But as Poston, who’s also a prolific fanfic writer, worked on the story, it grew into something “very divorced from the fairy tale.” The South Carolina–based author tells interviewer Catherine Elsworth how she developed her beast- and briar-filled world, reveals why she’s more of a “pantster than a plotter,” and discusses the importance of including LGBTQ+ characters in her work. Poston’s new book similarly began life with its roots in Beauty and the Beast. Heart of Iron, meanwhile, was inspired by the story of Anastasia. Geekerella was a Cinderella retelling, and its sequels drew upon The Prince and the Pauper and Beauty and the Beast.

While Aloriya may be a far cry from the nerd-packed convention halls of Geekerella, book one of Once Upon a Con in which geek girl Ellie indulges her obsession with the sci-fi series she’s always adored, self-described full-time fangirl Poston has often looked to classic tales for inspiration. When a new queen is crowned, the forest’s “woodcursed” ghouls are unleashed, and Cerys, along with the fox that follows her everywhere, embarks on a death-defying quest to save both themselves and their world. But threats lurk in the wood bordering the realm, a dark and dangerous place that killed Cerys’ friends and mother and left her with a strange curse in her blood. Now she’s adding fantasy to her repertoire with the fairy tale–inspired Among the Beasts & Briars, the sweeping story of Cerys, a gardener’s daughter, who must brave a forbidden forest to break the mysterious curse that imperils her kingdom.Ĭerys has always been safe in Aloriya, working with and preparing to succeed her father. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars Ashley Poston made her name with Once Upon a Con, a contemporary series set in the world of fandom, and her two-part space opera, Heart of Iron.

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