SP: Can you tell us a little about you and your writing journey?
RG: Thank you so much for having me!
I currently live in the beautiful forests of North Carolina, although I grew up on the plains of the Texas panhandle. I’ve written stories since I knew how to write; one of my early ones was about a girl who got turned into an ant. Thankfully I never finished that one!
I was always intrigued by the “What ifs.” What if a girl turned into an ant? What if dragons were real? This led to my love of both reading and writing fantasy.
After writing two (unpublished) novels, my YA fantasy novel, The Gift of Dragons, was published by Atmosphere Press, a hybrid publisher.
SP: Tells us more about The Gift of Dragons. What is it about?
RG: Here’s the official synopsis:
The Fate of Two Species Rests on the Tip of a Dagger
When the prince Adelaide seeks to overthrow tries convincing her that the legendary dragons exist and need help, Adelaide must decide where her true allegiance lies before the kingdom shatters.
Ever since the Gyndilians murdered her sister, Adelaide has plotted a rebellion to overthrow the king and prince who failed to protect them during the attack. Following her across the country is a stranger–not just any stranger, but the prince she’s hoping to overthrow–and Adelaide’s plans begin to collapse.
But Prince Elias has his own dangerous secrets–secrets connected to the dragons that once lived in the land. If he can’t earn Adelaide’s trust, there may never be any peace for Adelaide, her people, or the dragons.
Can Adelaide overcome her prejudices and thirst for revenge to do what’s best for her people before rage and sorrow consume her?
SP: Ooh. Sounds thrilling. What inspired you to write The Gift of Dragons?
RG: I wanted to tell a story of the persistent love of a man for a woman who continually refused him, much like God’s love for humankind. The idea of dragons came after the initial story idea, but I’m glad I included it, because now I can’t imagine the story without that element.
SP: What is a Hybrid publisher and what was it like working with them?
RG: For a Hybrid publisher, an author pays them upfront, and depending on the publisher, they cover everything for the author—cover art, developmental edits, copyediting, formatting, and distribution.
Atmosphere Press was a great team to work with. They’re very professional, listen to you, and have great ideas. It was a wonderful way to ease into the publishing realm, and I learned so much from working with them.
SP: If you could spend a day with one of your characters, who would you choose and why?
RG: If birds count, then I’d say Cyr—the main character’s hawk—because, well, how awesome would that be to walk around with a hawk on your shoulder?! But he’d be heavy after a while, and I’d probably crave some human conversation eventually, so I’ll also say Prince Elias. He has an interesting past and would have some entertaining stories to share about what it’s like to be the Prince of Klinhun. He’s also a skilled singer.
SP: How did a hawk wing its way into your story?
RG: I have no idea where Cyr came from; he’s sneaky that way. I always pictured Adelaide with a hawk because it fits her fierce personality so well. I also wanted her to have someone to process things with as she journeys through Klinhun to overthrow its rulers, and an animal seemed the best way to do that (even though Cyr doesn’t talk back—usually ).
SP: What advice would you give to other writers who want to get a book of their own out into the world?
RG: Be patient and persistent. With all the various ways to launch a book into the world these days, the process looks vastly different for each person—and they’re all viable options. Your journey to publication won’t be the same as anyone else’s, and that’s okay. It might take five months, five years, or fifty, but none of those are wrong.
Just keep writing through the rejections and disappointment, and also through the good news and celebrations. Keep pitching your story and researching and trying. You never know when you’ll hit upon a story that a publisher or reader loves.
SP: What’s Next for You?
RG: I’m super excited that the sequel and final book in Gift’s duology, The Hope of Dragons, is coming out this November from Atmosphere Press! I am in love with the cover, which will be revealed in July (you can sign up to help with the cover reveal here). In the sequel, there will be more dragons (one of whom is obsessed with monkeys ), dangerous powers, a web of secrets that affect someone the main character cares deeply about, and other exciting things!
SP: Speed Round:
What was the last 5 star book you read? Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson. It was brilliantly creative, sweet, swashbuckling, Princess Bride-y, and I could go on and on.
Favorite beverage? Tea! Thai Boba tea in the summer and hot chai in the winter.
Dream Vacation? Switzerland. All those stunning mountain vistas and delicious chocolate and cheese…
SP: Where Can Readers Find You?
My website: https://www.rachelagreco.com/
I’m also offering a free deleted scene of The Gift of Dragons to anyone who signs up for my monthly newsletter: www.rachelagreco.com/gift-deleted-scene
The Spinning Pen 