InvestiGeek

On Tuesday, February 18th, I joined fellow Romantasy readers as we found our places among the rows of foldable chairs housed in Powell’s at Cedar Hill Crossing. As the clock struck 7 pm, a Powell’s employee encouraged us to welcomed the amazing Penn Cole! In her sequenced glory, Penn Cole took her seat and began discussing her prized BookTok sensational series, Kindred’s Curse. We had all gathered to celebrate the release of the physical release of the second installment, Glow of the Everflame.

As InvestiGeek, I couldn’t help but reach for my Notes app once Cole started discussing some fascinating details relating to her books and writing career. So, here is an edited version of the notes from her Powell’s stop during her Glow of the Everflame tour.

Note: Penn Cole was thoughtful and filtered her discussions for spoilers. I will respect her decision and continue to edit these notes with no spoilers.

When will the final book, Burn of the Everflame, be released?

Luckily, Penn Cole stated that you should not trust your internet sources as they state a date years from now. In reality, the final book in the Kindred’s Curse series will be released sometime in 2025!

So, if you are thinking about starting Kindred’s Curse, now is the time to do it! Instead of waiting years for the final release, she crossed her fingers that you will only have months to wait!

What Can We Expect for Burn of the Everflame?

With no remorse, Penn Cole turns to the crowd and states that “we are not yet at the deepest pit as far as the story goes.” By the end of book three, Heat of the Everflame, Diem has still yet to reach the deepest ditch that Cole has carved for her poor protagonist.

So, if you are awaiting Burn of the Everflame in hopes to see Diem and friends flourishing, you will be sorely disappointed. It seems that Cole has a few more punches before our protagonists get their happily ever after.

How Should We Prepare for Burn of the Everflame?

As a master of foreshadowing, Penn Cole states that we should revisit the series for a reread. For those who have already read the books released thus far, we are already acquainted with her foreshadowing techniques. Yet, she says there is more hidden that we have not yet discovered.

In particular, Cole encourages us to revisit the very first chapter of the entire series. She teases that with each reread, she discovers even more hints within those early pages.

Penn Cole on Her Inspiration for Spark of the Everflame

Despite it being the second installment in the series, Cole actually wrote Glow of the Everflame first. The concluding events of Spark of the Everflame were originally the first few chapters of the series.

The reason why she made such a dramatic change makes total sense. Penn Cole explained that it is a common trope in novels. This is particularly true in Fantasy. In these stories, someone living in a small town experiences an event that pivots their entire trajectory. She didn’t want to add to this common start, but rather to turn it on its head.

Cole recognized that readers wouldn’t care about these people. Readers would have no connection with these characters because they just appeared in the first 50 pages. So, she wanted to build the connection between the characters and readers before she showed the true stakes.

Fun fact: Penn Cole originally wrote the Kindred’s Curse series in third person and then rewrote it first person.

Penn Cole on Her Inspiration for the Kindred’s Curse Series

Like many authors starting to develop a series, there were many things that informed Cole’s decisions for crafting Kindred’s Curse.

Primarily, she was interested in what type of world was necessary to craft the story she wanted to tell. Cole believes that if she is to create art, it must be meaningful. So, she wanted to explore topics of our world, but within a new setting. She crafted mortals as the equals for everyday people, leaving the Descended as a representation for power hungry leaders. She intended for readers to set down the book with the realization that there were key similarities. These similarities exist between the mortals of Emarion and oppressed people within our society.

As an avid reader, Cole was also inspired by earlier fantasy romance novels. She read Kushiel’s Dart when Fantasy was still predominantly men and she was blown away. She found a lot of real world problems within that book. She noticed that no other works were addressing these issues. She wanted to help fill that hole. “How do I find a book that is different, but just like this?” was her question when approaching expectations for Romantasy.

She questioned herself and made a list of the things she loves from other books. She then began to construct a book based on those traits.

Cole also admits that the entire Kindred’s Curse Series is formed around the Hero’s Journey. Then, each book is based on the Three-act structure. She commented that this structure allows each character room to breath and grow as the story progresses.

For how she addresses her ratio of romance to fantasy, she admits to being a true believer of 50/50 for Romantasy.

Does Penn Cole Have a Favorite Character?

Penn Cole does have a favorite character, but her readers heavily disagree with her choice. As Cole announced to the crowd that her favorite character is Henri, she was met with groans.

Yet, Cole was quick to prove her audience wrong for their assumptions. She explained how Henri is not simply a character, but rather a representation of an entire populace.

Henri has lived through the horrors of oppression. He is a mortal in a world dominated by the Descended. With a vision, Henri is presented with the opportunity to change the world in the only way he knows. By matching the Descended’s cruel tactics, he believes he is finally leveling the field.

Instead of writing Henri off as the childhood friend, consider viewing Henri as the character he is. Do not assume he will inevitably be left in the dust. Recognize that his struggles sound quite like the oppressed within our own society.

What is Something Penn Cole Has Lost While Writing the Kindred’s Curse?

Initially, this audience question stumped me, but Penn Cole answered with grace. As we know, Diem has a deep tie to her scars. As visible reminders of her story, Diem treasures her scars, while Luther would argue the opposite.

When plotting, Cole originally wrote a scene in which Diem would be in desperate need of a healer. Yet, the healer went too far and erased Diem’s scars.

Promptly envisioning the visceral reaction of Diem, Cole knew she went to far. As she imagined Diem’s horrific reaction at viewing her unmarred skin, Cole also broke down into tears.

By reflecting on her reaction, Cole felt an internalized vision of perfection dissolve. Diem taught Cole how to love herself. In the process, Cole lost a part of herself that prioritized an untrue beauty standard.

Penn Cole on Self-Publishing

Unlike many other authors, Penn Cole actually enjoys the marketing aspect of publishing. She knew she had the means to self-publish. She even went as far as to say she never envisioned herself being traditionally published. Even when she did publish Spark of the Everflame, she “thought maybe 20 people would read Spark.”

As far as marketing, she knew her target audience because, well, she knew herself. Cole also loves bringing series. She wanted to publish them all close together to avoid long breaks between her publications.

Penn Cole on Her Relationship with Writing

Penn Cole has a degree in Creative Writing. She spent her childhood reading. She is by no means new to the realm of writing. Like many creatives, her traditional Creative Writing degree trapped in her the “What is real fantasy literature?” dilemma. She also received the typical “it’s not a real job.”

Yet, with becoming a BookTok sensation and a bestselling author, Penn Cole is another inspiration for writers to continue pursuing their artistic talents, despite the opinions of others.

How Can I Get Kindred’s Curse Merchandise?

The recent trend of Romantasy has hosted amazing growth as far as fan merchandise. Now, it is easier than ever to get your hands on branded materials from your favorite series. And Penn Cole’s Kindred Curse is no exception.

In fact, Penn Cole has taken it one step further and has partnered with creatives to have official merchandise. Plus, a percentage of the profits goes to nonprofits. She has personally vetted these nonprofits, which relate to topics she addresses throughout her books.

If you would like official Spark of the Everflame merchandise, visit Penn Cole’s official website shop!