What does it take to craft a YA sensation? If you’re Angeline Boulley, author of New York Times instant bestseller, , it takes 10 years and a whole lot of grit. True story: Angeline’s provoking story of a Native teen who teams up with the FBI to find the source of meth corruption within her own community came to life during her kid’s hockey practices and in work meetings, through graduations, moves to new cities, and a divorce.

Inspired to peek behind the curtain and dive deeper into Angeline’s process as well as all things Firekeepers, we sat down to chat about everything from what’s next to the top 3 messages that Angeline wants you to take away from the book. 

Firekeepers Daughter was one of the first novels I read with an Indigenous protagonist. Are there elements of your Chippewa heritage you wish were more widely known/recognized in mainstream culture? —Julie P.

I’m comfortable with what I shared in my first book. I hope people are curious and want to learn more and seek out other books and sources. I wouldn’t want to be people’s sole source of Ojibwe knowledge. There are many more stories and communities out there. There is no singular story about a collective community.

What are the top 3 messages you hope readers take away from your book? —Lindsey G.

We are still here. Our communities have issues, but also healing and joy! Native women face the highest rates of violence and MUCH MORE needs to be done to address the lack of justice.

Was it a challenging morally or difficult decision to write characters getting off the hook when they hurt so many in the community? —Torrey C.

I wanted to tell the truth and the full story, so that meant there would be people escaping justice.

You bring to light a lot of tough topics facing the Native American community. What books would you recommend we read to learn more about this? —Lindsey G.

Marcie Rendon’s Murder on the Red River, Erika T Wurth’s Crazy Horse’s Girlfriend, and Cynthia Leitich Smith’s Hearts Unbroken.

I loved the introduction to the concept of a blanket party. Our Nez Perce women had/have a similar tradition to handle violence on women —Mary J.

I think many aunties & grandmas take care of business.

How does medicine in the book play a role in healing today in your community? —Torrey C.

It always has played a big role and continues to do so. Robin Kimmerer’s book Braiding Sweetgrass is incredible at showing a different way of thinking about plants as medicine.

I am listening to the audio version of your book which I adore. Did you have an input in selecting the narrator? —Michelle M.

Yes!! I listened to the audition samples and knew Isabella was the one! She sounds the way Daunis sounds in my head!

Jamie and Daunis, can we assume they are eventually together? 😊—Kristen B

Assume nothing *evil laugh*

🔥 Burning question 🙋🏼‍♀️ Does Jamie have a real name?!?!? —Milena M.

Yes. But it’s not to be revealed right now. Maybe later.

Are you going to write a sequel? —L.K.

Not a traditional sequel per se but you do find out what happened to Daunis…

Which character would you like to expand their storyline the most next? —Lindsey G.

That would be a spoiler…but I will say I would write Granny June’s coming of age story in a heartbeat!

Is Aunt Teddie based on a real person you knew growing up? —Ash S.

Aunt Teddie is based on 2 women I worked with (sisters) and my cousin Deb.

Hi Angeline! I just have one question but why would you hurt me like this? —Valerie W.

Because I look sweet but I’m ruthless.

Just kidding—I have another one: can you play hockey?! The way you talk about it makes it seem like you’re a hockey star 🧐 —Valerie W.

I’VE NEVER PLAYED HOCKEY! But my son played and there was a girl on the Sault High boys varsity ice hockey team

Do you have a favorite scene in the book? —Michelle N.

The ‘f-you’ shoes scene was a fave. And I LOVE my ending!

How does it feel having your story out in the world after so many years of writing? —Leigh H.

It feels amazing and surreal at the same. Someone recognized me at a bookstore (even with my face mask on) and that feel cool and strange at the same time.

Have you always had a knack for writing? And does writing a novel come easy to you? —L.K.

I’ve always liked writing but a novel is a lot of work. Parts were joyful and easier than others. Some parts were very difficult and I struggled with time management and the fear that I was gonna screw up everything

Did any of your colleagues or social circle know you were working on a novel? —Diana P.

My boss at Dept of Ed knew I was writing something but the day I told her about the book auction & deal, she was gobsmacked. She was a great boss and I enjoyed my colleagues at ED.

Where do you write and what is a typical writing day/night for you? —Michelle N.

For FKD I wrote early morning or late at night. Afternoons are not productive times for me. I’m better off going for a walk or running errands or reading for research. I write on an iMac at my desk in my home office.

What’s another genre you’d love to write in? —Leigh H.

Probably steamy romances.

Are you helping with the Netflix adaptation? Is there someone you would love to play Daunis? —Mercedes J.

No clue on Daunis. She’s out there, though!

Is there a release date yet? —Wendy F.

No. Television/streaming deals take a long time to hammer out and get all the pieces in place.

What are your top 3-5 Favorite Books? —Ann R.

Any movies you recommend? I saw the list of books you already answered on ☺️ —Milena M.

My Favorite Movies are Interstellar, The Martian, and Gravity (I’m a space nerd, FYI)