Page 27 - Star Wars Insider #177

INTERVIEW

“I THINK THE BEST
VILLAINS HAVE

REDEEMING AND EVEN
a woman inside that chrome What were the challenges
armor made me need to know of writing this book? SEDUCTIVE FEATURES.”
more. I love that one third of the I felt like my task was to write
First Order triumvirate is female the best book I could, a story

and that her armor doesn’t fall that fit with what Lucasfi lm do because they think it’s the
into any over-sexualizing tropes. needed, but one that would also right path. Perhaps I should
appeal to Star Wars fans, both question how easily I can slip into
How much input did you get old and new. Time was part of Phasma’s psychology, but... I’ve
into creating her backstory? that challenge, as was got other worlds to conquer.
A lot! I knew where she started incorporating ideas and

out and where she ended up, feedback from a variety of Did you find any redeeming
and it was my job to imagine the sources. When you write Star features in the character?
experiences that would shape Wars, you can’t pretend that it’s I think the best villains have
her and haunt her. I had so much your own precious baby, as you redeeming and even seductive
fun meeting with Lucasfi lm and can with most books. This baby features. That’s one of the things
brainstorming with them as we has many proud parents, and I’m I’ve always loved about Star
stitched together the plot. I see so grateful I got to work with Wars—the opportunity to
myself as a problem solver, as such a smart, supportive team. acknowledge one’s dark side
someone who can be given while being reminded not to go
several puzzle pieces and really Is it difficult writing a novel too far down that path. When you

dig deep to find a way to fi t where the central character read Phasma’s backstory, you’ll

them together for a story that’s is a villain? see that she has many redeeming
exciting, emotionally fulfi lling, Definitely not. Everyone thinks qualities. You’ll see why her

and true to the Star Wars they’re the protagonist of their troopers fight for her, and gladly.
universe we love so much. own story. Villains do what they My goal was to make you love her.

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