Interview with Author E. Graziani
1. When did you start writing?
My love for writing started early on. In my teens I wrote poetry as an outlet for teen angst, and that was it…I was hooked. I began writing in earnest, after a college professor commented on a reflection piece I submitted. “Hey, you know, you should start thinking about writing seriously…you’re good.” That was enough for me!
2. What was your journey towards becoming an author like?
When the professor made that comment, it started me thinking…and tinkering. It took me four years to write my first novel. I would write a page, then leave it…my daughters were still young at the time. By the time I would get back to it, I’d forgotten what I’d written. I'd have to reread the manuscript. The journey to get my first book published was a long one. Alice of the Rocks was eventually published by a Canadian traditional publisher and after that, it became a lot easier. With seven books under my belt, I can truly say, it’s been quite a journey. That said, I could never bring myself to allow a family member to read my first novel before it was published…I was embarrassed for them to read it…it was almost like they were reading my soul.
3. What can you tell me about your latest book? (Feel free to include an excerpt.)
I had a blast writing this one - Magenta. The MC, Magenta is powerful, yet vulnerable, unsure of herself, yet strong in so many ways. My dear friend and beta reader Gia, used the term, ‘wallflower to allpower’ and that is fitting because her character development is staggering.
From a recent review:
"All you need to remember is who you are. Remember your name, what it means and who you are."
Another exquisite novel from E. Graziani!
Magenta takes you beyond the boundaries of reality and introduces a world of infinite possibilities. It's a fantastical coming of age story that puts spotlight on the pressures put on the youth, and the high expectations imposed on them when they themselves are still struggling to find out who they are. It celebrates the pleasures and giddiness of young, new love but it also bravely talks about grief, and coming to terms with loss of loved ones.
I love how Graziani explored the concept of legacy; the harnessing of powers combined through history and ancestry, while also establishing the truth that we are still our own individual, and so much more than the sum of our parents.
From high school hallways to dark mansions, to secret underground railroads and abandoned warehouses, I really enjoyed the world building. Welcome to the world of Visionaries, Typicals, Empaths, Rogues, Mindbenders, Abiders, and more. I can't get enough of the Community. I honestly wish the book was longer so I can meet them all.
I don't want to reveal anything more about the plot because I don't want to take away the heady experience that I had from any future readers. Go and pick up this book and have fun!
https://princessandpages.com/ Blogger and Goodreads Reviewer
Here’s the book blurb:
Not only is high school junior Magenta Thorson Rain still struggling with the loss of her mom to cancer, but she must also deal with issues that many other teens must face—high school crushes, awkwardness, and an overprotective parent.
Then there’s Lion, who has his own secrets about Magenta. He knows more about her than he could ever reveal. Lion also sees that Magenta is unwittingly making things happen around her but must keep it secret, as some of his kind may see her as a threat.
Then, on Halloween night, Magenta suffers a massive hemorrhage in her brain. After waking up in the hospital, she begins seeing terrifying visions—the hunted women all with flaming red hair just like hers; her mother, who has been dead for years—and the Shadow Man, always in the background, always elusive, but always there.
And if that isn’t enough, everything will change again. And when it does, it changes big.
4. What sort of methods do you use for book promotion?
I have some Instagram reviewers who I can count on for honest reviews. I use the usual media platforms, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. I also have a fabulous bookstore contact whom I rely on to put on a great physical launch!
5. Where do you get your ideas for stories?
Everywhere and anywhere. From snippets of conversation while I’m waiting in line at the grocery store, to documentaries or even as I’m listening to a lecture. I once wrote a note on a church bulletin during mass…not one of my best moments I’ll admit, but it was a really good idea. Lol!
6. What are you working on right now?
I’m working on editing a reboot of my Alice of the Rocks duology, and my first middle grade novel. I’m all about writing what inspires me, what is in my head at the time, nagging at me to be put to paper. I guess genre jumping is my middle name. I’ve been told it’s probably not the best thing for building up an audience, but pigeon-holing myself into a specific age group or genre bores me. I couldn’t write like that.
7. Any advice for other authors?
It’s tough out there to say the least. You need to edit the heck out of your work, find beta readers, even writing groups, although that didn’t work out for me. Just stick to it. Never stop querying your work. All it takes is one ‘yes’.
ABOUT E. GRAZIANI:
E. Graziani is the author of Magenta and Everything That Was Us. She is the author of Breaking Faith (Second Story Press), a contemporary YA novel, listed on CBC Canada's Must-Read Books for Spring 2017, selected for the 'In the Margins' Book Award 2018 Recommended Fiction List and one of CCBC Best Books for Kids and Teens. Graziani is the author of the YA historical memoir, War in My Town (Second Story Press), also one of CCBC's Best Books for Kids and Teens, and a finalist in the Hamilton Arts Council 2016 Literary Awards for Best Non-Fiction. Graziani has also written the YA time-travel series, Alice of the Rocks & Alice~Angel of Time, and the novella, Jess Under Pressure. She resides in Canada with her husband and daughters. To contact the author or for more information on new releases or events, please visit her website...
