Discover how Ashbury blends myth and reality to create unforgettable stories
Heather Ashbury discusses her unique approach to urban fantasy, character inspirations, and the balance between myth and reality in her best-selling More Than Human series.
Heather Ashbury has captivated readers with her imaginative storytelling and fresh take on the paranormal and mythological genres. Her debut series, More Than Human, has quickly become a best-seller, drawing readers into a world where mythical creatures walk among us, often unaware of their true nature. Ashbury’s unique ability to blend the fantastical with the deeply personal has set her apart as a rising star in urban fantasy. Her characters, like Jule, resonate with readers through their relatable struggles with identity and belonging, while her innovative concepts, such as Esadora’s “spirit immersion,” challenge the boundaries of morality and self-discovery.
In this interview, Ashbury shares her inspirations, the intricacies of her characters, and what makes her series stand out in a crowded genre. Her insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the world she has crafted and the themes that drive her storytelling. Join us as we explore the magic and mystery of Heather Ashbury’s work and discover what makes her stories so compelling to readers around the world.
Heather Ashbury captivates readers with her innovative storytelling, blending myth and reality to create deeply relatable and enchanting narratives.
As a first-time best-selling author, how did you come up with the concept for More Than Human, and what inspired you to take a fresh approach to creatures of lore and myth?
The concept for my More Than Human series originally stemmed from the a game that I would play by myself while people watching. I would observe strangers or friends and based on their characteristics, mannerisms, or habits, I would imagine what sort of mythological creature the person would be if those beings were real. My approach to creatures of myth and legend is a little different because of this game. It made me wonder: What if vampires, demons, mermaids, etc. were all real and they secretly exist among us, either hiding what they truly are or completely unaware that they are “More Than Human”.
Jule’s journey in More Than Human takes her from an ordinary life to discovering she’s part of a mystical world filled with gods, demons, and more. What aspects of her character do you think resonate most with readers?
I think that a lot of readers may resonate most with Jule’s desire to feel like she belongs. Feeling like there’s more to you than you can explain; feeling a nostalgia for something you’ve never experienced, and then finding that place of belonging – finding your true family, your true home, your true self and fighting to keep it.
Readers may also resonate with Jule’s doubt in herself. Unlike most heroes in stories, Jule lacks confidence in her abilities. I think a lot of people out there struggle with impostor syndrome, which could describe Jule. I know I do!
Esadora’s ability to immerse her spirit into another’s body adds a unique element to the story. What inspired this character’s power, and how do you handle the moral and psychological complexities that come with it?
Esadora’s ability, which I call “spirit immersion”, sort of piggy-backs off of the out-of-body experience. I really just explored that concept and wondered what it would be like if one could not only leave their own body, but to, in a way, possess someone else’s. Her ability definitely brings up moral complexities which I will be exploring more in book 4 (spoiler alert!)
Writing about these moral and psychological complexities involves a lot of stepping into someone else’s shoes and looking at the effects of her ability from multiple perspectives. There is no question that what she does isn’t victimless, which I think puts her into a morally-grey area, though she is just doing what she thinks she has to in order to save herself or her friends.
As an author venturing into urban fantasy, what do you think sets your series apart from others in the genre? How do you balance the fantastical elements with real-world issues and emotions?
What sets my series apart from others in the same genre is that I try to stay away from the stereotypical behavior of werewolves in particular. Where a lot of werewolves can be portrayed as domineering, misogynistic, “alpha” types, mine are more focused around balance, teamwork, equality, and complementing one another.
Another thing that sets mine apart is the inclusion of different, lesser-known creatures of myth and legend that aren’t mainstream. By doing this, I hope to spark some interest and curiosity into other stories from mythology that aren’t well known.
Finding balance between fantasy and realism is tricky. Too much of one and not enough of the other can cause an unfulfilling story for someone who enjoys the genre. I imagine everything that I write playing out in front of me, like I’m watching a movie. I feel what my characters feel, I consider what their real-world struggles may be, then I toss a bit of fantasy into the mix and see what happens. Realism would be much more interesting with a dash of fantasy.
