– Thanks for joining us here at YALC. We would love you to introduce yourself
Hello! I’m Melissa Poett, the author of The Enemy’s Daughter and the soon to be released A Thief to Die For. I’m a Canadian author whose YA books are known to be a genre-blending mix of fantasy, romantasy, and dystopian.
– Can you give our readers an overview of your YA novel A Thief to Die For
Absolutely—it’s a romantasy reimagining of Robin Hood with Marian taking the lead as a whip-wielding thief. But when a mysterious soldier interrupts her latest heist against her tyrant father, she must choose whether to make him her enemy or forge a magical alliance that could tear both their worlds apart.
– And, if you could do it in just 5 words or less, what would they be?
“Who hurt you?” with yearning.
– How did you choose to tell a reimagining of Robin Hood?
When my publishers and I decided to do a second book in this world, I knew I wanted to reimagine another twelfth century medieval legend. Robin Hood felt exactly right, especially with Marian becoming the star.
– Did you do much research for this story? Watch any Robin Hood movies or TV?
I did. When I was brainstorming, I rewatched some of the old Robin Hood movies, including the one with Kevin Costner and the Disney Cartoon featuring the fox (a personal fan favourite). The thing about a reimagining is that it’s not a retelling. Readers might notice a few recognizable names and events from the original, but for me the point is to take the story in a direction people wouldn’t have expected.
– Who was your favourite character to write and why?
Marian was really fun to write because she’s this kick-butt high-ranking guard in her father’s militia. For years, she’s been facing the brunt of her father’s bad behaviour, all while actively trying to counter the harm he creates. She’s also complex—she’s lonely, angry, and struggling to repair her relationship with her sister. I think readers can really root for her to find happiness and succeed.
– Is there a character that you relate to?
Ryland is an elite soldier who needs to save his people by making a coal deal with Marian’s tyrannical father. But the more Ryland learns about the man, the more he struggles with how to proceed. He doesn’t want to support the oppression of the coalminers. I thought a lot about the companies in my own life that I have to deal with, the ones who make our food, our clothes, even the websites and social media we use. Some operate in questionable and even downright deplorable ways. So Ryland’s struggle was really relatable.
– Is there a particular scene that felt rewarding to write?
Every Marian and Ryland scene was incredibly fun to write because there’s so much tension crackling between them. Bringing the yearning to life was where the magic happened.
– Did your writing plan change for this book compared to ‘The Enemy’s Daughter’?
There was one significant change that was made after the first draft of A Thief to Die For. I had begun the story with Ryland’s POV, showing the coal mine explosion (the reason he needs to go on a journey to find coal). But after talking with my editors, we felt starting the story with Marian was best, so we cut 23 pages.
– Was the plan always to set this book in the same dystopian world as ‘The Enemy’s Daughter’?
The Enemy’s Daughter was actually pitched as a complete standalone. But when my publishers asked for a second book, I quickly pitched another story in this world. It really worked out perfect because readers have been thrilled to see these storylines expanded, and I had other medieval legends I wanted to reimagine. Now people can jump in with either book.
– How did you come up with the title? Was it a hard process?
The title came surprisingly easy. I knew I needed the word “Thief” in it and scribbled out a bunch of options—with A Thief to Die For being the favourite. That said, I also tried not to get too attached to it, as titles often change once they reach the editing stage. Luckily, my editors thought it was a winner.
– Did you know the ending of the story before you started writing, or did it evolve when you started writing?
Before I start writing, I always know the ending and the details of every plot twist. I usually have a vivid idea of all the key scenes that the story will be centred on.
– If ‘A Thief to Die For’ had a soundtrack, what would the opening song be?
The story begins with Marian’s father making her fight her sister, who isn’t a trained guard like she is. It’s intense and shows how vile and unfair their father is—so I think something like Seven Devils by Florence and the Machine would be a great fit.
– Do you have any writing rituals or lucky charms?
All I really need is a quiet place and something to drink.
– Where can our readers find you on social media?
Instagram is where I’m most active (@melissawritesYA). I also have accounts on TikTok and Facebook.
– Finally can you give us your favourite quote from a novel (it can be yours!)?
I think the opening lines of Red Rising are killer: I would have lived in peace. But my enemies brought me war.