanted to be a writer? How was the journey from then to now?

Kalyn: I’m honestly not sure. It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do for as long as I can remember. But it wasn’t until college that I realized it was something I could pursue as a profession, and I went from writing fanfic and short stories to learning to write novels. Since the release of THE STORM CROW, I’ve been fortunate enough to keep telling new stories, and I’m excited to do that in the middle grade space now too.

BookishlyJewish: What do you hope readers take away from this book or any of your other writing?

Kalyn: RAVENFALL is primarily a story about processing grief and learning to express yourself. So much healing in the book happens through honest communication, something I think a lot of us struggle with sometimes. I hope the message that how you’re feeling is valid and deserves attention really comes through and sticks with readers when they need it.

BookishlyJewish: While I feature Jewish books on this site, part of my focus is showing how they are actually great books for EVERYONE. Any background our general audience readers should know before diving in to RAVENFALL?

Kalyn: I totally agree with that, and I really appreciate the work this blog does for Jewish voices. RAVENFALL was interesting for me to write because it features a Jewish main character whose identity is just part of who she is, rather than integral to the story. The sequel on the other hand was a big change, as it explores Jewish mythology and identity. But I think both, like any other books featuring mythology, are just an opportunity to explore a new world, no background needed.

BookishlyJewish: You’re making me blush! I can’t help but notice your bio includes cats. What are the names of these wonderful pets? Do you have a favorite literary cat?

Kalyn: I do!! Their names are Snags and El. The cat in my book, Max, is actually based on El, who despite being all of 5 pounds is one of the world’s greatest menaces (which she would take as a compliment). 

In terms of favorite literary cats, I’d have to pick Mogget from the Abhorsen series by Garth Nix. His dry humor is the best, and like Mogget, the cats in my stories are never quite what they seem.

BookishlyJewish: Mogget is the best. And he’s always giving cryptic advice. What is the one piece of advice you’d like to tell an aspiring Jewish writer? 

Kalyn: That if you want to write Jewish characters, write Jewish characters. When I was a new writer, I got feedback on RAVENFALL telling me there was no reason for Anna to be Jewish, and so I took it out. It wasn’t until later that I added it back, because Anna doesn’t need a reason to be what she is.

BookishlyJewish: I always end by asking if you have a favorite Jewish book or author?

Kalyn: The last couple years have made this especially tough, with an incredible list of new Jewish fiction being published, but I think I have to go with a recent read, which is FROM DUST A FLAME by Rebecca Podos. It’s the kind of story that sweeps you off your feet from page one, and the Jewish themes throughout were so relatable and powerful.

BookishlyJewish: Great choice! I loved it too. My review can be found here.

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