Tell us about your book
Mapmaker’s Mistake is an epic story of sword fighting and adventure. From a young age, Princess Asha helplessly watched her kingdom of Zanzia struggle. Even now, rival forces to the north, led by a tyrannical king, are usurping her country’s land and resources as her people starve. Zanzia’s only chance at salvation, it seems, lays in the hands of their 13-year-old princess. The Mapmaker’s Mistake follows Asha as she tries to reforge her destiny with the help of Rose, her Lady-in-Waiting, and spunky little sister, Aurelia. Together the girls use diplomacy, espionage, and sharpened steel to circumvent an unstoppable army bent on taking what little Zanzia has left.
Which books did you enjoy growing up?
So there has been an EXPLOSION of amazing kids books since I was young. Here were some of our FAVORITES.
The Mysterious Benedict Society
Gregor The Overlander
InterWorld Trilogy (or just anything by Neil Gaiman, gotta add in Odd and the Frost Giants here too)
Five Kingdoms Series Percy Jackson & The Olympians Beyonders Series
The Harry Potter Series
The Chronicles Of Narnia
What inspired you to write your book?
I made up the story when my boys were young, so I could “read” to them while hiking in Alaska’s wilds all summer long. I always had to end on a cliffhanger – so they would beg me to take them hiking again!
What is your favorite food or foods?
Salmon or halibut tacos are the best ever! Especially with Pico de Gallo.
Where is your favorite place to read?
On our boat.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I actually write for a living – but economic publications instead of middle grade fiction. For fun I like to play soccer and cards with my friends, hike, get out on the water, run, and read.
What is a writing tip for aspiring authors?
I wrote my book in the chaos of everyday living, while helping with homework, chatting with my husband, laughing at jokes my kids made. There is a myth that you need the perfect moment, total solitude, to write. That moment to write is never going to be perfect, and even if you find it, momentarily, you might not do your best writing then. Just do it!
You can find Meilani online: