Ya Fiction

Interview with YA Romantasy Author Melissa Poett

~ The Spinning Pen ~ Leave a comment

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 ~

                      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: Victoria McCombs

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                      Pen Friends ~ Please welcome YA Author Victoria McCombs talking about her new novel, OATHBOUND, publishing journey, writing tips, and so much more!

                      SP: Hi Victoria! I’m thrilled to have you on the SP for your newest book! You’ve penned so many wonderful books and this one feels like it’s going to be the crème de le crème! What brought you to this point in your writing journey? How has your writing progressed since your first published book?

                      It’s insane to think about where I started as a writer and where I am now. For my first books, I had the beginning of a story idea and I just started writing it. The end result was messy and shallow. For Oathbound, I covered the walls in character charts, outlines, a map, and themes for the book before starting. Now it’s a story that I’m really proud of. I owe it all to the writing community who shared writing tips. They pushed me to grow in my craft and study it instead of casually throw words together.

                      SP: OATHBOUND will released on February 8, 2022 by Enclave, it’s the first book in the Royal Rose Series. Please add on Goodreads or go ahead and PreOrder, I did! Here’s the blurb:

                      Continue reading →

                      Author Interview: June Hur

                      ~ The Spinning Pen ~ Leave a comment

                      Pen Friends ~ Please welcome YA Author JUNE HUR talking about her upcoming novel, THE FOREST OF STOLEN GIRLS, publishing journey, writing the second book, and so much more! I’m beyond excited to have June here with us today. Her books are gorgeous and the kindness and knowledge she shares with the writing community is priceless!


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

                      8 years and two failed rounds of querying later, I put aside my first book and decided to work on a new project. A Korean historical mystery. I didn’t think anyone would be interested in a police drama set in 1800s Korea, but I didn’t care at this point and just wrote the book for myself. Fortunately, as I was browsing through Manuscript Wish List, I found an agent who was passionate about diverse literature, and so I decided to send a query her way. I didn’t think Amy Bishop would actually offer. But then on September 20, Amy emailed me with an offer and shared that my debut was a book she wished had existed when she was a teen.

                      SP: The Stolen Girls will come out April 2021 by Feiwel & Friends, Macmillan. Please add on Goodreads and check out her amazing debut, The Silence of Bones, while waiting!

                      Here’s the blurb for The Stolen Girls:


                      1426, Joseon (Korea). Hwani’s family has never been the same since she and her younger sister went missing and were later found unconscious in the forest near a gruesome crime scene.

                      Years later, Detective Min—Hwani’s father—learns that thirteen girls have recently disappeared from the same forest that nearly stole his daughters. He travels to their hometown on the island of Jeju to investigate… only to vanish as well.

                      Determined to find her father and solve the case that tore their family apart, Hwani returns home to pick up the trail. As she digs into the secrets of the small village—and collides with her now estranged sister, Maewol—Hwani comes to realize that the answer could lie within her own buried memories of what happened in the forest all those years ago.

                      SP: The book cover is outstanding! I’ve never seen anything quite like it! What were your thoughts when you first saw it?

                      When I first saw the cover, I was absolutely blown away! I thought it was so intriguing that the cover wasn’t saturated in green, as I assumed it would be, since my book’s title has the word ‘forest’ in it. Instead, in choosing white as the main color, I feel like it creates a sense of mystery and makes the word ‘forest’ pop out more due to the contrast. I also love the two girls hidden in the cover, as it really reflects the heart of the story—the search for thirteen missing girls.

                      SP: How long did it take you to write The Stolen Girls and how did this story come about? Was the second book harder to write than the first?

                      I began brainstorming this novel around two years ago, but never got around to doing anything much with it until I realized I needed to get started on my second book in the contract ASAP! I began writing it in earnest during the last half of 2019 and sent the polished draft to my editor by the spring of 2020. Writing the second book was so hard, and it was probably one of the most stressful experiences I’ve ever had to go through, mainly because I lacked the luxury of time and the freedom to fail. I spent years writing then ditching one version of THE SILENCE OF BONES for another, playing around with plot and character until I finally felt confident enough to commit to the story. But with my second book, as I was under contract as well as a deadline, I had less time to play around with ideas, and definitely not enough time to ditch one idea for another. When I wrote the first draft, I was devastated, because I wasn’t sure I liked the characters, or the plot, or the historical aspect I was focusing on. But I had to commit and it was terrifying—investing that much time into a work you know will end up getting published, but a work you’re not certain you’ll love and be proud of. In the end, THE FOREST OF STOLEN GIRLS turned out to be one of my greatest achievements. Mainly because I watched this manuscript go from being a hated second book to being a book I’m immensely proud of.

                      SP: Are there any characters that surprised you along the way?

                      Maewol, the youngest sister, surprised me. She infused the book with touches of humor, and humor is something I thought I’d never include in my books, as I tend to be very dark and melancholic when storytelling. My favorite part about writing this book was writing the last chapter, mainly because there’s a particular scene in it that I was writing toward for months.

                      SP: What part of the writing process do you most enjoy? The first draft? The development in revision? The final touches?

                      Development in revision!

                      SP: Any writing tip you’d like to share?

                      Write what scares you. The only way to grow as a writer is to constantly challenge ourselves.


                      A few fun questions. Is June a…
                      Plotter/pantster?

                      Plotter.

                      Last book you read?

                      If I had your face by Frances Cha

                      Current dream vacation spot?

                      Scotland

                      Current favorite K-Drama?

                      Kingdom

                      Would you rather be a professional: Marine Biologist? Spy? Opera Singer? Brain Surgeon? OR?

                      Spy.

                      Favorite childhood book?

                      Anne of Green Gables

                      Ellen McGinty, signing off. 

                      Author Interview: Hope Bolinger & Alyssa Roat

                      ~ The Spinning Pen ~ Leave a comment

                      Pen Friends ~ When these lovely authors shared their blurb and cover with me, I loved the concept and was eager to share it! Who doesn’t love a good hero-villain story? Come meet co-authors, Hope Bolinger and Alyssa Roat, as they share about DEAR HERO releasing September 28th.

                      SP: Hello Ladies, so happy to have you on the Spinning Pen! So, how did this story, DEAR HERO, come about? How did you decide to co-author it?

                      H: Most of that summer was pretty fuzzy, so I don’t know if I can remember the exact circumstances. But it all started when Alyssa and I created parody YA twitter accounts to make fun of YA tropes. She was a cliche YA villain, I, a cliche YA hero. My friend back home was also on a lot of dating apps, and I’d read a novel that was a series of letters between two people dating. The idea sort of all just clicked: what if there was an app, like Tinder, that matched you with your nemesis in the superhero world? We took the idea and ran from there. 

                      A: Once we had the idea, co-authoring was a no-brainer. We’ve co-written shorter pieces and articles before, so we knew we work together well.

                      SP: Co-authoring must be an interesting process–can you tell us a bit about your process? How long did it take you to write DEAR HERO as a team? Any obstacles?

                      H: So yeah, we didn’t do the typical co-authoring process with this. Basically, we hopped on a Google doc and each took on the personality of different characters. I was the hero, she was the villain (and we playacted other characters who later pop up like an 80-year-old henchman who is a dragon and a theatre-nerd/frat boy sidekick). We’d spot-check each other as we went for consistencies and had a skeletal outline we were following in terms of plot. The “obstacles” if we could call them that were that we never expected what the other person would write. We had to roll with the punches to get to our plot destination points whilst balancing two different visions for the book. But I think we worked together really well.

                      A: Confession time: we wrote the first draft in nine days. We were having so much fun we just couldn’t stop. (A lot of edits came afterward, don’t worry.) Basically, it was nine days of fingers flying, grinning in a room by myself at Hope’s quips, and trying to remember that oh yeah, I do have jobs to do as well.

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

                      H: I think what surprised me was how fun it was to write. I kept saying, “We shouldn’t be allowed to have this much fun writing.” I think the speed of writing the book in 9 days (don’t worry, we edited it a TON afterwards) caught me by surprise. We’d originally planned to write the thing in 60 days. 

                      A: My favorite part was waiting to see what hilarious thing Hope would come up with next. We had a loose outline, but lots of room for imagination. Honestly, all of the characters surprised me—I didn’t expect to fall in love with them so much! I knew the book was going to be funny, but I didn’t expect how much I would feel for the characters and how much we would watch them grow. And of course, there’s that plot twist that neither one of us saw coming!

                      SP: Writing tips–how do you stay focused? What is your revision process?

                      H: I usually don’t personally have a problem with focus. I often call a version of myself “beast Hope” where I’ll forget to eat or sleep because I’m so absorbed with the project. As for the revision process, it did look a little different for this project. Alyssa and I edited each other as we went and edited the document after numerous times. We had some betas give it a read and give their thoughts. The publisher and us also went back and forth a lot to make sure we caught lots of typos and inconsistencies. 

                      A: The problem is UN-focusing, haha! Hyper-focused Alyssa comes out with big projects like this and forgets to do important things like eat food. As for revising, it was really nice having someone clean up behind me in real time as I typed, and I did the same thing for Hope. Then we did broad revisions and a couple copy edits. I’m the nitpicky one to a fault, so I did a couple rounds of proofreading as well.

                      SP: Who is one author that influenced your writing?

                      H: I’ve been told John Green, which I think is high praise. His snark but also ability to pull no punches does often seep into my writing.

                      A: For this book, I think Rick Riordan had a lot of influence on tone. Plenty of snark and silliness, but with deeper character emotions and themes as well.

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

                      H: It’s opened up a lot of opportunities for online events. I usually do about 20 speaking engagements per year, but because of COVID, that has doubled for 2020. I do miss in-person events because they’re so personal, however. 

                      A: It definitely turned a lot of my marketing plans on their head, but in some ways it’s given us more opportunities. Since I have dysautonomia/POTS, traveling and speaking puts a lot of strain on my body. Being able to attend conferences and events from home has meant I’m able to do much more without any fainting adventures!

                      SP: Now, to lighten things up! 

                      Are Hope and Alyssa…

                      Plotter/pantster? 

                      H: This is actually funny because we’re complete opposites. I’m a plotter. I remember telling Alyssa, “This is the most pantsing I’ve done for a manuscript.” And she said, “This is the most plotting I’ve done,” when we talked about Dear Hero. 

                      A: Poor Hope. My writing style gives her secondhand stress. I pants everything and usually have no idea what’s going to happen next.

                      Last book you devoured ?

                      H: The Thing about Jellyfish. I’m getting into middle grade now. Absolutely beautiful book. 

                      A: I just finished A Conjuring of Light, the final book in V. E. Schwab’s Shades of Magic, a series I really should have read a long time ago. Can you see how the two of us ended up writing a contemporary speculative novel? I devour anything spec fic/ fantasy, and Hope loves her contemporary fiction.

                      Current dream vacation spot?

                      H: Probably a secluded forest or some obscure national park. I’m convinced I’m half-fairy. Alyssa will probably agree. 

                      A: If Hope is a fairy, I’m the kooky old lady who lives in the woods. I’d like to be in a secluded cottage where I can write to my heart’s content. But barring that, I’m always down for a trip to London.

                      Something always in your fridge? 

                      H: Cookie dough. Always. 

                      A: Cheese!

                      Would you rather be a professional: Space-X Rocket Scientist? Spy? Food Critic? Paleontologist? OR?

                      H: PALEONTOLOGIST! I’ve been obsessed with dinosaurs since I was four. I once corrected a docent at a museum, when I was six, when she got her Dino facts wrong.

                      A: Maybe this is why Hope and I are such good friends. I was obsessed with dinos as a kid, and I may have missed my calling as a paleontologist. 

                      Any recent fictional crushes?

                      H: Oh gosh, LOL, I always go for the bad boys: Loki, Bullseye from Netflix’s Daredevil (not so much in the comics … he’s a little more psychopathic in those) and Zuko. And can I really be honest if I don’t put Darcy in here? Again, I’m like a cinnamon roll, so I’m not sure why I’m going for these dudes. 

                      A: My biggest crush will always be Captain America. Always.

                      Favorite childhood book?  

                      H: You know, it just depends. For a while it was Harry Potter, but I think I’m edging more toward Percy Jackson now. 

                      A: This is a cruel question. I thought I was supposed to be the villain. I can’t even pick a favorite childhood genre. I loved everything from Hattie Big Sky to Redwall to A Wrinkle in Time. 

                      SP: Thanks so much for sharing with us, ladies! Congratulations on your book!

                      Be sure to connect with Hope and Alyssa:

                      You can find Hope on most social media @hopebolinger 

                      And Alyssa is @alyssawrote:

                      Website: https://alyssawrote.com/

                      Twitter: https://twitter.com/alyssawrote

                      Insta: https://www.instagram.com/alyssawrote/

                      FB: https://www.facebook.com/alyssawrote/

                      Signing off,

                      Nova McBee, author of Calculated & 2020 PitchWars Mentor!

                      Author Interview: Alicia J. Novo

                      ~ The Spinning Pen ~ Leave a comment

                      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: Laura Taylor Namey

                      ~ The Spinning Pen ~ Leave a comment

                      Pen Friends ~ I’m so pleased to introduce you to a new friend and talented YA author, Laura Taylor Namey  talking about her writing journey, her first book, The Library of Lost Things (Inkyard) and her upcoming novel, The Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow (Atheneum) out in October.

                      laura TSP: Hi Laura! Thanks for joining us! Before we start talking about The Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, can you share a bit about you and your writing journey? 

                      Hi Nova, thanks so much for chatting with me! I’m a San Diego native and I’ve been writing for about six years. Right now I’m loving the world of young adult contemporary with a coming of age bent and plenty of Latinx rep.

                      SP: First, congrats on your debut, The Library of Lost Things, which came out last October by Inkyard! What was your favorite process about launching your first book?library lost

                      Thanks so much! I will never forget the feeling of walking into a bookstore and seeing my book, face-out on the shelf. That, as well as getting to meet so many readers, made last fall one of my favorite times.

                      SP: Now we want to hear all about your upcoming novel, The Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow that will come out with Atheneum October 6, 2020.

                      Here is a blurb:

                      cubanFor Lila Reyes, a summer in England was never part of the plan. The plan was 1) take over her abuela’s role as head baker at their panadería, 2) move in with her best friend after graduation, and 3) live happily ever after with her boyfriend. But then the Trifecta happened, and everything—including Lila herself—fell apart.

                      Worried about Lila’s mental health, her parents make a new plan for her: Spend three months with family friends in Winchester, England, to relax and reset. But with the lack of sun, a grumpy inn cook, and a small town lacking Miami flavor (both in food and otherwise), what would be a dream trip for some feels more like a nightmare to Lila…until she meets Orion Maxwell.

                      A teashop clerk with troubles of his own, Orion is determined to help Lila out of her funk, and appoints himself as her personal tour guide. From Winchester’s drama-filled music scene to the sweeping English countryside, it isn’t long before Lila is not only charmed by Orion, but England itself. Soon a new future is beginning to form in Lila’s mind—one that would mean leaving everything she ever planned behind. Continue reading →

                      7 Tips to Write Better Fantasy with History

                      ~ The Spinning Pen ~ Leave a comment

                      dario-veronesi-lUO-BjCiZEA-unsplash

                      7 Tips to Write Better Fantasy with History

                      So you think you have an original fantasy world? That may be so, but creating something from nothing is nearly impossible. Much of what we create is repackaged. We borrow. We polish. We add a flame. Some of the greatest writers borrow from history to create their fantasy worlds. And more are doing so with a desire to branch out of the European Fantasy trope that’s long dominated the fantasy world. Let’s take a look at a few famous fantasy worlds based on real historic events or places:
                      Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo – 17thcentury Amsterdam

                      Lord of the Rings by Tolkien– Rohan is the epitome of Anglo-Saxon England

                      Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin–based on historical events like the Wars of the Roses and the Glencoe Massacre, etc.

                      An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir – Ancient Rome

                       

                      All of these are Fantasy novels, not Historical Fantasy even though they are inspired by real history. I mean Amsterdam and Ketterdam are pretty close! The degree to which history inspires the worldbuilding varies with each of these examples. The worlds are more rich and alive when based on something real whether it be a place, a battle, a character, or a culture. But in order to write Fantasy well (and know where history fits in) you must first decide on the base for your fantasy world:

                       

                      1. Imaginative World (General Fantasy) – An Ember in the Ashes (What if I invent my own world?)
                      2. Alternate World (General Fantasy) – Harry Potter (What if England had witches?)
                      3. Real-World (Historical Fantasy) – Temeraire by Naomi Novik (What if Napoleon had dragons!)

                       

                      The degree of association with the real-world increases with each category, as does the need for historical research. What separates Historical Fantasy, such as Naomi Novik’s Temeraire series, is the perfect blend of real history and the fantastical. Historical Fantasy is set solidly in a real-world setting with historic characters of significance and in real time, but with a touch of the supernatural. Fantasy inspired by history is simply fantasy with a rich world informed by aspects of history. But regardless of your fantasy subgenre, I would argue that it’s never too late to be a history buff! Now that you’ve seen some amazing novels inspired by history, here are some tips to improve your fantasy writing with history:

                       

                      1. Characters NOT Caricatures: Some AMAZING characters have been plucked from the pages of history. Lady Eboushi from Princess Mononoke, Alice from Alice in Wonderland, Indiana Jones was based on Hiram Bingham III, and Severus Snape. The list goes on to prove that history can inspire great characters. But unfortunately, it can also result in caricatures. If you are going to reinvent someone from the pages of history be sure to do so with respect and make it your own.
                      2. Startling Events: History is full of the weird and wonderful, the beautiful and the cruel. Did you know that human pillars were used to build bridges in some places? Or that there was a nerdy botanist who joined a rebellion and fell into a tragic love story? How about the secret life of the man who invented the tea party? History is a wonderful playground for the imagination.
                      3. Worldbuilding: History provides ancient maps, languages, artifacts, culture, and myth. A rich well of inspiration for the fantasy world. Myth is most often the one writers pull from when researching as its closely related to fantasy. But consider that back then it was believed to be real. How did this change the way people acted? What system of law did people adhere to? Also, magic is in the history books. People have already created whole worlds built on magic systems. Use them to dream and build your own magical world. Dig deep to imagine the day-to-day of your fantasy landscape. And when drawing inspiration from real-world cultures, past or present, please do so respectfully and with care.
                      4. Go on Tour: Explore old houses and historic places for inspiration. It doesn’t need to be fancy. You can visit local sites, graveyards, museums, anything that sparks of history! I’ve found weapons that traveled the globe, baby shoes made of glass, and mossed-covered books that begged whole stories to be written about them. Explore history in tangible ways by visiting places and ask questions.
                      5. Read nonfiction: Biographies are a favorite pastime of mine. I find the most unusual stories and observations from minds long since passed. People who saw sea dragons in Meiji era Japan, the woman whose carriage lost a wheel in a thunderstorm, the little girl who couldn’t walk but changed lives by growing flowers. Lost and forgotten stories from otherwise ‘boring’ biographies. Read the information plaques at the historic sites you visit, read the small print for names and notes. You’ll be surprised at the treasures you find.
                      6. Lists: I’m a sucker for details. I have a list of plant species in my fantasy world based on real plants in Hokkaido, Japan. A list of the smells in different seasons, the types of fish people caught. Makes lists from history and then use those details to create a real and palatable world.
                      7. Make it Yours: Let history be your sandbox. Play in it. Roll ideas around and make roads to new places. Write your story and use the pages of history to bring it to life in the best ways.

                       

                      Ellen, signing off!

                      *I just joined IG, so if you hung out there come find me!

                      TRANSITIONING GENRES

                      ~ The Spinning Pen ~ Leave a comment

                      TRANSITIONING GENRES?

                      scifi

                      Three tips to ensure a smooth move

                      It all started with a room in an abandon park…

                      It wasn’t just any room, but a particularly large, spacious and strangely unearthly one. It was as if the room was originally built for giants of men and heroes of old. After that day, I never saw that space again, but it remained etched in my memory. That was the room where the story first came to me.

                      At the time, I was already deep in the writing trenches of my YA fantasy novel. When this futuristic world began to reveal itself to me in that room, I couldn’t help but start frantically taking notes. There was a future world that existed out there and was waiting to be written.

                      I promised myself I’d finish up my current work in progress but after that, I would be switching to sci-fi. Though switching from fantasy to sci-fi sounded daunting, this past year was the year I made that jump.

                      If you’re considering changing genres, here are a few things I learned along the way that I hope help you:

                      Think about why you’re switching genres and if you’re a good fit

                      Hopefully, if you’ve completed another manuscript, you know what your strengths are. Do you write page-turning plot, life-like characters, or mind-blowing worlds? Take your list of strengths and weaknesses into consideration as you’re picking your new genre.

                      If your number one strength is developing deep characters and you really struggle to write anything fast paced, a thriller probably isn’t the best fit for you. Make sure that your strengths fit the new genre you’re about to tackle.

                      Think about what you’re passionate about

                      What makes you come alive? You may be the most gifted horror writer in the world but if you feel queasy at the thought of gore, is that really the story you want to tell? Writing is incredibly hard work. But it’s also fun! Write something that’s going to excite you and keep you up at odd hours because you love it.

                      Think about where you draw inspiration from

                      One more thing to take into consideration is your current environment. When I moved to Beijing a year and a half ago, I was in awe of city and curious about how it worked. I used my phone to pay for everything, scanned my face to get on planes, and had toilet paper delivered to my door by men on bikes. It wasn’t hard for me to begin extrapolating the world around me and converting it into a novel.

                      “I could see stories enfolding on every corner.”

                      That’s when I knew it was time to write the sci-fi novel I had stored away at the back of my brain since I first saw that room. It was a hard decision because I was about to start querying my other novel. I didn’t want to delay that any longer. But I also knew, I’d only have one year in Beijing and I’d never find inspiration like this again.

                      If you’re traveling, just moved, or are facing some other life change that is compelling you to write something new. Go for it! I typically wouldn’t advise completely neglecting your other WIPs but, especially if it’s a short stretch of time, take advantage of the inspiration around you! Tackle that new genre while the warm fuzzies last.

                      Just don’t forget, keep going even when they stop. Nerd out, turn it into a game, get organized, or keep wanderingbut do whatever it takes to keep writing.

                       

                      Candace signing off to go hiking and get more inspiration.

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                       

                      The Final Frontier: Starting Your Sci-fi

                      ~ The Spinning Pen ~ Leave a comment

                      Pen Friends ~ We are starting a series of posts on tips and how to write each genre- Fantasy, Contemporary, Sci-fi, Action-Adventure, and more. This Month is all about WRITING SCI-FI! 

                      First post of the Writing Sci-fi series:

                      Where do you start when you want to write a science fiction story? Just as with any story, you need to have an idea of your plot, your characters, their world and the struggle they’re going to face.

                      Plot Structure:

                      If you begin with a basic plot in mind, how are you going to structure your story? Is it going to be a straightforward and linear, or will you use frequent flashbacks?

                      You could insert official reports or journal entries to open a window into other perspectives. Or you could even jump around in the timeline – though this is tricky to keep track of – unless there’s a very plot-specific reason for it, I would caution against this.

                      Or perhaps you like to start with at your characters, and let the majority of the plot evolve with them.   Continue reading →