Christina Alongi, author of Citadel
Genre Fiction Category, sponsored by Macalester College
Each week leading up to the 36th annual Minnesota Book Awards, we are featuring exclusive interviews with our finalists. You can also watch the authors in conversation with their fellow category finalists here.
What is one detail you wanted to include in this book, but couldn’t find a place for?
There’s a particularly nasty predator that lives in the Flooded Forest that even the chimera fear that’s basically an oversized spider. But the book was already packed, so there was no room for an additional monster fight.
Tell us about someone who proved instrumental to the creation of this book.
There were a lot of people who were really great beta readers and critique partners, but my cousin was particularly useful. As an autistic person and a new father, he was able to provide some nice insight into both Olivia and Ormus’s mindset.
Tell us about a favorite read from the past year. Why did you find it enjoyable, insightful, or memorable?
I was in such a slump last year (and I’m still kind of struggling with it.) I did really like Rick Riordan’s The Sun and the Star. Percy Jackson for life!
Please tell us something about yourself that is not widely known.
I have a black belt from a youth self-defense program I did several years ago (white belt at age six, black belt at age thirteen). I also used to practice archery back in the day.
Share your thoughts about the role and value of libraries.
I think they’re a vital part of the community. Not everyone can purchase or store their own books, so having access to them for free is vital for a flourishing, educated community. They also act as safe spaces for people with unsafe homes–or no homes at all. They’re a great resource if you need to apply for a job but don’t have a computer/internet/printing. They host excellent community and family events. The list is endless.
Christina Alongi graduated from Hamline University with a double bachelor’s degrees in history and social justice. Citadel is her first full-length novel, and she has also written an epic fantasy novella series called the Blackwing Series.