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Author Q&A with Bex Hogan

Owl King

Hi Bex! Thank you for joining us to talk about your wonderful new book, Owl King. We absolutely loved Nettle so we’re thrilled to get to speak to you about your next instalment in the faery realm. Owl King is beautiful, moving and tender, and we’re so excited to discuss it with you!

1. We were so excited to read about some familiar characters, namely Ellion and Nettle, can you tell us about how their relationship has grown and had you always planned to include them in this adventure? 

Yes, I always knew I wanted to feature Nettle in the second book, because although OWL KING isn’t a sequel to NETTLE, it’s part of the same series, and I think it’s always fun for readers to get a little nod to books set in the same world. And if Nettle was going to appear, then Ellion would have to as well! The Nettle we meet in OWL KING is far more confident in who she is, having settled into her own skin and embraced her true nature. The dynamic between Nettle and Ellion is more evenly balanced now, with them working as a team.

2. The stories interwoven throughout, told through Lyla’s eyes, bring a wonderful depth to the whole narrative and underpin the development of Lyla and Cato’s relationship. How did you develop these stories? 

Writing these short stories was so much fun. It was a way to create the faery tales of the Faery Realms, adding an extra layer of depth to the world and its history. I wanted to imagine the kind of stories that faeries would pass through the generations, while also making them relevant to our characters and driving the story. I knew early on that they would be about birds, because that is such a huge part of this realm’s faeries’ identities. I outlined roughly where I would want them to feature in the book, and how that would progress Lyla and Cato’s relationship, but when I sat down to write them, I didn’t know what would happen. I let each story unfold, and listened to where it wanted to go. It’s a very freeing way to write, and sometimes they needed some adjusting afterwards, but most of them aren’t hugely changed. 

3. Cato is a complex character and his character arc throughout the story is really interesting. Can you tell us more about Cato’s character and why it was important to develop him the way you did throughout the story. 

Cato is the villain of the book, but I always think the best villains are the ones where we can see why they’ve become the monster they are. He wasn’t always bad, but power – or the perceived loss of it – has corrupted him entirely. Faeries live for such a long time, that losing any semblance of a moral compass means the spiral to darker places has no end. Cato has sunk deep into an existence of horrific deeds to maintain the power he believes he needs. Until Lyla comes along and challenges him. I wanted to explore whether redemption is possible, could someone lost to such darkness ever find his way back to the light?

4. How have the places you have visited and lived, shaped you as a writer? Have any of these places inspired Owl King? 

I grew up in Cornwall, and I think to spend so many years surrounded by its natural magic has profoundly shaped me as a writer. When I imagine the Faery Realms, they are the untouched pockets of Cornwall I see, the ancient bluebell woods, laden with atmosphere and history. Or the wild moorland, dense with gorse and windswept trees. I’m so fortunate to have grown up in such a beautiful place, and to have been so inspired by it. There was also a local legend in the village I lived in, about an owl man. He was said to be half-man, half-owl, with piercing red eyes, and was seen flying over the ancient church on the headland. He definitely was a part of the inspiration for the Owl King himself!

5. What advice would you give to any younger readers who have these magical worlds inside their heads, on how to get started in writing? 

The main thing is to remember you don’t have to write a full length novel straight away! Short stories are your friend when getting started, because writing a whole book is very hard! Enjoy writing little, snappy stories, have as much fun with them as you want. And read as much as you can. By reading, you absorb the rhythm of writing so that it becomes instinctive and makes your life a lot easier. Remember that bringing your magical worlds to life on paper isn’t the same as school. There are no rules beyond the ones you make. So don’t feel restricted, don’t worry about getting it right, just have fun practising and experimenting!

6. Ilsette’s character is determined and faces many challenges all for the love of her sister and to keep her safe. How would you describe how her journey changes her as a character? 

Ilsette is a young faery, and has had a sheltered upbringing due to Lyla trying to keep her safe. Their bond is fierce , so when Lyla is the one needing help, Ilsette doesn’t hesitate to do what’s necessary. But she lacks experience, and is guided purely by stories her sister has told her. When she discovers things aren’t quite what she expected or imagined, she has to find inner strength that she didn’t realise she had. And she has to learn to trust others in a way that she’s previously fought against , because quests aren’t easy to complete on your own.

7. Can you tell us a bit about your writing process? Where did the inspiration for Owl King come from? Have you always held an affinity for mystical, magical stories set on other worlds? 

I was absolutely raised on fairy tales as a child and completely adore them. I love their darkness, their unflinching view of the world, their acceptance of how beauty and cruelty go hand-in-hand. Fantasy is what I have always gravitated towards, whether reading, or watching films. I love escaping to magical worlds, to places of imagination, so it makes sense that this is what I prefer to write about. For the Faery Realms, I wanted to write stories that felt like traditional fairy tales, but were also fresh for a modern audience, drawing on Cornish folklore as well. I am a daydreamer by nature, and one glimpse of my office or my many notebooks would tell you quite how chaotic I am, but when it comes to my writing process, I’m structured. Deadlines force me to be! I will come up with a plot outline before I begin drafting, and make sure my editor likes the direction I’m taking. This is my favourite bit because I can legitimately daydream for work! For the Faery Realms series, this is also where I will do my research into fairy tales, diving into the older variations, and letting them inspire me. Then it’s just about getting the words down, trying not to worry if they’re not perfect, because they never are first time round.

8. The kingdoms set within Owl King and Nettle, are beautifully described and unique in their own way. How do you develop these places? Do you have a map (written or in your head) that plots these places within the faery realm?

I do have a map! I’m probably about the worst artist in the world, so it’s a very basic map, but it’s essential to help me understand where the realms are in relation to one another. When you’re world building in fantasy, it’s important that the places you create feel grounded, that they could really exist, and if I as the author, don’t know where everything is and how all the realms relate to each other, then I can’t expect my readers to fully invest in what I’ve created. When I’m developing the individual realms, I want them each to feel unique and distinct, so they don’t blend into one. The different landscapes have a bearing on the realms’ historiesand therefore that impacts our characters’ journeys differently too. Each kingdom is almost acharacter in its own right, and they are essential to help each book in the series feel connected yet separate.

9. Are there any plans to write another book in the faery world? If so, can you give us a sneak peek as to what we can expect?

Yes, I shall indeed be returning to the Faery Realms! Book three in the series is called ROWAN and is out in 2026. This time we follow the story of a broken-hearted girl who follows a mysterious white hare deep into the forest and soon finds herself caught in an ancient rivalry between a faery witch and a faery lord.

10. And finally, how would you describe Owl King in just three words?

Magical. Sisters. Love.

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