Publishing

Interview with YA Romantasy Author Melissa Poett

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SP: Hi Melissa, we are so excited to interview you! First congratulations on your debut novel! We have read it and are OBSESSED!!!! Few authors go to auction with publishers on their first book but after reading it, we know why!

So, to begin — can you start by telling us how did you first realized you wanted to write a story and become a published author? 

    MP: I got into writing in a pretty typical way—it started as just a hobby. But the more I figured it out, the more I fell in love with it. Eventually, I started to believe I actually had something worth reading, so I decided to take a shot at traditional publishing. But yeah, it definitely wasn’t an overnight thing. We’re talking a process that took years and years.

    SP: How long did it take you to write The Enemy’s Daughter? 

      MP: I would say about a year to shape it into something I felt comfortable querying to literary agents. Then once it was picked up by my publishers, we went through edits again.

      SP: Other than The Enemy’s Daughter being a “Tristan and Isolde reimagining,” is there anything else you drew inspiration from while writing your story, like a film, novel, or song?

        MP: Yeah, I absolutely loved the Tristan and Isolde movie with James Franco and Sophia Myles (watch it if you haven’t seen it!), and I can confidently say it sparked in me a deep-seated affection for the legends from the 12th century. 

        SP: Are there any themes or messages within the story that mean something to you?

          MP: Yes. But the tricky part is that most of the themes in The Enemy’s Daughter stem from spoilers or plot twists—and I’m pretty sure people would come for me if I gave those away here. What I can say is that in writing this book, I was processing a lot of my frustrations with real-world events, which led to some tough questions about war, freedom, and what truly makes a great leader.

          SP: What would you like readers to know about you and your upcoming novel? 

            MP: Readers can expect enemies-to-lovers and forbidden love woven into a dystopian world with magic. But within that, it’s also a story about two young people on opposite sides of a war who mess around with a love potion of sorts. So there’s an instant push and pull that’s heavy on the romance as they’re drawn together. But ultimately, they’ll have to choose whether to give in to their bond, or betray the other to save their own people. And if that’s your thing, then you’re my people and THE ENEMY’S DAUGHTER is likely for you!

            SP: What do you hope readers will take away from the book?

              MP: The story is the embodiment of my favorite tropes, so I hope to make you swoon, gasp, and cackle with laughter (for those of you who know, I’m talking about the tie-him-to-the-tree scene ;). But most of all, I hope to open people’s eyes to the insidious ways that we lose our power and freedom as a society.

              SP: Now that you’re officially a published author, what advice would you give aspiring writers?

                 MP: Oh gosh, there are so many things. But here are three:

                1. Always back up your manuscript.
                2. Check your junk mail regularly when you’re querying. No, seriously—go do it right now.
                3. Build your writing community. Writing doesn’t have to be lonely. Make friends. Critique each other’s work. It’ll make both of you better writers.

                SP: What authors do you love and draw inspiration from?

                  MP: Tahereh Mafi and Sabaa Tahir are two of my favs. Tahereh blew my mind when I read her for the first time because of how deeply she emersed me in the story. That was a class, and I ate it up! Sabaa is the queen of giving you a heart attack as you read. No character is safe. No plot twist too big. I aspire to live up to those standards. 

                  SP: What do you do when writers block strikes or when it’s hard to find inspiration? 

                    MP: I think reading is an excellent option for writer’s block. But when I just don’t know what to write for a scene, listening to music or taking a nap has been surprisingly effective. Sometimes doing both at the same time. Never underestimate your subconscious and its power to solve a lot of your problems if you just give it the space and environment to work it out for you. 

                    SP: Are you currently working on any other exciting projects? 

                      MP: Yes! I’m working on book two. I can’t say a whole lot about it yet, but I can say it will be in the same world with the same magic system!

                      SP: So where are you hanging out these days where we can find you?

                      MP: You can find me via my website or IG!
                      Insta: https://www.instagram.com/melissawritesya/ & Website: www.melissapoett.com

                      SP: Thanks Melissa for being here with us! For readers, we posted the official synopsis below with an amazon link (although we suggest going to a local bookstore!)

                      OFFICIAL BLURB:

                      A stunning reimagining of Tristan and Isolde set in a dystopian world woven with magic. An addictive debut YA enemies-to-lovers romantasy—perfect for fans of Rebecca Ross and Sarah Underwood as well as books like Curious Tides, The Hurricane Wars, and Belladonna.

                      It’s been thirty-seven years since the Republic was destroyed. Now two settlements—the five clans and the Kingsland—fight for control of the untainted land. Though the five clans are outnumbered, they’ve finally struck, killing Kingsland’s brutal leader.

                      In the war that follows, Isadora, an eighteen-year-old healer, risks her life to help injured soldiers. But when she stops an attack from Tristan, a Kingsland assassin, his soldiers shoot her with a poisoned arrow. As Isadora lies dying, Tristan does the unimaginable: He offers to save her life using a rare magic. 

                      In choosing to live, Isadora is unknowingly bound to the mysterious Tristan. Worse, even acknowledging the attraction between them allows him to glean fragments of her memories and the very knowledge he needs to destroy the five clans. But their magical connection works both ways. So to save her people, Isadora will have to open her heart to her most cunning enemy. Because in a race for ultimate survival, she’ll need to destroy Tristan and his people first.

                      BUY HERE: https://a.co/d/6MpKsnd

                      Love and Books ~

                      Author Interview: Sarina Louise, from The Author Conservatory to getting published!

                      ~ The Spinning Pen ~ Leave a comment

                      Hey Spinning Pen Readers and Writers! We have a treat for you today! Debut Author, Sarina Louise is going to share her writing journey from The Young Writer’s Workshop to the highly-praised ‘Author Conservatory’ and getting published in the Voices of the Future Anthology.

                      SP: Hi S! We’re so excited to have you here on the Spinning Pen! Tell us all a little bit about you and your writing journey.

                      SL: Hey SP! Thank you so much for having me; I’m so excited to get to chat with you guys today. That’s a great question. I am 22, almost 23, and I’ve loved stories for as long as I can remember. In fact, when I was a little kid, I used to force my babysitter to write down the ones my sister and I made up. *laughs* but I actually ended up taking a significant break from writing when I was 15, and never thought that I would go back to it. I’ve never been more glad to be wrong. 

                      In 2019, I stumbled on The Young Writer’s Workshop, which is an online writing program that showed me it was possible to pursue writing seriously. From there, I attended The Author Conservatory, which is a three-year college alternative program for gifted writers. I graduated in June of 2024 and am now working on beginning my writing career! 

                      SP: Ok now for the bookish part we’ve been waiting for…tell us about THE POET WHO LIVED ON PICKPOCKET LANE! How did the idea come to you? Favorite parts of writing it? 

                      SL: I love this question so much! I actually came up with the idea for the story on a Zoom call with one of my best friends. I was on deadline to come up with three short story concepts for a school assignment, so I decided to head over to Pinterest. I found a picture of an apartment listing in a newspaper and it said “NO TEENAGERS, PETS, OR POETS”. I’d had a poet character who had been in my head since probably 2021 and as soon as I saw that picture, he came to life and the story was born! 

                      One of my favorite parts of writing this project was working with the poems. I actually always used to say that I would never publish any poetry because, for me at least, I write poems when I am in really vulnerable places and emotions. But this was a whole different process, because I was writing poetry from the perspective of my main character, rather than myself, and was writing poetry on deadline instead of just for fun. It was really difficult, but such a fun exercise to stretch me creatively. 

                      The Poet Who Lived on Pickpocket Lane by Sarina Louise

                      “Elias Thornbury hasn’t written poetry in a year. Not since his wife, Rosa, passed away. His poems bring memories to life, and he’s not ready for that kind of pain. Then his six-year-old daughter, Nina, asks for a birthday poem. Just like the ones Elias used to write when their family was whole. 

                      Desperate to find new inspiration so his poem doesn’t hurt Nina, Elias embarks on a journey through London. But as memories of Rosa haunt his every step, he must decide whether to continue suppressing his grief, or face it, and realize it’s been love all along.” 

                      SP: Since this is your debut publication, we’d love to hear about what else you have in the works. Can you tell us anything about your other projects? 

                      SL: Oh, that’s such a hard question, because I always want to spill more than I should. *laughs* What I can tell you is that, as a part of The Author Conservatory, I wrote two full length novels (and spawned ideas for many, many more). 

                      One of those novels, which I like to call Project Reaper, is currently in the final editing stages. I’m working on polishing it up and then am planning on pitching it at conferences and querying it in early 2025. “Darker By Four meets Belladonna in a YA paranormal fantasy novel about a girl with cancer and the Grim Reaper who doesn’t want to kill her.” It’s deliciously angsty and swoon worthy and has been such a fun project to work on!

                      Other than that, I’m juggling a ton of other projects around and letting them percolate and figure themselves out. My main focus right now is starting the pitching process!

                      SP: You keep mentioning the Author Conservatory. Tell us a little bit about your experience in the program.

                      SL: *laughs* uh oh, I’ll have to try and keep this answer concise. The Author Conservatory has both a writing track and a business track and is designed to teach students how to have sustainable careers as authors. The short answer to your question is that it was one of the best, and most difficult, things I’ve ever done. It taught me everything I know about marketing, pitching, querying, and business, which were the areas that I struggled the most in. 

                      And the relationships I’ve built with the faculty and students are ones that I hope and pray will be in my life for a very long time. The program is focused around mentorship, which means that I received personalized feedback from writing and business professionals for over three years, and that instruction is something I will treasure for my whole life. It has grown and honed my writing skills, business skills, and me as a person so much. 

                      SP: What are some of the dream goals you’d like to reach? 

                      SL: I love this question so much! I feel like I have career goals, like getting published by a Gig Five publisher, or hitting the NYT Bestseller. But my main dream goal actually has more to do with the type of life that I want to live. 

                      Right now, one of my biggest dream goals is to move to Korea and live there for a bit. I’m not sure for how long, or whether I’d stay there long term, but I am just so fascinated by the culture and the country (and of course, the food). I’ve always wanted to live abroad, ever since I was a little girl. Travel is one of my favorite things and getting to experience new cultures and new people makes my heart so happy. 

                      I know this is probably a different answer than you were expecting, but I feel like I’m a bit more relaxed about my writing career. I’m trusting that I’m where I’m supposed to be and letting the doors open naturally and organically. 

                      SP: How did you decide to write this short story as an Adult story, when your novel is Young Adult?

                      SL: I wish I had a super intellectual answer for this, but *laughs* that was sort of an accident. Because of the premise of the story, where Elias has to write a poem for his daughter, I needed Nina to be old enough to understand the poem and also the fact that she’d lost her mother. Therefore, Elias would need to be older, since he and Rosa married before they had Nina. So Elias just wasn’t in the age bracket that would make him a YA protagonist, so the story naturally fell in the Adult category. The themes and the writing style also put it more in the Adult category anyway, so it all ended up working out! 

                      SP: Time for the lightning round! Early bird or night owl?

                      SL: Oh, night owl, 100%. I love staying up late and have spent a lot of this month curled up on my Yogibo in my bedroom, writing away. I find that I write my best prose wicked late at night. It’s great for my writing, but not so great for my sleep schedule. 

                      SP: Most obscure hobby?

                      SL: I’m not even sure I really have hobbies, let alone an obscure one. But I love to travel, meet new people, and see the world. I do also really enjoy K-pop and K-dramas, but I think those are more full-time jobs than hobbies. 

                      SP: Word you can never spell? This may be a trick question.

                      SL: This is such a funny question because I was JUST talking to my mom about a word that I hate spelling, but have to write basically every day for my job. It makes me feel like a failure as a writer. But I just cannot spell the word “entrepreneurship” correctly. I never get it on the first try and it frustrates me so much. 

                      SP: Alright, time’s up! We’re so sad to see you go! BUT…there’s way more where this came from.To check out SL’s book, go HERE. To connect with her on Instagram, go HERE. To check out her website, go HERE. Thank you so much for your time, SL!

                      SL: Thank you so much for having me! This was so much fun.

                      ENHANCED Cover Reveal by Young Adult Debut Author, Candace Kade

                      ~ The Spinning Pen ~ Leave a comment

                      Lee Urban is living a lie.

                      In a society where everyone’s DNA determines their destiny, being a Natural means automatic relegation to the gritty and dangerous Outskirts. With the harnessed power of gene-editing, the ability to create a super-human race has transformed the world and offered the opportunity of a genetically enhanced life. But only to those who can afford it.

                      Continue reading →

                      Author Interview: CJ Milacci

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                      SP: Hi CJ! So glad to chat with you today! When did you start writing and what are your favorite genres?

                      CJ: Thank you so much for having me! I started on my writing journey about eight years ago. I wanted a story I could hand to the teen and young adult girls I was talking to, who needed a reprieve from the pain they were facing in their lives, but also a way to learn deeper truths. 

                      : Author Interview: CJ Milacci Continue reading →

                      Confessions of an Editor: Katie S. Williams

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                      Why I Really Do What I Do (and Why It Matters to You)

                      Let’s try a little experiment. What comes to mind when I say, “It’s time to edit your story”?

                      For many writers, the notion of editing conjures an unwelcome memory of brutal critique or derision—a time you offered your story to a peer or mentor only to be shot down.

                      Maybe for you, it was a stern English teacher in grade school who filled your papers with inky red hieroglyphics. Or perhaps that college critique group who ripped your idea to shreds and laughed about it—right in front of you. Maybe you’re visualizing the relative who scorned your dream of becoming a writer and told you to find “real” aspirations instead.

                      Or perhaps—if you’re lucky—you don’t have any specific negative memories of critique; there’s just a general tightening in your midsection at the thought of sending your story child off to a total stranger who probably collects red pens and blogs about comma abuse.

                      Whatever the source of your apprehension, I get it. Writing stories—even fictional ones—is a deeply personal endeavor, and there’s something terrifying about revealing your creation to another human being, especially when that human’s job (and possibly joy in life) seems to be identifying all of your flaws and weaknesses.

                      Continue reading →

                      Cover Reveal for Activated

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                      Jo Rivers is back!

                      Thrilled to show you the cover for ACTIVATED, book 3 in the Calculated series!

                      The preorder is now LIVE and there is a signed paperback giveaway for Calculated & Simulated going on with Book of Matches Media and many bookstagrammers on Instagram with this hashtag: #activatedcoverreveal –go enter!

                      Activated releases March 24th, 2022 with @wisewolfbooks. Read the teaser below & see her page for preorder details. Her preorder campaign (is gorgeous!) but won’t be revealed for another week.

                      Continue reading →

                      Author Interview: Chelsea Bobulski

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                      Pen Friends ~ So happy to introduce you to a good friend and YA author, Chelsea Bobulski, author of The Wood and Remember Me, (out with Macmillan) who recently announced her new 4-book deal, with Wise Wolf Books!

                      SP: Hi Chelsea! Thanks for joining us! Before we get into book stuff, we’d LOVE to know a bit about you and your writing journey!

                      CB: Thank you so much for having me! My journey has been ten years in the making if you can believe it (although, really, it has been the trajectory of my entire life). I’ve always loved storytelling in all of its various forms. Whether it’s a good book, TV show, movie, play, or even video game, I’ve always loved exploring human nature, both through reading and through writing, although it wasn’t until I took a class at the Thurber House in Columbus, Ohio my senior year at The Ohio State University that I ever thought I could really make a career of writing. Before that class, I’d put my favorite authors on a pedestal, thinking they must have been born published authors, because there was just no way the average person could write a 300+ page book, let alone dozens of them. But taking that class with YA author Lisa Klein opened my eyes to the fact that every author, whether on their first book or their one hundredth, starts the same way: with an idea and a blank page. To make a very long story short, I began pursuing traditional publication right after that, although it took me five books and five years to get my very first book deal, and now, in my tenth year of pursuing this career, I have two books published and countless others that may never see the light of day, some due to the fact that I wrote them early in my career when I was still learning and growing as an author, and some due to the market just not being right at the time for that type of book (although I’m hopeful that I may get the opportunity to pursue them someday). 

                      Continue reading →

                      Exciting New Young Adult Imprint Launches Today: Wise Wolf Books

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                      Wise Wolf Books, a YA & Teen imprint under the Wolfpack umbrella, has officially launched today! (see their press release HERE.)

                      Wise Wolf Books has been getting a lot of buzz lately. Publisher’s Weekly recently highlighted their innovative publishing model that straddles the traditional model and a new indie-hybrid. While other publishers seem to be struggling during the pandemic, this publisher’s sales numbers are on the rise. Established authors published by the Big 5 have started knocking on their door because Wise Wolf Books & Wolfpack’s agile model provides so many benefits for authors. Wolfpack is what the future of publishing looks like.

                      Authors are attracted to their marketing strategies which build long-term author careers, including closer release dates between books, more affordable pricing of books, and less stress on social media, with more emphasis on writing books, loyalty, and a big picture vision for maximizing sales in today’s market.

                      Associate Publisher, Rachel Del Grosso, says this about the new Wise Wolf Books imprint and what they are presently looking for, “This year has been so different from anything anyone could have imagined, and I can’t help but think that we could all use a little more joy in our lives. Now, more than ever, young readers want to simultaneously be transported from their lives andrecognize themselves in the characters they read about, making it an exciting time to be writing and publishing in the teen/young-adult genre. 

                      Our aim is to publish teen/young-adult books from writers of all genders, ethnicity, race, and ability that young readers will love while also staying true to our unique business model and what has worked well for us in the past. Genres that we are currently interested in are contemporary mysteries, thrillers, westerns, action-adventure, and hallmark-type romances, particularly those in a series. We are not currently looking to publish in the science-fiction/fantasy or non-fiction genres.”

                      Blank book cover

                      For a closer look at what Wise Wolf is currently looking for, you can check out Rachel’s manuscript wish list on the Wise Wolf blog here. 

                      While Wise Wolf Books has print on demand and book distribution, their main focus is digital books, which is in line with the current needs of today’s world. With businesses and schools and conferences going online, digital demand has risen and frictionless on-demand e-books provide instant gratification for readers.

                      Here is where you can learn more~

                      Link to Press Release

                      www.wisewolfbooks.com

                      https://www.instagram.com/wisewolfbooks/

                      twitter.com/wisewolfbooks

                      https://www.instagram.com/racheldelxo/

                      facebook.com/wisewolf.wolfpack

                      ~SP STAFF

                      Author Interview: Alicia J. Novo

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                      Pen Friends ~ Please welcome YA Author Alicia J. Novo talking about her upcoming debut, UNWRITTEN, publishing journey, writing tips, favorite books & book-crushes, launching a book during COVID, and so much more! Do NOT miss her book cover. *It is beyond gorgeous and made by my favorite cover designer, Micaela Alcaino.

                      Alicia J NovoSP: Hi Alicia! Thanks for joining us! Before we start talking about UNWRITTEN, can you share a bit about you and your writing journey?

                      Absolutely! I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was six. I remember the exact moment. After I won an inconsequential writing contest and saw my story printed in the school newspaper. This is what I’m meant to do, I thought. But it took a long time and many turns before I decided to embrace writing professionally. I told myself I was too practical. Now, I think I was too scared. Instead of English or History, I studied Economics and became a technology executive. Not that I regret it. I enjoyed it. I’ve lived and worked in different countries and learned a lot about business, and people, and the world. Stories are in my blood, though, and eventually I had to accept writing is my calling. The journey since then has been bumpy but also satisfying because there is nothing I’d rather be doing than immersing myself in stories.

                      SP: Now, congrats on, UNWRITTEN, which will come out in March 2021!Unwritten_Cover
                      Here is a blurb: 

                      Books whisper to Beatrix Alba. But they aren’t the reason she has never fit in. Bullied at home and school, she keeps a secret—a power of violence and darkness.

                      When the spell that keeps her hidden fails, she’s catapulted into the Zweeshen, a realm where all tales live, and her dream of meeting her favorite characters comes true. But wishes are tricky, and behind its wonder and whimsy, the Zweeshen is under attack. A character is burning bookworlds in pursuit of a weapon to rule both stories and storytellers. To succeed, he needs a riddle in Beatrix’s keeping.

                      Now he’s hunting her down.

                      Joining forces with William, a cursed conjurer, Beatrix must face an enemy who knows her every weakness in a realm where witches play with time, Egyptian gods roam, and Regency heroines lead covert operations. And with her darkness as the only weapon, she may have to sacrifice everything to save a world that rejects her.

                      SP:  How long did it take you to write UNWRITTEN and how did this story come about?

                      I began writing this book almost seven years ago. It sounds crazy long. In truth it was a discovery process, and I feel I’ve written three different UNWRITTEN novels during that time. The final version, the UNWRITTEN which is being published, is about three years old, and it’s the best of that exploration. It contains what I’ve learned, not just in terms of writing, but life as well. Even though UNWRITTEN is not an issue novel–it does touch on concerns that feel pressing today, such as bullying, discrimination, and tolerance. So it was enlightening to find some answers through Beatrix and her challenges.

                      The original idea for UNWRITTEN is even older. Remember the six-year-old who wanted to become a writer? Well, she didn’t have a lot of friends and adored book characters. So she invented a place where they all went after the end of their books. I picked up that old concept and used it to develop the Zweeshen, a universe where characters from all stories live. UNWRITTEN grew from there in ways that surprised me.

                      SP: What has been your favorite process about launching this book? Any marketing tips you can share with debuts?

                      My favorite part was growing a community on Instagram. I wasn’t active at all on the platform before UNWRITTEN, but it has proven such a boon, especially because COVID has limited the impact of other more traditional channels. The bookish world on Instagram has been so fun and supportive!

                      In general, playfulness works for me. It’s one of the reasons I like fantasy so much. Because as a writer you get to play. Subvert the way of things. For marketing, I’m a huge fan of bookish swag. I had a great time creating bookmarks, finding props and designing a charm and a keychain. I even have a funko pop based on amazing character art of Beatrix Alba. But I am also a planner. I created a marketing plan and put every single idea I could find in there. The goal isn’t to do them all but have the pressure out of my head. I take it one day at a time. One action per day at least. And I try to have fun with it, turn it into a game.

                      SP: What was your favorite part about writing this book? Which character surprised you most?

                      My favorite part was discovering the world of the Zweeshen through Beatrix’s journey. I always try to challenge my main character to the breaking point, so the Zweeshen had to evolve to test Beatrix. The Zweeshen would be a completely different place if not for her particular issues. It ended up becoming a much richer world than it was originally.

                      The character who surprised me the most was Emma. She’s younger than Beatrix, so I had planned to keep her on the sidelines. Emma wouldn’t have it. She kept taking over scenes and expanding her role. In time, I stopped fighting her because she made Beatrix better. Emma has changed the least too. She was fully-developed and idiosyncratic from the start. Now she’s one of my favorites.

                      SP: Writing tips and revision– what helps you stay focused on finishing a book?

                      I think a book is no different than a painting in that you have to expect multiple passes. You have to let the paint dry before adding the next layer to create a specific effect. I’d say embrace the process, try to enjoy each step. My biggest writing tip is to get stuff down. Whether for a first draft or a scene or even a paragraph. Often my first try is full of Xs. They stand for a word or a sentence I know I’ll have to include. Something that would force me to slow down to get it right and would break the momentum. Let ideas flow first. There will be time to revise. To agonize over the perfect word or sentence structure.

                      You asked about staying focused. For me, it’s less about focus and more about maintaining the right distance. That place where you can still assess the work with a level of objectivity, detached enough to prioritize. If I’m revising for plot, every comma shouldn’t stop me, and I have to let some things go. One of my biggest challenges is cutting too much. It’s the opposite of struggling to kill darlings. I have a murdering bent. Feedback is mana to me, so all someone needs to say is “that portion dragged a little”, and I will chop a whole chapter off. Learning to cut more judiciously is one of my goals.

                      SP: As an author, what have you learned about the publishing world that you think is important to share with upcoming authors?

                      Here are my top 3:
                      1) You already heard publishing is slow. Well… It’s slow. Slower than slow. So slow you want to pull your hair out. Slower than the sloth from Zootopia. So make sure you arm yourself with patience and keep yourself busy while you travel through whatever stage you are in.
                      2) Expect things to work differently than you hoped and differently from everyone else. Even though there’s a process, each journey is personal. Have faith and believe you will get there. There is no one way. This is your jungle. Love the path you’re clearing. When in doubt, get yourself a bigger machete.
                      3) Speak up. Ask. Question. Do not suffer your uncertainty in silence. If there’s something you feel strongly about, request it. I had always envisioned UNWRITTEN having a map, so I was disappointed when it wasn’t mentioned in the planning discussions. I agonized over it. When I finally brought it up, my publisher loved the idea. I’m delighted with the final map in the book.


                      SP: Launching during COVID 19 must be an interesting experience- in which ways have you seen positive things come of it? 

                      A huge challenge, yes. COVID forced me to accept changes, delays and a feeling of constant flux. Everyone is doing the best they can, but we all work with limited information and make the best choices possible on any given day. I had to make friends with that relinquishing of control. It’s a work in progress 🙂 The cancellation of live events and signings is the saddest loss from my perspective. I really like interacting with people. Still, there are silver linings. Small bookshops have been forced to develop their online presence, which will help them long term. As a reader and local shopper, I love that.

                      For writers, the move to online has opened up possibilities to participate in events that would have been out of reach. Not everyone can travel constantly for conferences. I recently participated in the SCBWI Summer Spectacular which was amazing. If it had taken place in person, I would have missed it.

                      Also, and It is too early to tell if this will be a permanent shift, I think COVID has served as an equalizer. Small and independent presses struggle to get into the limited shelf space in bookstores which is dominated by Big 5 releases. The internet is more democratic. The online focus is a win for readers’ chances to find quality books that would have otherwise gone under. Bloggers, online reviewers and cool sites like the Spinning Pen help with that too because people turn to them for honest recommendations and that is more important than ever during COVID.

                      SP: Now, to lighten things up!

                      Is Alicia a…

                      Plotter/pantster?

                      Plotter without a doubt. I have outlines, lists, mindmaps. I have charts of my charts. But I am willing to blow them all up and go with something a character wants because, in the end, the best laid plans…

                      Last book you read?

                      I just finished rereading Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor, and I love it more every time. The prose is lyrical and the story is rich, enthralling and full of mystery. And it’s a book about books–I can never resist those.
                      Current dream vacation spot?

                      Bali. I crave sun and sand and turquoise water. I’ve always wanted to stay at one of those huts that sit on stilts in the ocean.

                      Something always in your fridge?

                      I feel like I should say something cool and healthy like avocado (which I love) or Kale (which I kind of tolerate) but actually diet coke. Not cool and not healthy but my vice. Especially when on a deadline. And champagne. There always has to be a bottle in there just in case. Either to celebrate a surprise success or enjoy just cause.

                      Would you rather be a professional: Kick boxer? Archaeologist? Dog Groomer? Mechanic? OR?

                      Archeologist. Hands down. I’m fascinated by history and trying to recreate the stories of the past, to reconstruct the world as it used to be. It requires imagination, logic and quite a bit of detective work. It sounds mesmerizing to me. There’s a character in UNWRITTEN, Jane, who used to be an archeologist before arriving in the Zweeshen. I had lots of fun working on her backstory.

                      Any recent fictional crushes?

                      No, not lately. It’s a question I’ve been working on from a writing perspective. What makes a character dreamy? Why do we fall in love with him or her? Especially for male supporting characters, how do we create a love interest that is attractive and strong in his own right, while being respectful; masculine without having to save the damsel or become too overbearing? As a mom of a son, finding that answer matters to me.

                      Favorite childhood book?  

                      Anne of Green Gables. I admire Anne’s positivity, lack of fear or self consciousness. The willingness to be herself at all times regardless of what anyone thought. Plus, she loved stories and ended up a writer, so a kindred spirit.

                      SP: Thanks so much for sharing with us, Alicia! We are eagerly anticipating your book!
                      Be sure to connect with Alicia!– 

                      www.alicianovo.com

                      Instagram: @authoraliciajnovo

                      Twitter: @aliciajnovo

                      facebook: alicianovoauthor

                      Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20323098.Alicia_J_Novo

                       

                      Signing off, NOVA MCBEE Author of Calculated and 2020 PitchWars Mentor

                      Author Interview: Natalie Mae & The Kinder Poison

                      ~ The Spinning Pen ~ Leave a comment

                      Pen Friends~ I’m so excited to introduce you to Young Adult Author, Natalie Mae, who will talk about her upcoming book, The Kinder Poison, out in just ONE WEEK, from Razorbill.

                      NatalieMae_headshot_200
                      SP: Hi Natalie! Thanks for joining us! Before we start talking about your debut, The Kinder Poison, we’d LOVE to know a bit about you and your writing journey?

                      NM: Thanks so much for having me! I’m a Colorado author who graduated with an

                      Information Technology degree from CU Boulder, because I didn’t think writing books could be an actual job. (I guess I thought authors just “existed” out there? Like stars?) Very happy to say that I soon found out anyone could pursue authorship, and the rest is history! It’s taken about 8 years to get where I am now. It took me 2 of those years to get an agent, and though we sold my debut (a YA sci-fi) within months, it would be another 4 years before I sold The Kinder Poison. And another 2 1/2 years from then until it would publish! So it’s definitely felt like a long journey, but I’m so grateful to be published at all and to be able to write for a living.

                      SP: The Kinder Poison will come out with Razorbill next week! TheKinderPoison_web

                      Here is a blurb:

                      Zahru has long dreamed of leaving the kingdom of Orkena and having the kinds of adventures she’s only ever heard about in stories. But as a lowly Whisperer, her power to commune with animals means that her place is serving in the royal stables until the day her magic runs dry.

                      All that changes when the ailing ruler invokes the Crossing. A death-defying race across the desert, in which the first of his heirs to finish–and take the life of a human sacrifice at the journey’s end–will ascend to the throne. With all of the kingdom abuzz, Zahru leaps at the chance to change her fate if just for a night by sneaking into the palace for a taste of the revelry. But the minor indiscretion turns into a deadly mistake when she gets caught up in a feud between the heirs and is forced to become the Crossing’s human sacrifice.

                      Now Zahru’s only hope for survival hinges on the impossible: somehow figuring out how to overcome the most dangerous people in the world. Continue reading →