Porter Square Books interviews Ellen Kushner, May's SF/Fantasy Author of the Month

Matthew, bookseller at Porter Square Books in Cambridge, MA, interviews Ellen Kushner:

Q: Your second novel, Thomas the Rhymer, is based on the 13th century story of True Thomas, an historical figure and basis of many legends and songs.

Obviously you did quite a bit of research; how did you choose among the legends and how did you make them your own?

I was obsessed with ballads and folklore from the time I was about 14. I read books, I listened to music, from the "hardcore" folk recordings of folks like Ewan MacColl, to Brit Folk Rock bands like Pentangle and Steeleye Span . . . . It was really my passion for these things that made me want to write Thomas the Rhymer, rather than the other way 'round. And it was great, while I was writing the book, that every time I needed a plot twist or new character, simply to be able to dip into the rich cauldron of folklore and balladry for it.

Read the full interview on their Blogger page.