Author: Emily Harrop

Tell us about your books

I’ve just finished a middle-grade contemporary fantasy trilogy, Lyssa’s Holiday Hijinks, featuring LGBTQ characters. In addition to LGBTQ characters, my books offer a representation of all different types of family units- two moms, two dads, one character is raised by her aunt and uncle. If this first series goes well, I hope to get each of the other characters I mentioned their own spinoff series. I think it will help to bring families together because it addresses complicated issues such as grief and forgiveness and loving yourself in a way that is both authentic and appropriate for the age group.

Claerie’s previous series: Lyssa’s Holiday Hijinks

Which books did you enjoy growing up?

Percy Jackson was and is still one of my favorites. I also loved The Magic Treehouse, anything by Margaret Peterson Haddix, and anything by Barbara Dee because she was the first author I saw write LGBTQ MG and showed me it was possible

What is your favorite food or foods?

Sushi

Tell us about your pets

I have one cat, a five year old calico named Molly. She runs the house

What inspired you to write your book series?

I want to show kids they’re not alone and provide parents with another source of representation for their LGBTQ kids. These are the books I wish I had growing up and if I can help even one kid feel more confident in who they are, I will have done my job

Where is your favorite place to read?

By the fire with the Christmas lights on

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love singing (so much so that I almost got my BA in that instead of English) coloring, doing puzzles, going out with friends and baking. My favorite show to binge as a procrastination tool is Queer Eye.

What did you learn while writing your books?

Oh my, you’re just asking for a novel, aren’t you? Ha! OK I’m a massive over-writer but I will try to keep this brief. Every book I’ve written has taught me something new about myself and my writing process, so I’ll give you the top lesson I learned from each book. Book 1: It is, in fact, possible for me to write a book backwards (though this hasn’t happened since. Book 2: The thing that gets me most excited about any of my projects is when I have really, complex, compelling character journeys Book 3: Rough drafts will probably always take my forever and the process will be different for every book; I DO NOT work well under pressure. Now I only book editors AFTER my first draft is done. (With this one, I booked them while drafting, thinking that writing toward a deadline would help me stay on track. It did not)

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I basically wanted to be Ali Stroker (the first actress in a wheelchair to perform on Broadway AND to win a Tony)

What is a writing tip for aspiring authors?

“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story”- Terry Pratchett. In other words, while you’re writing, just write for the love of it. Everything else can be fixed in editing.

You can find Claerie online:

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Tell us about your books

The Kittytubers series takes you behind the scenes of viral cat video. In this world, an inventor created a cat to human speech translator and gave it to the cat world. They took charge of their own videos and created video production studios (called kennels). We enter the story when kittens are born to the KittyTube star Grace Persian. Follow Angel, PittyPat and Quincy as they learn to act and find their place in the viral cat video world.

Which books did you enjoy growing up?

Lord of the Rings

What is your favorite food or foods?

Pizza

What inspired you to write your book series?

Since YouTube came online, I’ve been fascinated by the viral cat videos and wanted to create a world behind the scenes. This series finds kittens trying to fill the role of a chase cat, food cat, water cat, innocent cat, and much more.

Where is your favorite place to read?

I read everywhere!

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Hike or bike.

What did you learn when you were writing The KittyTubers?

A special kind of Persian cat has odd colored eyes, one blue and one copper. It’s rare and special when it happens.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

An astronaut.

What is a writing tip for aspiring authors?

Read! Put words in so you can get words out!

You can find Darcy online:

Website

Facebook

Tell us about your book

Pirate Island is about a boy named Billy, whose best friend is always getting him into wild adventures. The latest is to search for Captain William Kidd’s lost pirate treasure on the infamous Pirate Island. When he gets in a fight with his best friend, Billy continues the search on his own. Billy–nope, call him William–becomes so obsessed with Captain Kidd that he thinks he’s being possessed by the pirate’s spirit. It’s the only way he’ll be able to channel his inner pirate bravery to find the loot.

What is your favorite food or foods?

I love pizza, but hot tea is my favorite beverage to have while writing.

What inspired you to write Pirate Island?

Pirate Island is inspired by a real island called Charles Island in Long Island Sound off the coast of Connecticut. Growing up I learned all the legends of the real Captain Kidd visiting the island and burying his pirate treasure there. Real treasure hunters wanted to explore it, but it’s a nesting site for endangered birds, so no one’s ever been allowed to dig there. Twice a day at low tide, the waters of Long Island Sound recede enough to reveal a tombolo, locally referred to as a sandbar, that lets you walk out to the island. I thought it would be really fun to write a story where kids walked out to the island in search of pirate treasure!

Where is your favorite place to read?

On warm days, I love reading out on my back deck with my feet up and an iced tea.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love being outside when it’s nice, playing in the yard with my three kids, going to the beach (near the island that inspired Pirate Island, of course), and taking walks. I find nature very inspiring. I also love reading, reading, reading.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be so many things. I wanted to play baseball for the Yankees, a teacher, the president, a professional soccer player, a physical therapist. It wasn’t until I thought about writing stories for kids and teens, though, that I found my real magic!

What is a writing tip for aspiring authors?

Read, read, read. Don’t stick to the classics, make sure you’re reading lots of books from the last five years in the genres and age categories you want to write.

You can find Katie:

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And here is Katie on YouTube, reading the first two chapters of Pirate Island!

Tell us about your books

Your next adventure is right around the corner! The Amazing Gracie Mysteries is a series of wholesome, exciting mysteries for young readers. Each book follows Gracie, her cousin Beckett, and their friends as they figure out what’s happening with each new adventure that comes their way. These chapter books also touch on topics such as friendship, family, compassion, and kindness.

These books are great for young readers. They feature lower reading levels, easy vocabulary, short, high-interest chapters, and interesting artwork to keep younger middle grade readers engaged.

Which books did you enjoy growing up?

I loved Nancy Drew mysteries, and Gracie is like a young Nancy Drew in my mind—full of curiosity and willing to help others in need. I also liked The Babysitter’s Club series as a kid, and I think that I’ve added the sense of friendship and camaraderie that I found so appealing in Ann M. Martin’s beloved series.

What are your favorite foods?

I love pizza! My favorite types of restaurants to go to are Italian or Greek.

Tell us about your pets

We have a cat named Snookie. She was a stray who came up and decided to live at our house. She’s the inspiration behind the main character in my children’s book Where is Bob Tom? We also recently adopted a rescue dog. His name is Chip, and he’s the most loving dog I’ve ever been around. He’s so sweet.

What inspired you to write your books?

My children have inspired every one of my children’s books. I have three daughters, and they all love books. I wrote the Amazing Gracie Mysteries series because I found a serious need for wholesome, high-interest chapter books for those emerging readers who want a good story but are overwhelmed by thicker middle grade books. When I started writing this series, that’s exactly where my daughter Rachel was in her reading journey.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I like to garden. I spend a lot of time in the spring and summer tending to flowers, vegetables, and blueberry bushes. I also like to make music; I play several instruments, and I love to sing. I like to have fun outdoors, too. I enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, and playing in the yard with my kids.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

My earliest memory of what I wanted to be was an author. At six years old, I illustrated and wrote a story about bees. My career goals changed as I grew up, and I eventually became a high school teacher, but writing was always at the fringes of my mind. I thought for a long time that it was an unobtainable goal. Thankfully, the world of writing has changed in the past decade, and I’m allowed to live my dream by being an indie author.

What is a writing tip for aspiring authors?

Read a little every day and write a little every day. Before you know it, you’ll be an expert at your craft.

You can find Cyrena:

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Tell us about your books

I have a three book series which includes The Earth Keeper’s Gift, The Earth Keeper’s Challenge, and The Earth Keeper’s Mission. These books follow the Earth Keepers and their quest to save the planet.

Which books did you enjoy growing up?

Black Beauty, Little House on the Prairie, Nancy Drew and Alice in Wonderland

What is your favorite food?

Italian

Tell us about your pets

I own horses and they are all featured in the Earth Keeper Trilogy!

What inspired you to write your book series?

I have always loved animals and care deeply for our environment. I wanted to share stories that children could relate to and learn to care for our Earth.

Where is your favorite place to read?

Anywhere! Home, Cafes and outdoors

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Ride horses, travel and read to my grandchildren

What did you learn when you were writing your book series?

It’s never too late! I wrote this series at 55 years old!

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Be a writer

What is a writing tip for aspiring authors?

Keep writing!!! Keep submitting!!!! Never give up! And keep learning! Write every single day!

You can find Maria in these places:

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Twitter

Tell us about your books

When eleven-year-old Eleanor receives a gift from her father, she never imagines it will open a portal to a fairytale world. Upon reading the first sentence of chapter one, she finds herself standing in the middle of the story.

Join Eleanor and her newfound friends in this magical trilogy that will instill the importance of books into every reader’s hearts.

Which books did you enjoy growing up?

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Chronicles of Narnia, the Giver, Magic Treehouse

What are your favorite foods?

Coffee, tea, and a good crème brûlée

Tell us about your pets

I have three cats: Bellatrix, Ousque, Gandalf, and a rabbit named Watson.

What inspired you to write your book series?

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and the Masterclass taught by RL Stine

Where is your favorite place to read?

The shores of Lake Superior, or in a comfy chair

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Kayaking, snowshoeing, and reading.

What did you learn when you were writing your book series?

I had to research a lot about the 1940s, so pretty much everything about that decade.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to live in a library.

What is a writing tip for aspiring authors?

Don’t underestimate yourself and your story-telling abilities. The world needs your book.

You can find Nikki here:

Website

FaceBook

Instagram

Tell us about your books

My first book Five Bizarre Short Stories covers five loosely connected shorts that span various genres. From a time-traveling spy thriller and adventure & crime in the wilderness to Sci-Fi mafia action and teenagers battling against a malevolent vampire. My second book currently in the works is a middle-grade story centered around teenage government agents with powers and saving the day.

Which books did you enjoy growing up?

I was a major fan of series such as Alex Rider, Savvy, The 5th Wave, and more throughout middle and high school. In addition, I loved fantasy & Sci-Fi in general.

What are your favorite foods?

French Fries, Hamburgers, Oreo Cookies and Cotton Candy Ice Cream

Tell us about your pets

Had a Guinea Pig a long time ago.

What inspired you to write?

Constant daydreams that kept fleshing themselves into detailed plots and such. Eventually, I figured it would be a waste not to record these stories in some shape or form.

Where is your favorite place to read?

My bedroom, living room or library.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Study for school, practice my coding.

What did you learn when you were writing your first book?

I learned tough but necessary lessons about voice, pacing, editing and cooperation with others in the industry.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Artist, now I’m achieving that in some way technically I suppose.

What is a writing tip for aspiring authors?

I heavily recommend thinking about your long-term goals and how you’ll carefully work towards them. It will make the journey to recognition as an author less daunting.

You can find K.R. here:

Instagram

Tell us about your books

The Chimera’s Apprentice is a middle-grade fantasy and the first in a series of three. The book follows Kyra Murch, who realizes her entire life has been a lie. She’s not from Earth and she’s no ordinary girl. In the tradition of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia and Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass, The Chimera’s Apprentice transports the reader to a magical world of adventure.

Which books did you enjoy growing up?

Sci-fi like War of the Worlds and The Martian Chronicles.

What are your favorite foods?

Chocolate, potatoes and broccoli! Yum!

Tell us about your pets

Riply is a Devon Rex with his own instagram: @ripley.the.rex

What inspired you to write The Chimera’s Apprentice?

I was doing an MFA in Creative Writing at UBC and what started out as a YA story became the MG story, The Chimera’s Apprentice.

Where is your favorite place to read?

In bed.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Thinking about writing!

What did you learn when you were writing your series?

I learned that the second and third books come easier. Once the well is opened, the ideas pour out!

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

An actor, but I was also telling stories and thinking about stories a lot.

What is a writing tip for aspiring authors?

Never give up. Give yourself time to write–schedule it.

You can find Roslyn:

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Facebook

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Twitter

TikTok

Tell us about your books

Hush Hush is the story of a lonely girl who gains a terrible power and nearly loses herself. Espy, newly moved to a small island in the Mississippi River, has no friends except her invisible friend. She meets Tonka, a mysterious creature in a cicada husk, who tells her that he can help her get friends. He teaches her how to use a mysterious power called the Lines, but as Espy grows in popularity, she begins to suspect the power has dangerous consequences.

Strays is the story of a boy named Rodney, spending the summer with his strange uncle, in a strange house, who befriends a little lost demon whom he names Pinwheel. Together they discover a demonic plot to destroy the world. Unsure he can trust his uncle, Rodney and Pinwheel must find the Alvarium Maleficarum, the hidden gateway which allows the demons to enter the material world, and destroy it.

Which books did you enjoy growing up?

My father read us many books while we lay in bed: George MacDonald, Narnia, Tolkien, which have so shaped my imagination that it’s hard to point to particular influence. As I began to read, I added science fiction to my diet, Star Wars, Ray Bradbury, but continued to anchor myself in fantasy with Lloyd Alexander.

What is your favorite food or foods?

Sandwiches. So versatile, yet so handy.

Tell us about your pets

I have a beautiful cat named Ursula, named after the writer Ursula Le Guin. She is an elegant creature, luxuriously furred, playful and sneaky. I never understood how a poet like T. S. Eliot could write a book of poems about cats until I began living with cats of my own. Sadly, my first cats are no more (Bradbury who lived dangerously as a kitten and Wolfe who has translated herself into pinlight).

What inspired you to write?

I would put my children to bed telling them silly stories told on the fly. One of them was a parable of the little lost demon that eventually turned into Strays. I continued to tell them bedtime stories until they were ready for books. Amidst the classics that I loved (and the classics that I missed growing up), I intermixed my own books.

Where is your favorite place to read?

I have a chair that my wife salvaged. It is wood, thronelike, and covered over with a fur blanket. It sits in my den where the light always shines. I have spent many hours there.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I like to talk about my reading. I teach literature, so I have ample opportunity to talk about the greatest works. Occasionally, I have bounced ideas off students, honing a story here or there.

What did you learn when you were writing your first book?

Push through. I got two thirds through my first manuscript when I realized that I had overlooked an enormous loophole. The whole story had to be reworked. I was distraught, but after shelving the book for a few months, re-tinkering in my head, I set out to fix it over Christmas, and then finished it that summer. That drive to push through gave me the energy to do it once more with my second book (when I once again discovered a flaw in the narrative). Stories don’t have to be told perfectly the first time, that’s what revision is for.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I said I wanted to write and I liked how adults responded when I told them that. After a while, I realized that I better start writing if I wanted to make that true. I had many friends and teachers along the way that encouraged me, I never left reading behind, and finally, after numerous short stories and poems, I dove in on a book.

What is a writing tip for aspiring authors?

Read. Read lots. Everyone says that. But if you really want to learn the craft, take your favorite book and after reading each chapter, write a brief summary of the events, and then a list of questions that it raises, things that you are interested in, and observations. As you work deeper into the book mention where questions are answered, how people are changed, and identify repeated words, actions, and ideas. This will give you insight into how stories are told.

You can find Remy here:

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Tell us about your books

The books are great for anyone who likes action-driven stories. Journey to Zentobia is the fast-paced opener to the middle-grade fantasy/adventure Zentobia series. After ten-year-old Maggie Miller discovers her neighbor comes from another world she stumbles through a rainbow portal with her brother and embarks on a quest to stop the return of dark magic. In the sequel, Return to Zentobia, Maggie and her brother team up with the villain’s daughter to locate The Book of Magic which holds the spell to save Zentobia. The books are perfect for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia and the Land of Stories series.

Which books did you enjoy growing up?

When I grew up, I wasn’t exposed to a lot of books. I read the ones required in school, but not much else. Because of that, it’s been important to me to introduce my daughter to the benefits of reading so she can explore all the wonderful stories out there. I’m catching up on a lot too!

What is your favorite food?

I love anything chocolate!

Tell us about your pets

I have two rescue dogs. Gracie is a Labrador Retriever/German Shepherd mix and Sandy is a Husky/German Shepherd mix. They are both somewhere between two and four years old and are best friends. Gracie is obsessed with her ball and Sandy loves to try and take it from her.

What inspired you to write?

My daughter is my biggest inspiration. We often told stories on road trips to Disneyland. During one car ride, she came up with the idea of a brother and sister traveling back in time through a rainbow portal. The idea stuck with me for a while. I eventually tweaked it to have the siblings travel to another world and then began writing the first book.

Where is your favorite place to read?

On the couch under a comfy blanket. An electric one if it’s cold!

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dogs, reading, working out and eating chocolate! I also like watching many of the popular television shows on Netflix!

What did you learn when you were writing your book series?

I learned so many things that it’s hard to narrow it down to just one. I experienced how much time and money it takes to market your books. It’s crucial to start marketing before your book publishes. As a self-published author, creating awareness is vital.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I don’t think I figured out my true career path until college. At that time, I wanted to be a reporter. I’m grateful that I’ve had the chance to write stories for magazines and newspapers.

What is a writing tip for aspiring authors?

The start of the writing journey can be very overwhelming. Don’t let that scare you from pursuing your dream. Keep going because it’s better than looking back one day and saying I wonder what would have happened if I wrote that story.

You can find Stacy here:

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