Literary Agent Interview: Jackie Garcia-Morales and Query Critique Giveaway

Today I’m thrilled to have agent Jackie Garcia-Morales here. She is an associate literary agent at Storm Literary.
 
Query and Critique Giveaway Status Update: Jackie is offering a free picture book or graphic book through middle grade query critique giveaway. See the Giveaway Details for more info. She is also offering a special link for Literary Rambles followers to query her through DECEMBER 15: https://QueryTracker.net/query/JackieGarciaMorales/LiteraryRambles
 
Hi­ Jackie! Thanks so much for joining us.
 
About Jackie:

1. Tell us how you became an agent, how long you’ve been one, and what you’ve been doing as an agent.
 
I had the pleasure of interning at Writers House in 2025, where I developed a deeper understanding of the agenting process. Following that, I joined Storm Literary Agency in February 2026 and now serve in two complementary roles: Associate Literary Agent and Foreign Rights Agent.
Before moving into agenting, I worked in trade publishing across sales, promotion, publicity, and marketing. That experience shapes how I evaluate projects, consider their positioning, and identify opportunities for creators and their work.
As an associate literary agent, I am thoughtfully growing a list of authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators whose work I believe I can champion in the current market. As a foreign rights agent, I also pursue international opportunities for Storm clients and their work. Both roles require strategic thinking about how a project can reach the right editors, publishers, territories, and ultimately, readers.
About the Agency:
 
2. Share a bit about your agency and what it offers to its authors.
 
Storm Literary Agency is a boutique agency devoted to the long-term success of its clients. We represent authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators working across a wide range of genres, formats, and age categories.
 
One of the things I value most about Storm is the depth of experience across the team. Each agent has an individual list and distinct areas of expertise, but we can also draw upon one another’s knowledge and collaborate to maximize opportunities for our clients.
Our support extends well beyond submitting a single project. Depending on a client’s work and goals, that may include editorial development, career strategy, contract negotiation, domestic and international rights, and continued advocacy as their body of work grows. We want creators to build balanced, sustainable careers with a knowledgeable and supportive team behind them.
What She’s Looking For:
 
3. What age groups do you represent—picture books, MG, and/or YA? What genres do you represent, and what are you looking for in submissions for these genres?
 
I seek to represent authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators working across children’s and adult categories.
In illustrated children’s literature, I am especially interested in illustrators and author-illustrators who hope to build versatile careers across picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and other visual formats. I am drawn to distinctive artwork, strong visual storytelling, and portfolios that demonstrate both a recognizable point of view and an understanding of the market. 
In middle grade, young adult, YA crossover, and New Adult, my tastes lean toward commercial stories with strong hooks, memorable voices, and meaningful emotional cores. I am especially drawn to mystery, suspense, epic adventure, complicated relationships, and stories that are hard to put down.
For adult nonfiction, I am interested in knowledgeable writers who can make complex, unconventional, or specialized subjects engaging and accessible to general readers. My interests broadly encompass science, health and wellness, the natural world, spirituality, and unexplained or thought-provoking phenomena. I may also consider select lifestyle projects.
Across every category, I am looking for books and artwork with a clear audience, confident execution, and a compelling reason to exist in today’s market.
4.  Is there anything you would be especially excited to seeing in the genres you are interested in?
 
I am most excited by work that has a strong, easily communicated premise but still offers emotional depth, substance, or something meaningful for the reader to carry away.
For younger readers, I love humor, imaginative mysteries, high-stakes plots, STEM and STEAM concepts, and culturally grounded stories that center the child’s experience rather than prioritizing a lesson. I am especially drawn to unusual protagonists, clever problem-solving, friendship dynamics, and children discovering their own agency or power.
For older readers, I enjoy edge-of-your-seat storytelling, genre blends, psychological tension, layered motives, complicated relationships, antiheroes, and morally gray characters on quests who make readers question where the story goes next.
Across age categories, I respond strongly to confident voice, witty or fast-paced dialogue, carefully planted clues, atmospheric writing, unexpected twists, and stories that balance entertainment with a deeper emotional or intellectual layer. I am also always interested in compelling, well-researched nonfiction and striking visual work that tells a story of its own.
Some of my random specific asks are:

• The next Dexter or Hannibal with FMCs

• Soulmates that aren’t sure why they’re soulmates

• An epic mystery/whodunnit

• A “How To” for an apocalypse and a guide to crunchy/non-tox life

• Something awesome with UFO/UAPs and aliens

• A silly kid graphic novel that makes you laugh so hard you can’t breathe

• Art with universe building 

 
What She Isn’t Looking For:
 
5. What types of submissions are you not interested in?
 
I am not currently considering text-only picture-book authors, rhyming picture books, or authors whose work is limited exclusively to chapter books or middle grade.
I am also not the best fit for period or historical fiction, poetry anthologies, short-fiction collections, high fantasy, portal fantasy, fae or vampire stories, or books centered on a monster-school premise.
I am generally not interested in highly political books or work that is primarily religious and intended to proselytize. I am also not the right fit for stories containing explicit sexual assault, endings in which the main character dies, or work that teaches its message in a belittling or overly didactic way.
Although I appreciate animal characters in the right project, I generally prefer human protagonists in fiction. I am also cautious about queries that draw heavily from the identities, cultural experiences, or meaningful motifs of real communities when the creator does not have the relevant lived experience or demonstrated expertise to approach them responsibly.
Writers should review my current wish list on the Storm Literary Agency website or my personal website before querying. A broad category appearing on my list does not mean every type of project within that category will be right for me.
One practical note: if a category is not available on my QueryTracker form, I am currently closed to it, even if it appears on my longer-term wish list.
 
Agent Philosophy:
 
6. What is your philosophy as an agent both in terms of the authors you want to work with and the books you want to represent?
 
I view the creative-agent relationship as a professional partnership built on trust, communication, flexibility, and shared long-term goals. Writers and illustrators who are still learning how that relationship works should speak with other represented creators and consult reputable industry resources before seeking representation.
Because I come from a trade-publishing background, I value creators who understand the industry or are actively learning about it. I do not expect anyone to know everything before signing with an agent, but I do want clients who respect publishing’s realities: long timelines, a competitive market, the need for resilience, and the importance of receiving feedback thoughtfully.
I want to work with creators who care deeply about their craft, communicate openly, and remain receptive to thoughtful feedback. They should also feel comfortable explaining which elements of their work are especially meaningful to them and recognizing when a strategic pivot may serve the project or their broader career.
I also believe creators should develop their own platform presence over time. That does not mean everyone needs an enormous social-media following. It means finding thoughtful, sustainable ways to connect with readers, peers, educators, booksellers, librarians, or others relevant to their work. An agent is an advocate and strategic partner, but a lasting career is something we build together.
My role is not to take control of a client’s work or career. It is to offer informed guidance, protect their interests, advocate for their goals, and help them recognize or access opportunities they might not have reached alone.
The books and artwork I represent should have something meaningful at their center while also understanding and connecting with their intended audiences. I am looking for stories, projects, and art I can champion enthusiastically and position clearly in the marketplace.
Editorial Agent:
 
7. Are you an editorial agent? If so, what is your process like when you’re working with your authors before submitting to editors?
 
I consider myself moderately editorial, although the level of editorial involvement depends on the project and what it needs.
In my view, signing with an agent should not be the starting point for learning one’s craft. I am not a writing coach, introductory craft teacher, or art instructor. I am seeking writers and illustrators who have already invested in developing their skills and who are committed to continuing that growth throughout their careers.
That professional development can look different for every creator. It might include classes, critique groups, portfolio reviews, SCBWI webinars, wide reading and visual study within the category, trusted readers or art directors, careful study of comparable books and portfolios, or meaningful participation in the creative community to the best of one’s capacity.
Before submission, I review manuscripts and portfolios work through both craft and market lenses. For manuscripts, my feedback may address pacing, structure, characterization, audience, positioning, or clarity. For illustration portfolios and book projects, I may consider visual storytelling, consistency, range, character development, market fit, and how effectively the work communicates its intended audience and format.
I am kind but frank. When I believe something is weakening a manuscript, portfolio, or project, I will explain what I am seeing, why I think it matters, and what possibilities we might explore. I encourage clients to remain flexible without compromising the elements that are truly meaningful to them.
Ultimately, I would rather a client receive difficult but constructive feedback from me while we still have the opportunity to address it than encounter the same concern for the first time from an editor.
Query Methods and Submission Guidelines: (Always verify before submitting)
 
8. How should authors query you and what do you want to see with the query letter?
 
When I am open, creatives should query me exclusively through the QueryTracker. They should always verify my current status and submission guidelines immediately before submitting because my open periods, wish list, and requested materials may change.
I know there is considerable pressure to personalize every query with several lines about the agent. As someone who has also queried as an author, I do not expect everyone to produce a dissertation proving how thoroughly they researched me. Your time is valuable too!
The most meaningful form of personalization is sending work that genuinely aligns with my wish list and respecting the stated submission process. 
In a query letter: I want the project’s essential information presented clearly. Title, age category, genre, word count, and whether it is a standalone or has series potential. I also want a compelling elevator pitch, relevant comparison titles, and a true synopsis that includes the ending rather than a teaser that withholds it. For short work, I ask for the full manuscript. For longform work, I ask for 50 pages or a proposal. 
In opening pages, I am looking for confidence and control. I love a hook in the first line. I love being placed right in the action or the hypothesis. Always show, don’t tell! Shared pages should give me a reason to care, create curiosity, and establish a clear sense of voice and direction.
I value a strong, relevant biography section as well. Help me understand why you are the right person to create this book or body of work. Share the experience, expertise, lived connection, professional background, publication history, client work, platform, or credentials that meaningfully contextualize you and the project. Don’t be afraid to brag.
 
9.  Do you have any specific dislikes in query letters or the first pages submitted to you?
 
Although it is not an automatic deal-breaker, I strongly recommend learning the standard presentation expectations for your submission type. A manuscript or portfolio does not need elaborate design, but professional, readable presentation demonstrates familiarity with industry expectations.
In the query itself, I prefer clarity over cleverness. Do not bury the premise beneath a long introduction or rely entirely on vague promotional language. Phrases such as “nothing is what it seems” or “everything changes forever” tell me very little unless they are followed by concrete information about the characters, conflict, and stakes.
Personal details can be charming, but a bio focused primarily on pets or unrelated hobbies does not help me understand your creative background or connection to the work, or if you are marketable as a whole. Prioritize information that is relevant to you as a professional and to the project you are submitting.
Typos happen, and an occasional mistake will not cause me to reject an otherwise compelling project. What matters more is whether the submission is thoughtful, professional, appropriate for my list, and responsive to the stated instructions.
Response Time:
 
10. What’s your response time to queries and requests for more pages of a manuscript?
 
I ask querying creators to allow approximately four to six months for a response.
My QueryTracker form asks whether the creator would prefer the submission to be automatically declined after six months so they can move forward rather than wait indefinitely. Requests for additional material may come much sooner, depending on the project and my reading schedule.
If another agent offers representation while I am considering the work, the creator should follow the notification instructions included in the form.
Self-Published and Small Press Authors:
 
11.  Are you open to representing authors who have self-published or been published by smaller presses? What advice do you have for them if they want to try to find an agent to represent them?
 
Absolutely. I believe strongly in supporting independent authors and small presses. A history of self-publishing or working with a smaller publisher does not prevent someone from pursuing literary representation.
My first piece of advice is to be clear about what you are asking an agent to represent. Are you querying a new, unpublished manuscript for traditional publication? Are you seeking audio, translation, or other subsidiary-rights opportunities for a successful self-published book? Are you traditionally published but currently unrepresented and looking for support with audio, translation, or other world rights? These are different requests and require different information.
For a new manuscript, query it clearly as a new project and include your previous publishing experience in your bio. For an already self-published title, be prepared to provide meaningful sales figures, formats, pricing, publication history, distribution information, reviews, audience growth, and a clear account of which rights remain available.
On a case-by-case basis, I may consider successful self-published authors seeking audio or translation opportunities, as well as traditionally published but unrepresented authors seeking audio, translation, or other world-rights support. The book’s performance, available rights, and the creator’s long-term goals all factor into whether that partnership makes sense.
Do not hide your publishing history. Explain it accurately and confidently. Help the agent understand what you accomplished, what you learned, and what you hope to achieve next.
 
Clients:
 
12. Who are some of the authors you represent?
 
I am honored to represent a select cohort of amazingly talented illustrators. However, I don’t want to steal their thunder before they formally announce their agented status to the public. Thus, instead of listing them here, I’ll direct you to peek at the Storm website over the next few weeks to see the list of people I represent!
 
Interviews and Guest Posts:
 
13. Please share the links to any interviews, guest posts, and podcasts you think would be helpful to writers interested in querying you.
 
You can learn more about my background, publishing philosophy, manuscript and illustration interests, and current work through:
·       JackieGarciaMorales.com 
·       My Storm Literary Agency profile
·       The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast
 
Again, because interests and availability can change, writers should prioritize my current Storm profile, website, and QueryTracker form over older interviews or social-media posts.
Links and Contact Info:
 
14. Please share how writers should contact you to submit a query and your links on the Web.
 
When I am open to submissions, creators should query me exclusively through the QueryTracker form linked from my Storm Literary Agency profile and website. I do not accept queries through personal email, agency email, social media, or direct messages. 
Storm asks authors and illustrators not to submit to more than one Storm agent at the same time, so anyone considering querying our team should carefully determine which agent is the strongest match before querying.
You can find me through:
·       Storm Literary Agency
·       QueryTracker
·       JackieGarciaMorales.com
·      Instagram: @hellojaymorales
 
 You’ll also find me (less actively) here: LinkedIn | BlueSky | Newsletter 
*Important security notice: Storm Literary Agency has received reports of individuals impersonating me and other Storm agents. All initial query communication will take place through QueryTracker, and any legitimate email from me or another member of the Storm team will come from an official @stormliteraryagency.com address. Please use caution with messages from any other domain or unofficial channel.
 
Additional Advice:
 
15. Is there any other advice you’d like to share with aspiring authors that we haven’t covered?
 
Always. Here are a few things I’ve learned that I keep in my back pocket as an author myself:
Take craft seriously. Read extensively within your category, seek thoughtful feedback, revise carefully, understand the market, and remain willing to learn. Understand that, at some point, however, you must allow the work to leave your hands. 
Querying requires courage because it means inviting someone else to respond to something you have worked hard to create. The rejections that follow are unavoidable, but it is not always a judgment of your talent or potential. A manuscript, portfolio, or project may not fit an agent’s list, the market may be crowded, the timing may be wrong, or the agent may simply lack the right vision or relationships for that particular work.
Remain open to feedback, but do not reshape yourself or your work in response to every individual opinion. Look for patterns. Protect what is meaningful to you. Learn to distinguish between a change that serves the book or artwork and one that removes the reason you created it.  
As a professional, I also encourage creators to think beyond a single manuscript, portfolio piece, or project. Develop new ideas, explore your range, and consider the body of work and career you hope to build. A sustainable publishing career rarely rests on one project, one submission round, or one opportunity.
Lastly, always remember that publishing can move slowly, and the need for growth never truly ends. Build a professional presence that feels authentic and sustainable, remain resilient, learn to pivot with purpose, and keep creating as you adapt and evolve. 
 
Thanks for sharing all your advice, Jackie!
 
Have any experience with this agent? See something that needs updating? Please leave a comment or email me at natalieiaguirre7@gmail.com
 
Note: These agent profiles and interviews presently focus on agents who accept children's fiction. Please take the time to verify anything you might use here before querying an agent. The information found here is subject to change.
 

Giveaway Details

Jackie is generously offering a query critique free picture book or graphic book through middle grade to one lucky winner. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (via the follower gadget, email, or bloglovin’ on the right sidebar) and leave a comment through August 29th. If you do not want to enter the contest or don’t write picture books or middle grade grade graphic novels, that’s okay. Just let me know in the comments. If I do not have your email (I can no longer get it from your Google Profile), you must leave it in the comments to enter the contest. Please be sure I have your email address.
If you follow me on Twitter or Bluesky or mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. This is an international giveaway.
 
Have any experience with this agent? See something that needs updating? Please leave a comment or email me at natalieiaguirre7@gmail.com
 
Note: These agent profiles and interviews presently focus on agents who accept children's fiction. Please take the time to verify anything you might use here before querying an agent. The information found here is subject to change.
 

Upcoming Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops

 
Monday, August 25th, I have a guest post by Paige Classey and a giveaway of her MG Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer
 
Monday, August 31st, I’m participating in the Glam and Glitz Giveaway Hop
 
Wednesday, September 2nd, I have an interview with Dinesh Thiru and a giveaway of his YA My Killer Family Reunion
 
Monday, September 7th, I have an agent spotlight interview with Syrone Harvey and a query critique giveaway
 
Monday, September 14th, I have an interview with M.K. England and a giveaway of her MG Riley Dare: Slightly Witchy Sleuth
 
Wednesday, September 16^th, I’m participating in the Falling Into Leaves Giveaway Hop
 
I hope to see you on Monday!

Author Interview: Máire Roche and Little Monsters Giveaway

Happy Monday, Everyone! Today, I’m excited to have Máire Roche here to share about her MG Little Monsters. It’s a supernatural retelling of Little Women, which I loved as a kid, and I’m looking forward to reading it. 

Here’s a blurb from Goodreads: 

In this modern supernatural middle grade retelling of the beloved classic Little Women, the March sisters have a monstrous secret Meg will do anything to protect—especially with another beast lurking in the woods threatening to expose them.

Meg March and her three sisters are monsters. No, really. Meg has teeth that are a little too sharp. Jo gets furry under the full moon. Beth goes night flying on wings that are impossible to hide under her sweaters. And Amy? Well, don’t let her near a body of water or she’ll start sprouting her mermaid’s tail.

Meg is sure their foster mom, Marmee, wouldn’t like any of this if she knew. And Jo’s best friend Laurie, the nice boy next door, would run screaming. To make matters worse, Meg’s small town outside of Salem is on edge. A vicious beast has been spotted in the forest, and Farmer Bhaer believes it’s responsible for his missing chickens. Meg is sure to be blamed if anyone realizes she’s a monster in disguise. And the closer it gets to Halloween, the surer the town is that something evil is hiding in the forest.

Meg doesn’t always remember what she gets up to at night, and sometimes, she wakes alone in a mossy part of the forest and has to find her way back. With John Brooke determined to find out just what Meg is hiding and locals working to uncover the monsters in their midst, Meg must find the culprit herself—or risk losing the little home she’s found with her sisters. 

Hi Máire! Thanks so much for joining us. 

1. Tell us about yourself and how you became a writer. 

This one is always so tricky to answer, because I’ve always just been a writer! I write books for all ages, across genres, and I’ve been doing that since I was too small to remember. My first book, written at the age of six, featured a main character named Mary, who lived on an unspecified mountain, rode horses, and occasionally lassoed bandits. While I did not grow up to lasso bandits, I did keep writing magical stories (and I even learned how to write without self-inserting as the main character). 

2. Where did you get the idea for Litter Monsters? 

Little Monsters came to me when I was craving a cozy but eerie middle grade, one autumn a few years ago. It got me thinking about how much fun scary stories were to read as a kid, and also about the stories I read as a kid (like Little Women)! Meg was always my favorite, and I wondered what it would be like to do a modern, middle grade retelling featuring Meg’s struggles as an eldest daughter. From there, Little Monsters was born. 

3. I loved Meg as a kid too. What was your plotting process for Little Monsters? How long did it take you to write and revise it before sending it to your agent? 

This is the book I wrote in four days. Yes, four. I wrote about 10-15k each day and finished over a long weekend. It’s a long story about why I decided to write it so quickly, and I did of course revise before it went out to editors, but it was an exercise in fast drafting for me. I did plot the book pretty loosely before I began, but I had overall structural ideas about what happened in the story that I leaned on. 

4. Four days! I’m so jealous. What made you decide to add a supernatural element to your retelling of Little Women? And how did you decide how each of the four sisters would transform into supernatural creatures? 

I wanted each of the four sisters to have a magical, monstrous power that reflected a little of their original personality from the source text. Meg cares a lot about appearances in the source text (for good reason—she has to secure a marriage with someone who has some money). What if she couldn’t control an aspect of her appearance? Jo’s hair is a major plot point in Little Women; what if it sprouted uncontrollably? Beth is shy and wants to avoid attention, so what would happen if she’s literally able to fly? Amy, on the other hand, loves attention, but why not throw a wrench into that—if she’s at the beach and salt water touches her, she transforms into a monstrous, gigantic mer-creature.

 
4. Reviewers have said that you did a good job making Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy distinct characters. Share a bit of what makes each unique.

I think each sister has their own unique voice, personality, and goals, just like in the original work. I come from a family with lots of siblings, too, and it was special to write a story about multiple siblings growing up together. I think that each sister’s unique goals set them apart. They also result in some conflict between the girls, and added worries for Meg, who believes it’s her job to hold everybody together!
 
5. Your agent is Claire Friedman. How did she become your agent?
 
She represents a dear friend of mine, and when my former agent left the industry, my friend recommended that I query Claire! She read all of my work so quickly, had a great vision for multiple different projects, and was eager to work on projects in many different genres. She’s been a fantastic agent! I got really lucky.
 
6. That’s a great agent story. You’re the published author of two YA and three adult novels, with another being published in 2027. How have you been able to sell so many books across different age groups when many authors struggle to sell any books after their debut?
I had a backlist before I was agented, of many books that were fully written but that I hadn’t queried. I write fairly fast, and I had a goal of selling in multiple age categories so that I could one day write fulltime. To me, the most achievable way to do that was having multiple projects under contract and multiple income streams. As to why I’ve been able to make this work, while other authors struggle to sell books, I can’t take credit for that—luck, timing, and privilege all play just as much of a role as hard work.
 
7. I read on your website that you’re a former teacher. How did you decide to write full-time? What tips do you have for other authors thinking of quitting their day job?
 
It was my long-term goal from the beginning, so I worked until I had enough contracted projects to last me for a little while, and then set to work selling more so I could sustain it. I won’t lie; it hasn’t always been a simple or easy road. I don’t have the stability of having a safety net, or another steady source of income. But I’ve learned to balance deadlines, contracts, and various projects, and it’s been so, so worth it. For writers who want to quit their day jobs, my advice is to plan, plan, plan. Set a goal one or two or three years out, and work toward it. Make your best case scenario plans, and your worst case scenario plans, and keep writing, in as many spaces as you have ideas.
 
8. What made you decide to use the name Máire Roche for Little Monsters and your adult Bromantasy and upcoming untitled adult romantasy books when your other books are published using Mary E. Roach? Do you think you’ll have trouble reaching fans who know you as Mary Roach?
 
I use the Irish spelling of my name for fantasy, and the anglicized spelling of my name on my thrillers. Since my web presence is just one combined presence, readers generally haven’t struggled with it! It’s nice to have a little divide between the two brands, though, and I’m glad I chose to use different spellings of my name.
 
9. How are you planning to promote Little Monsters? Is your marketing plan different from that of your other books?
 
Middle grade is different than older categories in that it’s less rooted in social media (which I personally love). Since I’m a former teacher, I’m planning to throw my effort into school visits, bookstore signings, and other kid-focused events.
 
10. What are you working on now?
 
I’m working on my next adult fantasy, which will release in 2027, as well as a super secret, super fun middle grade project that I hope to talk about soon!
 
Thanks for sharing all your advice, Máire. You can find Máire at www.maryeroach.com and www.instagram.com/maryeroachauthor. 

Giveaway Details

Marie’s publisher is generously offering a hardback of Little Monsters for a giveaway. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower of my blog (via the follower gadget, email, or bloglovin’ on the right sidebar) and leave a comment by August 29th. If I do not have your email (I can no longer get it from your Google Profile), you must leave it in the comments to enter the contest. Please be sure I have your email address.

If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media sites and/or follow me on Twitter or Bluesky or follow Emma on her social media sites, mention this in the comments, and I'll give you an extra entry for each. You must be 13 years old or older to enter. This book giveaway is International.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is hosted by Greg Pattridge. You can find the participating blogs on his blog. 

Upcoming Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops

 
Wednesday, August 19th, I have an agent spotlight interview with Jackie Garcia-Morales and a query critique giveaway
 
Monday, August 25th, I have a guest post by Paige Classey and a giveaway of her MG Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer
 
Monday, August 31st, I’m participating in the Glam and Glitz Giveaway Hop
 
Wednesday, September 2nd, I have an interview with Dinesh Thiru and a giveaway of his YA My Killer Family Reunion
 
Monday, September 7th, I have an agent spotlight interview with Syrone Harvey and a query critique giveaway
 
Monday, September 14th, I have an interview with M.K. England and a giveaway of her MG Riley Dare: Slightly Witchy Sleuth
 
Wednesday, September 16^th, I’m participating in the Falling Into Leaves Giveaway Hop
 
I hope to see you on Wednesday!

 

Old School Giveaway Hop

 

Happy Sunday Everyone! Today I'm excited to participate in the Old School Giveaway Hop hosted by MamatheFox  and MomDoesReviews. This has been a busy, good month. I've been working more to help out at my part-time job and am helping a friend. A wonderous thing is happening at my house. My tiny master bathroom was gutted, and everything (except the sink I'm waiting on) are brand new. I've tried to do this project at least three times over the years, but expensive replacements of appliances, furnace, roof, and chimney have thwarted my efforts. I'm SO happy this project is almost done. I hope you're having a good August.

Book of Your Choice or Amazon Gift Card 

I am offering a book of your choice that is $20 or less on Amazon. I’m looking forward to seeing what books everyone is looking forward to reading.  

If you don’t have a book you want, you can win a $10 Amazon Gift Card. 

Giveaway Details

To enter, all you need to do is be a follower of my blog (via the follower gadget, email, or bloglovin’ on the right sidebar) and leave a comment by August 30th telling me whether you want a book, and if so, which one, or the Amazon gift card and your email address. Be sure to include your email address. If I do not have your email (I can no longer get it from your Google Profile), you must leave it in the comments to enter the contest. Please be sure I have your email address. 

If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media sites and/or follow me on Twitter or Bluesky, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry for each. You must be 13 years old or older to enter. The book giveaway is U.S. only and the Amazon gift card giveaway is International.

Upcoming Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops

Monday, August 17th, I have an interview with Máire Roche and a giveaway of her MG Little Monsters
 
Wednesday, August 19th, I have an agent spotlight interview with Jackie Garcia-Morales and a query critique giveaway 

Monday, August 25th, I have a guest post by Paige Classey and a giveaway of her MG Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer  

Monday, August 31st, I’m participating in the Glam and Glitz Giveaway Hop
 
Wednesday, September 2nd, I have an interview with Dinesh Thiru and a giveaway of his YA My Killer Family Reunion
 
Monday, September 7th, I have an agent spotlight interview with Syrone Harvey and a query critique giveaway
 
Monday, September 14th, I have an interview with M.K. England and a giveaway of her MG Riley Dare: Slightly Witchy Sleuth
 
Wednesday, September 16^th, I’m participating in the Falling Into Leaves Giveaway Hop

I hope to see you on Monday!

And here are all the other blogs participating in this blog hop:

MamatheFox, Mom Does Reviews, and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

Debut Author Interview: Lindsey Olsson and To Drown a Witch Giveaway and IWSG Post

 Happy Wednesday, Everyone! Today, I’m excited to have debut author Lindsey Olsson here to share about her YA fantasy To Drown a Witch. I enjoy stories about witches and murder mysteries, and am excited to read Lindsey’s book. 

Here’s a blurb from Goodreads:

 

A criminal and a royal guard are drawn into the hunt for a dangerous witch—and an unexpected romance—in this YA enemies-to-lovers romantasy, perfect for fans of Heartless Hunter.

In Gadore, the Witch is feared above all else. Reborn into each generation, she is the only person with magic running innately through her veins, able to wield magic with a single thought.

So when guards across the city begin to drop dead, gruesomely murdered by violent and vicious magic, everyone knows the Witch has returned—and no one will be safe until she’s killed.

Toran is the Prince’s Crown, the most highly skilled fighter in the King’s Guard. Tasked with the responsibility of leading the hunt for the Witch, Toran tries to focus on his assignment to forget the ghosts of his past. And after he learns of Nes, a thief with an uncanny ability to sniff out magic, he forcibly recruits her into joining his hunt.

As the two face deadly magic and otherworldly threats, their mutual dislike soon turns to something more electric, and they find themselves drawn to each other in ways they’d never imagined. But the Witch is always a step ahead of them, and with bodies piling up, secrets threaten to come to light—secrets that could destroy everything from the fragile trust between them to the very city of Gadore itself. 

Before I get to my interview with Dana, I have my post for the Insecure Writers Support Group. 

Posting: The first Wednesday is officially Insecure Writer's Support Group Day.  

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!  

The awesome co-hosts this month are:  Shannon Lawrence, Diedre Knight, Liza, and Pat Garcia! 

Optional Question:  As a writer/author what is something you regret? Or something that you wish you'd done differently in your writing process? 

I don’t really have any regrets. I enjoyed the creative process of creating stories. In a time when I was crazy busy with my job as a lawyer, a parent, and caregiver to my late husband, I felt like it was something I did for me. And I would never have been the blog host of Literary Rambles if I hadn’t joined the writing community. So, I’m really grateful I took the plunge and started writing, even when I had no idea how to write a book. 

Interview With Lindsey Olsson

 
Hi Lindsey! Thanks so much for joining us.
 
1.  Tell us about yourself and how you became a writer.
 
Growing up, I loved to read, especially stories with hidden magic. I loved the idea that there was more to the worlds in these novels than the mundane and sometimes exercised my imagination by imagining our world to be the same. I wanted to be a writer since I first learned to write way back in the first grade. Writing stories, specifically fiction, quickly became my favorite assignment in school. When given the freedom, I wrote as many stories as I could—stories about magic wands and visits with kings and mysteries only children could solve. Eventually, I realized I didn’t have to wait for a school assignment to write fiction and began writing on my own. I did a creative writing independent study while in high school and majored in creative writing in college. A few years after that, I went back to school to earn my MFA in creative writing for children and young adults. It took me years to truly understand what it takes to become a published author and to hone the discipline I needed to succeed as one.
 
2. Where did you get the idea for To Drown a Witch?
The idea for To Drown a Witch came to me during a writing prompt session in grad school. I was working on a different novel at the time and had planned to continue that YA contemporary story. However, during that prompt session, I wrote what later became the “Before” section of To Drown a Witch. I knew I was not going back to my YA contemporary novel the moment I wrote the last line of that “Before” section. I would have to say it was that last line that really spurred the rest of the story. From then on, the idea for To Drown a Witch consumed me and slowly Nes and Toran’s stories found their way onto the page.
 
3. That’s a cool way to come up with a story idea. Did you plot out this story, or were you a pantser? Did your process change at all as you wrote your story?

After I wrote the “Before” section, my inspiration and my desire to write this new story were incredibly high. Without any idea where the story was going, I very quickly wrote 40,000 words. But then, probably just as quickly, I stopped. Because those first 40k words were not the story I so desperately wanted to tell. Somewhere between my brain and the page there had been a miscommunication. At the time, my main character, Nes, was called Vanesla and she was nothing like the character in my head. Vanesla was annoying and whiny and, frankly, I hated her. On top of that her story felt far too simple compared to the layers of the “Before” section. So I scrapped those 40,000 words and started over. In the next draft, I gained a better idea of who Nes was as a character and I had a beginning and ending planned out. The middle I continued to pants. With each subsequent draft, I found myself plotting out the story more and more. Though it probably takes longer writing this way, I enjoy giving myself the freedom of pantsing in the early drafts of a novel then plotting it out the deeper into the story I get.
 
4. Share about your world-building process? Did you draw from any other cultures in creating your world?
 
The world-building for To Drown a Witch started with the magic hiding in the trees. From there it expanded to how would people feel about this magic, how would they access and use it, was there anything about the magic that stood out, and, probably most importantly, how people might combat this magic. Answering that last question was the only time in my world-building process that I drew from prior knowledge of history. I remembered how the suspected witches were most often burned during the Salem Witch Trials and knew I wanted something different for the suspected witches in my world. Through the answers to all those questions about magic I was able to build a world around the magic system. I actually created a world map pretty early on. I already had some vague ideas of the characters I wanted to appear in the story and being able to see the world they lived in really helped me to pinpoint not only where they came from but also what their backstories were. In one of the early versions of this story, Nes and Toran actually traveled the continent in search of the Witch. Ultimately that version didn’t work out because the setting was too large for the scope of the story and I scaled it back to just the city of Gadore.
 
5. Tell us about Nes and Toran, your two main characters. Was one of them easier to develop as a character? If so, why?
 
Toran was by far the easier character to write. I think this was because his story felt quieter to me. It also helped that I knew how his story would end and, from the start, I had a good sense of his backstory. I knew he had tried to hunt the Witch in the past (with that mission ending disastrously) and I knew he had a fiancée who had recently died, with both losses resulting in him hitting a low point. From there it was a matter of figuring out who or what might be able to help pick him back up. Nes, on the other hand, was much harder to write. I knew less about her backstory, only knowing she was closest to her father and that he had deserted Orlonea’s King’s Guard. However, her voice in my head was much more insistent than Toran’s. Nes demanded to be written and, as I previously mentioned, the first time I tried to write her, she came out a completely different character. She wasn’t the strong, sassy, independent person found in To Drown a Witch. In the very first draft, Nes was much more of a whiny, pining teenager. It took a few drafts for me to truly get the Nes in my head down on the page. I think this was because, while I gave Nes my love of doughnuts, Nes is a very different person from me. Though I can have my sassy moments.
 
6. Your agent is Danielle Burby. How did she become your agent, and what was your road to getting a publishing contract like?
 
I had queried several other agents (with either no response or flat-out rejections) before an advisor from my grad school suggested I query Danielle. I am so happy I did. Danielle took an immediate interest in To Drown a Witch (which, back then, was titled Welcome to the Witch Hunt) and I knew after one video call with her that she would be a perfect fit for me. Once I signed with her, we did a few rounds of revision on my draft and she even brought in beta readers to offer a new perspective. Then, about a year after we started working together, I went on sub. To those who don’t know, “going on sub” is when an agent sends a manuscript out to various editors in hopes of getting offers from the publishers. Over the course of several months we received many rejections from the editors Danielle had reached out to. As time went on, we also didn’t hear back from other editors, so Danielle sent out a new batch of submissions. From that second round, one editor showed interest and then, to our surprise one of the editors we hadn’t heard back from in the first round of submissions reached out. After a year of no interest, I suddenly had multiple editors interested in my novel. From there, Danielle worked hard to secure me the best deal. The rest is history!
 
7. That’s a great road to publication story. Was there anything that surprised you about working with your agent or publisher?
 
While working with my publisher, I was surprised to be included in the discussions surrounding the cover. As a debut author with absolutely no clout I expected to simply be given a cover and, if I was lucky, asked to approve it. But that wasn’t what happened. I was consulted on the cover from the very beginning: from the brainstorming phase all the way to final approval. It was a very pleasant (if a bit of a daunting) surprise. And while I most certainly will not take credit for the final cover, I do think our collaborative work turned out beautifully.
 
8. You’re right that not all authors get to have imput on their covers. How has it been navigating being a debut author? What tips do you have for other writers about being published for the first time?
 
Becoming a debut author has been such an incredible ride. Every step has been new and exciting and I’ve welcomed each one. Though I have to admit, the hardest part for me has been the social media outreach. I’m not big into social media so creating content isn’t easy for me. I often end up making super corny posts that thankfully my followers have yet to call me out on. To other writers who are also being published for the first time, I would advise them to ask questions. If there is ever anything you don’t understand, ask either your agent or editor or a publishing contact about it. Before becoming an author, I had previously worked in the publishing industry, but there were still so many aspects about publishing a book that I didn’t know. I’m grateful to have learned a lot over the course of my journey. And, of course, to all the new writers out there: enjoy it.
 
9. Your book was released on July 14th. How have you been celebrating your book’s release, and what are your marketing plans?
 
To kick off the celebrations, my husband, my friend, and I went out to brunch the morning of my release. Our waiter was very excited about my book and, with any luck, I managed to sell them a book. Later that night, I had a launch event at Main Point Books in Wayne, PA. I had the pleasure of discussing all things To Drown a Witch with the incredible Chelsea T. Reed and then I signed books for all those who came. It was such a lovely event, with a great turn out, and I am grateful to Main Point Books for hosting. Since then, I’ve participated in several podcast interviews—whose hosts have all been so kind and welcoming—and I will have another event celebrating To Drown a Witch on August 7th at 6:30pm at the Barnes & Noble in Princeton, NJ. To anyone in the area, I hope you stop by!
 
10. What are you working on now?
 
If all goes to plan, readers can expect To Drown a Witch’s sequel to be published July of 2027! Since the sequel is already written, I returned to a project I had been writing while To Drown a Witch was on sub. This is an entirely new story—that I also hope to make a duology—set in a fantasy world that looks a lot like our own world but back in 1908. This world also has an entirely new magic system that is more grounded than the magic found in To Drown a Witch. The story follows a newly appointed female detective who discovers a gruesome murder and, as a result, runs afoul with some dangerous criminals. I’m incredibly excited to be working on this story again and I hope readers have the chance to fall in love with it as I have.
 
Thanks for sharing all your advice, Lindsey. You can find Lindsey at
Website- lindseyolsson.com
IG- @lindseyolssonauthor (https://www.instagram.com/lindseyolssonauthor/)
FB- Lindsey Olsson (https://www.facebook.com/people/Lindsey-Olsson/61577942242386/#)
Goodreads- Lindsey Olsson (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/60645001.Lindsey_Olsson)

Giveaway Details

Lindsey’s publisher is generously offering a hardback of To Drown a Witch for a giveaway. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower of my blog (via the follower gadget, email, or bloglovin’ on the right sidebar) and leave a comment by August 15th. If I do not have your email (I can no longer get it from your Google Profile), you must leave it in the comments to enter the contest. Please be sure I have your email address.

 

If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media sites and/or follow me on Twitter or Bluesky or follow Lindsey on her social media sites, mention this in the comments, and I'll give you an extra entry for each. You must be 13 years old or older to enter. This book giveaway is U.S.-only.

Upcoming Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops

Sunday, August 16th, I’m participating in the Old School Giveaway Hop

 

Monday, August 17th, I have an interview with Máire Roche and a giveaway of her MG Little Monsters

 

Wednesday, August 19th, I have an agent spotlight interview with Jackie Garcia-Morales and a query critique giveaway

 

Monday, August 25th, I have a guest post by Paige Classey and a giveaway of her MG Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer

 

I hope to see you on Sunday, August 16th!