Award-winning author Jessica Inclán on the magic of Harry Potter, basic nature of love, and the beauty of heroes who'll have us just as we are. Read on ...

MB: What or who inspired your novel?

JI: What inspired the romance part of the novel was just my basic belief in romance and love, and the feeling that there is a person out there for everyone -- or that we can make the choice to find that person and bring him or her into our lives.

I thought the longing both Sariel and Miranda felt was that archetypal love, the kind that just forces people to pay attention. How could they not?

The magic aspects of the novel were influenced by Phillip Pullman's books from the series "His Dark Materials," the Harry Potter novels, "The Mists of Avalon" by Marian Zimmer Bradley, and all the things I've wished I'd been able to conjure up my entire life.

I certainly want to be able to travel through matter and get to Paris or Hawaii in a matter of moments.

MB: What do you like most about your novel?

JI: My favorite aspect of the novel is the equal balance of power, affection, strength, and weakness in Sariel and Miranda's relationship. There is no one in charge, in the lead, in power. They rely on each other -- they balance each other.

MB: Who is the most heroic person you know?

JI: I've met a couple of people lately who sort of make me realize it is a struggle to stay alive after facing incredible pain -- and the people who manage to do so and live with joy and hope amaze me.

My friend Michael Hirsch is one. My friend Mara's son Colin Pugh is another.

Both faced challenges -- both psychically and physically -- at a young age and managed to come through and come through very well.

MB: Who's your romance hero: dark, brooding bad boy or white knight in shining armor?

JI: My romantic hero is the man who loves me despite and because of who I am. Someone who sees me and still comes back for more. My love Michael (I seem to collect Michaels) is like that for me. Even when I'm not a very nice person, he can remember who I really am.

MB: Answer the question you wish an interviewer would ask.

JI: Question: What am I writing now?

I am working on a novel about four friends who go out every month in order to enliven their lives. Along the way they have adventures. It's titled "Loneliness Night Out."

I am also working on a new romance series, the ideas of which are still top secret (some even to me).