Hi, everyone! I am so excited to announce that I have started a new project called New Author Spotlight where I interview new authors with upcoming books, authors with WIPs, and other writers as a way to spread the word about their novels and support them in any way I can. This also provides aspiring writers with writing/editing tips. I would love to help the writing community in any way I can, and this seemed like the perfect way to do it!
The first new author who I wanted to interview was a no-brainer to me. I had met them on Bookstagram a few months ago, and we quickly bonded over our love for books and anime. Tia has such an inspiring, big passion for her own book, so I knew they had to be the first one on my new blog segment! Make sure to follow her on Instagram @/tiamae.reads for amazing content about Of Blood, Bones, and Truth, anime, manga, books, and more!
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What is your book called, and what genre is it?
T: The full title is Of Blood, Bones, and Truth, and it is an adult modern fantasy novel (specifically urban fantasy).
What is the premise/synopsis of your story?
T: Kellan Manchester, an indentured political assassin, wants to lead a life of his own choosing. But as one of the Fallen- celestial descendants who are still paying for their ancestor’s mistakes- he has no choice but to do as he’s commanded. When Kellan is forced to solve a string of brutal murders that threaten the lives of everyone in Spiral City, he finds himself struggling to connect the dots, and to ignore his budding feelings for fellow assassin, Cassian.
All Cassian Evermore wants is to pay off his father’s debts and ensure his mother’s safety. But when a dangerous and risky new assignment sends him to Spiral City to expose and kill a high-profile activist, he’s caught up in a series of murders that could prevent him from returning home at all.
Where are you in the writing process, and when do you expect OBBT to be published?
T: I’m currently working on my first rewrite, and hopefully will be done with that by the end of August! I’m planning on submitting to Pitch Wars in September, which if all goes well, I will be looking for agents in late February of next year. If it’s actually on this timeline, I anticipate OBBT being published mid-2023. That’s the ideal timeline though!
Which character from your WIP do you relate to the most, and why?
T: Kellan! I didn’t intend to make it so when I first started writing, but Kellan has really helped me through a lot of my own issues and understand my sexuality. Kellan is bold, a little thoughtless, but loves deeply with his entire heart, and I’ve always felt a deep connection with him, even when I didn’t necessarily recognize that he was so much like me. He’s not exactly like me (for obvious reasons), but I certainly find a kinship with him whenever I write him.
Which books did you take inspiration from when writing OBBT?
T: I found a lot of inspiration from Crescent City and Captive Prince both! Those two had the biggest impact on developing my world and my characters, although inspiration came from many places beyond those two.
Why do you think readers will like and connect with this book?
T: I honestly hope they connect with my boys as much as I have. Kellan and Cassian are so near and dear to my heart, and I hope that shows in my writing. But beyond them, the entire cast is loveable! I’m really excited to share this world I’ve built, and I hope readers are interested in Ileron’s history and are curious to know more!
What is something special about OBBT that you believe makes it stand out from other stories?
T: I haven’t seen much representation of homonormative societies in super popular fantasy, and I hope to change that. The society in OBBT is homonormative (meaning pretty much everyone is is not straight in some way). So although my characters are all LGBTQ of some sort, there’s no “coming out” or questioning of their sexuality. I hope when people read OBBT, they feel comforted knowing that matter who you love, it’s totally normal in Ileron’s society.
How has joining Bookstagram impacted your WIP/your experience being a writer?
T: So quite a bit, actually. It’s given me a lot of ideas on what my target demographic is looking to read (since I follow a lot of people that love fantasy!). Following other authors has given me a lot of crucial information about contests, writing tips, and publishing tips I would have had a much harder time finding on my own. I’ve also met a TON of amazing people through booksta who have been nothing but supportive and so wonderful! The support they give is great motivation to keep me going.
What is your writing process and schedule like?
T: Chaotic, at best! But I try to write every day, even if it’s just a few hundred words, or something not related to OBBT. Consistently writing ensures my writing skills stay sharp and I don’t lose my train of thought as easily (because that’s a struggle since I’m super ADD).
What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
T: Just keep writing! Even when it feels like all that’s coming out is complete garbage, spending time writing is what will make you better. Don’t worry about if your first draft is good- no one’s first draft is good!
What are some of your other hobbies?
T: I love anime (as you already know) and reading manga, but I’m also a big gamer! I’m currently playing Hades on Switch and absolutely head over heels for it. I also play Dungeons and Dragons with a group of friends every week!
What is your favorite book of all time, and why?
T: I’m gonna cheat a bit and give you my two favorite series because I can’t pick a single book from them that I like more. The Captive Prince trilogy is one for many reasons- the prose is absolutely stunning, the characters are so well fleshed out that even if they’re around for only a few moments, you still understand them, and the romance is the best I’ve ever read. My second is probably Throne of Glass. It’s the first long fantasy series I read as an adult and it will forever stay close to my heart. I’ve never read anything that quite measures up, and I’ve reread all eight books three times. It ticks all the boxes for me!
Is there anything else you would like to share about OBBT?
T: I feel like you covered most of it! I’m just really excited for people to read it someday, and I hope you all love my babies as much as I do!
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I hope you all are enjoying this new segment as much as I am! I want to give huge thanks to Tia for letting me interview them and being my “guinea pig” for this first interview. If you are an aspiring author or have a new book coming out soon/a book that is already out, don’t hesitate to email me at hello@bookwormsandbibliophiles.com or go to the Contact Me page on my website! You can also DM me on Instagram @/book.wormsandbibliophiles . I can’t guarantee that I’ll get to everyone, but I’ll definitely try!
