Paige Classey Guest Post and Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer Giveaway

 Happy Monday, Everyone! Today I’m excited to have Paige Classey here to share a guest post to celebrate the release of her middle grade novel-in-verse, Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer. It sounds like a creepy camp adventure story that’s a page-turner. I’m looking forward to reading it. 

Here’s a blurb from Goodreads: 

Anna-Jane couldn’t wait for camp. But when the outside world goes dark, she and her friends soon realize they’re in for the adventure of their lives this summer—and maybe even beyond.

Anna-Jane is thrilled to be back at Camp Chester—the one place she feels like she belongs. She’s excited to swim in the lake, read in her favorite chair, and swap secrets with her best friend under the stars. But not long after Anna-Jane unpacks her trunk, weird things start happening.

First, townspeople near camp begin disappearing. Then, the internet, cell service, and all other forms of communication are cut off. Soon, Anna-Jane and the residents of Camp Chester realize they are completely alone.

Or so they think. Across the lake, the kids spot a strange flashing light. And when animals begin turning up with yellowed eyes and disfigured limbs, it is clear the dangers are only growing. Most alarming of all, though, is the deepening distrust among the campers themselves, which could have deadly consequences. Anna-Jane knows what to expect from a summer at camp . . . but what happens when camp lasts well beyond the summer? 

Now here’s Paige answering two questions I asked her about! 

How has your job as a school librarian influenced your writing? 

In 2017, I left the high school English classroom for the middle school circulation desk. I plunged into another world, a move that would ultimately reset my course into writing. I watched my students flock to novels-in-verse like The Crossover by Kwame Alexander and Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds. So I read them, too, and added adult verse titles to round out my reading list (Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson particularly stands out in my memory). I found myself experimenting with writing in verse for the very first time. 

Nine years later, I continue to carefully listen to my students— I note the genres, characters, hooks, and settings that intrigue them. I don’t necessarily decide the stories I tell that way, but I do look for overlap in my interests and theirs. I also pay attention to what matters to them in their daily lives, what authentic questions or problems they’re grappling with, and more. Teens and tweens can be really open and honest about their experiences and I try to honor that in my characters. 

I typically alternate my reading using an adult book/ YA or middle grade book pattern. I enjoy reading
for all age levels, but need to have plenty of fresh student recommendations for my work in the library media center. The constant exposure to literature geared towards middle grade and young adult readers is so educational, and usually a first step I recommend to adults hoping to write for children. Of course there are timeless classics (“oldies but goodies” that I still book talk all the time), but you also need to have your finger on the pulse of what appeals to the children of today. I continually reading up on award winners and new releases to maintain a strong collection, and that serves to keep me “in the know” in my author life, as well. 

In short, my library life fuels my writing life, and vice versa. 

How do you balance writing with working and being a mom? 

Weekdays are full to the brim: work until late afternoon, picking my children up from school or the bus stop, backyard baseball games, getting dinner started, bathtime, bedtime. Add in the meetings, doctor’s appointments, and haircuts of regular life, and it’s a lot. I often look up at the end of the day and wish I had three more hours of daylight to do it all. I’m often so drained that the idea of tapping into creativity at 8:30 at night feels nearly impossible. 

I wish there was some magical secret I could impart that would solve this for other working-parent-authors, but the truth is that I’m still seeking the answer myself. The only way I manage to write is that I can’t not write. Writing feels essential to me. Maybe not on a daily basis, but as frequently as I can manage. 

During some of the time that I’m not physically able to sit down and write, I find myself brainstorming. I might be driving home from work or taking a quick stroller walk with my toddler, and I’ll simultaneously be working through sticky plot points in my head. This helps focus my thinking for when I do have some time in front of a laptop; I’ve done the planning in advance and can dive in.  

I accept offers of help from family. I am fortunate in that the people in my life respect this creative part of me and give me time and space to nurture it. If I am offered the opportunity to sneak to a local coffee shop to write for an hour or to spend the day speaking to aspiring writers at a summer camp, I take it! 

I attend a monthly SCBWI writers’ group. My fellow writers provide necessary feedback, questions, and insights that elevate my work. An upcoming meeting also motivates me to have pages to share. That time is sacred and I protect it; no matter how busy life gets, I try to be there for that monthly meeting. 

I wrote the first draft of Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer (Random House Books for Young Readers, 2026) while my eldest son napped. I edited it while my youngest newborn-napped on my lap. My kids’ nap schedules provided pockets of precious time that I used for writing. And I made my peace with the other things that did not get accomplished: laundry, cleaning, etc. 

Finally, I give myself grace. I’m not at a point in my life where I can maintain a consistent writing routine or set a goal number of words per day. My goal is to write when I can and be kind to myself. That’s it.  

Links:
www.paigeclassey.com
Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer
@paigeclassey on Instagram 

Bio:

Paige Classey is an author and school librarian who lives with her family on the Connecticut shoreline. Her middle grade debut, Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and earned a starred review from School Library Journal. Her YA thriller-in-verse, Surviving the Madisons, releases from Delacorte in June 2027. 

Giveaway Details

Paige is generously offering a hardback of Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer 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 September 5th. 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 Paige 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 US-only.

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 

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!

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.