In The Rithmatist, you’ve combined magic with a light dose of mathematics. What gave you the idea for the book, and how did you approach integrating the diagrams and mathematical concepts while keeping the content interesting?
I think what the characters are passionate in, to an extent, will draw the reader’s passion–at least if you do it right. In the Rithmatist, the story isn’t about the charts and diagrams–it’s about the character who is fascinated by them. And in the end, you don’t actually have to understand them all as long as you understand Joel. Them being there helps you to make that journey, though. (At least I hope it does!)