Q&A With Karin De Havin

Q1) Tell us about your book​

Tokyo Academy-First Contact is about Erin Van Horn, a seventeen-year-old artist who accepts a dare from her best friend Tori, and wins a coveted spot as an exchange student at a prestigious Tokyo high school. Once in Japan, Erin struggles to learn the culture and deal with her quirky host family whose son is an Elvis impersonator. To make things even more challenging Tori snuck a crazy to-do-list in her backpack. All Erin has to do is find a rock star boyfriend, apprentice under a famous Japanese artist, and visit Tori's long-lost relatives to find out what's hidden in the family closet

But Erin has a much bigger problem than her host family or Tori’s crazy to-do list. From the very first day she sets foot in Japan, a ghost starts following her. It repeatedly whispers a message, “Stop it!” But what is she supposed to stop? The ghost won’t tell her. 

Q2) Why did you focus on myths/legends from that particular region?

I lived in Japan for over two years and became fascinated by Japanese mythology as it’s part of the daily life in the culture. Everywhere I turned I saw different characters I studied in my Japanese mythology and religion courses. I visited many temples where Kitsune, the fox goddess, was featured prominently in statues guarding the entrances. She is the messenger of the gods. Kitsune is featured prominently in the Tokyo Academy Series. She gives Erin messages from Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess.

Q3) Who is your favorite mythical figure?

There are so many fun mythological creatures I feature in the Tokyo Academy Series, but my favorite has to be Tanuki. He is a cross between a raccoon and a fox. He’s quite the fun loving character known for his love of drink and playing tricks on humans. You can find statues dedicated to Tanuki outside restaurants and shops as he is also the symbol of good luck and success in business.

Q4) If you could choose to hang out with one mythical God, who would it be and why?

I loved writing about the Japanese Sun Goddess Amaterasu. Her legendary story is quite unique and could be a soap opera. I’d love to sit down and chat with her over tea about her brother’s betrayal and her redemption journey from isolation in a cave to becoming one of the most favored gods in Japanese mythology.

Q5) Do you plan on writing similar books in the future?

Yes, I have companion series planned with the same characters and world but working on a demon case based in America instead of Japan. There will be a mixture of American and Japanese mythologies due to the presence of Kitsune, who snuck on board the plane Erin took home to America. Best of all it will have a dragon! 

Thank you for having me! 

Bio

Karin De Havin writes action-packed fantasy, and paranormal romances with kick-ass heroines who love showing villains who’s boss. Writing is Karin's dream job.
Karin De Havin is known for her unique books that explore celestial fantasy worlds, time traveling genies, a girl shifter, her artist vampire boyfriend, and their crazy life filled with witches and wizards. Find out more about Karin at her website

Karin's Website