Darren Simpson on Thirst and fantasy books for early teens

Welcome to our exclusive Q&A with Darren Simpson, author of Thirst - a thrilling and atmospheric folk story-inspired novel for early teen readers which we’re excited to be sharing with our Macaw subscribers this month. Set in the mysterious village of Maimsbury, Thirst plunges readers into a world of ancient superstitions, chilling rituals, and dark secrets lurking beneath the surface. The tale unfolds with an unforgettable blend of suspense and folklore, inviting readers to explore the haunting relationship between community and nature. Join us as Darren shares the inspirations and research behind this compelling story and his favourite fantasy novels for early teens.

What inspired you to write Thirst?

I decided to write a folk horror novel because folklore and superstition are great ways to make the supernatural feel grounded and more real. While researching folkloric river-hags, I learned that pagans used to see rivers as living things and give offerings – even human lives! – as sacrifices in return for all the good a river brings to a community. I wondered what it would be like if a river developed creepy ways to take human sacrifices for itself. It was this idea that eventually grew into Thirst. 

What research did you do for the book and did you learn anything that surprised you?

I mostly researched folkloric beliefs, stories, rituals and monsters. What really surprised me was the way so much folklore – no matter how old it feels – is still with us today, in everything from movies and games to our habits and the way we think. Anyone who counts magpies or crosses their fingers – whether they realise it or not – is engaging in ancient beliefs and a communal, deep-rooted sort of magic. 

What do you hope young readers will take away from the story and how it unfolds?

I hope readers will be intrigued and entertained, and also a little scared – but in a fun way! I’d also like them to come away from Thirst thinking about the parts we can play in facing up to the more immoral and unjust ways our societies work.

In what ways would you say the book reflects our relationship with the natural world?

The people of Maimsbury have a respectful but complex relationship with nature, in which they ultimately exploit its power – as well as exploiting people from other communities – for their own gain. In that sense, perhaps their society isn’t all that different from ours.

Can you tell us anything about what the future holds for Gorse and his community?

I hope Gorse will live a long and happy life. Whether he’s able to or not, he can take solace in the knowledge that he was true to his principles and did the right thing, and that he played a key part in ensuring that his community starts to do the same.

Why did you choose to write books for this age group?

I wanted to write something darker and more mature than what’s usually available for younger readers, but which isn’t quite YA. There don’t seem many books that cater for teens looking for that sort of read, and I’m really keen to help fill the gap.

Do you have a favourite place to write?

That’d be my study – which sounds quite posh, but it’s also the room where we hang up our family washing. Soggy pants aside, it also has my laptop, notebooks and stereo, and I love being there.

Which other fantasy stories for early teens would you recommend our subscribers read next?

If you’re in the mood for more folky creepiness, I’d suggest Wyrdwood by Curtis Jobling, which is about a coastal community cursed by something vengeful that’s awoken in the woods. If you fancy something folkloric but with more wonder than scares, you can’t go wrong with The Twelve by Liz Hyder, in which a girl gets involved in ancient magic while trying to save her sister.