Today's Chat with Sarah features Mary A.J. author of Vagabond, book of the month for December 2021.
To view the official review, click here.
To view the book on Amazon click here.
To view the bookshelves page (with a link to the book of the month discussion), click here.
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1. When did you first start thinking that you wanted to write and publish a book?
Ever since I could remember, I've always had a wild imagination. Oftentimes, you'd find me in the middle of a daydream or immersed in a novel. When I realized reality was too banal and mediocre, I fired up my laptop.
2. Tell us about your writing process.
I mostly write at night, with a glass of wine and eerie music playing in the background. I'm also a "plantser". I draft the synopsis of each chapter, plan out the subplots and character arcs, but write erratically. I let the voices and minds of the characters lead the way.
3. Let's discuss your book Vagabond. The protagonist, Cecelia, is none other than Lucifer's daughter. Why this Princess of Hell?
Van Gogh once said that Normality is a paved road; It's comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow. I abhorred reading about plain, righteous, one dimensional characters. Give me a morally grey one, someone who fluctuates between burning the world down and saving it. Someone who would risk everything, even their own soul, for one last kiss goodbye. Heroes have had their time in the spotlight. Give me misunderstood villains.
4. Were you at all afraid that some may take offense to writing about demons?
Not in the slightest.
5. How did you make a demonic character come across as human and realistic?
Well, humanity itself helped with that one. After all, we each have our own demons. From the get-go readers are aware Cecilia is half-human. The struggle she faces, the pain she goes through, and the stark stubbornness to give in resonates with our own experiences.
6. The school Cecelia attends is gothic and has a jaded past. Was this school modeled after anything in real life? If not, how did you come up with this setting?
The setting was a huge part of the creation of the story. I lived in Virginia while writing Vagabond, and Colonial Williamsburg filled me with so much inspiration that ideas sprouted in my head on a daily basis. The school itself was modeled after The College of William and Mary. If you ever have a chance to visit, I recommend Colonial Williamsburg a hundred percent.
7. What was the publishing process like for you?
Supremely astounding. I reached out to a few agents, but I knew I wanted to go with Cayelle. They are an up-and-coming publishing house, and I wanted to see if I was even good enough to get a reply. Turns out I was, because a month after submitting my work they offered me a publishing deal.
8. What's next? Is there another book in the works?
Yes! Vagabond is a trilogy, and I'm currently working on the second installment. Especially with how it ended, I think a lot of readers are expecting answers.
9. Other than your own, what's your favorite young adult book or series?
That's always a tough one. I mostly read classics and period books. My favorite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.
10. What animal would you most want to be and why?
I haven't thought about it before, but probably a butterfly. They are held as one of the most beautiful insects in the world, and they only live for a short amount of time. Extremely poetic.
11. Which do you dislike more cleaning the bathroom or the kitchen?
Absolutely the bathroom! For a place that gets washed often, it sure gets dirty easily.
12. Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A night owl. I get immensely grumpy in the mornings.
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