Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell-Horner on New Ya novel in Trilogy

The writing of a song is “a photo of the espresso, while writing a novel is a party,” explains Geri Halliwell-Horner.

Especially known as Ginger Spice, one fifth of the pop phenomenon of the 90s The Spice Girls, Halliwell-Horner now writes for the age group which once memorized his words. She spoke with enthusiasm with the Times of her new young adult novel, “Rosie Frost: Ice on Fire”, the second in a trilogy that started with the bestseller in 2023 “Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen”.

However, Halliwell-Horner is not new in writing; She published a memoir, “IF only”, in 1999, shortly after her departure from the Spice Girls, as well as a series of children's books, “Ugenia Lavender”, in 2008. The best writing advice she received when she started this phase of her career? “Start again. Do not age “Ugenia Lavender”. So I did it.

“I love sticky bits,” continues Halliwell-Horner as she chooses her favorite scene from the book, Kiss between Rosie and her love interest. “I liked to write this so much,” she said under Giddly, as if we were two adolescents around Rosie's age to chat in a pajama evening.

Halliwell -Horner permeates Rosie with some of these attributes that have dropped young girls and women (and, let's face it, many men) fall in love with her and her spice colleagues – “Baby Spice” Emma Bunton, “Scary Spice” Melanie Brown, “Sporty Spice” Melanie Chisholm and “Posh Spice” Victoria Beckham – almost three.

Although it has been eight years since Halliwell-Horner has released a single pop, she has written original music for the two books “Rosie Frost” so far, including the last song, “Old Now”, which is accessible via the QR code in “Ice on Fire”.

She is not afraid of more thorny feelings of adolescence, such as sorrow, isolation and revenge, the latter is the driving force of this episode while Rosie seeks to avenge the murder of her mother.

“It's much darker and it's real,” says Halliwell-Horner.

This interview was published and condensed for duration and clarity.

What attracts you to writing and writing for children in particular?

I always liked to write. I have always been a massive reader. I studied the theater – Stanislavski – and English literature before embarking on my musical career, which was always creative with words. When you write a song, you find the words that maybe someone (others) cannot find in itself. It's narration, but in a photo of the espresso, while writing a novel is a party.

My ambition is always to connect with everyone. These novels are ya, but I hope that (readers) of all ages connect (with history). The elderly like there is also because it has depth so that the curious mind unpack a little, or if you are a cheesy and curious person like me, it also checks this box.

You have to do a lot of research and I really like to do this. Before I even hit the page, I found myself looking for fusion energy because the backdrop of the novels “Rosie Frost”) is a little science, but I want to do things and increase the volume on it. I found myself learning physics and black holes, just to give it authenticity.

“My ambition is to give others a feeling of empowerment, hope and inspiration through the narration, whether through the song or through (books),” explains Geri Halliwell-Horner.

(Tyler Twins / For Times)

What did this research process look like, specifically doing the search for the British royal family and deciding which parties include in the tradition of Rosie?

I had already read historical novels, like “The Other Boleyn Girl” by Philippa Gregory, which is a very big point of entry into history but in a light way. I always liked “The Tudors”, which is full of drama. (The Tudor dynasty) was a really crucial moment in history. I also thought that we need a female character who reflects who we are today. A protagonist who is not rooted and vulnerable. Rosie Frost finds herself there 500 years later after being an orphan. She had to find the courage she didn't know. I identify with that: I have courage to grasp the luck (what) you fear the most. Rosie had to do that. I did it in (write this series). Now, in Book 2, she reaches 14 years – the age of power. She really has to find her own identity. Thanks to his own experience and confidence, you start to find your own inner power and to trust it.

Are there any plans for a third book?

This is what I work on now. I don't want to give the game. I always knew it was going to be a trilogy. I always knew what end would end. I still decide who will die. And someone will do it.

There is a line line between the power of the girls you married in the framework of the Spice Girls and now writing this story on a powerful young girl for a brand new generation. Was it something you were aware of when you write Rosie Frost?

I think you are absolutely right. Whatever I do, there is always this genesis. My ambition is to give others a feeling of empowerment, hope and inspiration through narration, whether through the song or through (books).

It is going through very human difficulties, whether it is intimidation – you may be the victim of intimidation at any age – or in mourning. But wrap it in chocolate and curiosity, history and danger. “Ice on Fire” is dark and delicious at the same time.

You recently tackle A Spice Girls meeting. Is there anything else you can tell us?

I am so grateful for each person who supported what the Spice Girls have achieved. But when there is something to announce, it will come from (we) a whole.