Debut You is an interview feature on Our Stories Matter blog. Debut authors, who have released or have upcoming releases in 2021, are given five questions to answer about themselves and their book. Currently, the questions are the same for all authors. We hope you enjoy getting to know these new authors and can offer them your support.
Describe yourself in five words, then expound on one of them.
Anxious, romantic, determined, artistic, sensitive.
I’ve always been a sensitive person who feels things very deeply. When I was growing up, I used to see that as a fault, and I was embarrassed about how many things affected me. But now, I see it as my superpower. I think it helps me be a better writer.
Explain your writing procedure, such as how you come up with ideas, carve out time to write (or, if you can write anywhere at any time during the day), deal with writer’s block, or anything particular or peculiar.
I wrote my debut novel, Happily Ever Afters, while working as a special education teacher, and I also have two little kids. So, I’ve learned not to be precious with my writing time. I write when I have the time, and with the pandemic, that usually means early in the morning before all my duties as a mom begin. I actually love writing before the sun comes up — sitting in my dark, quiet office with a lit candle brings me a lot of joy. But I also end up writing in my Notes app and on Post-its during the day when inspiration strikes.
Balance is the key to successful living. How do you balance the act of writing with other priorities, such as your job, family or fun activities, and self-care?
I’ve learned that rest is an essential part of my practice. When I’m actively drafting a new project with a deadline, I write every day, usually for 2-3 hours. But I need breaks in between projects to help me refill the well and maintain the joy that writing brings me. And I also never write on weekends: that time is devoted to my family and my hobbies and all the other things that make me a complete person. I’m obviously still very new to this career, but I hope that I can always remember and come back to the joy. This is something I did for fun as a child. Being an author is my childhood dream. I want to always keep those feelings with me.
Understanding your audience is essential. What do you know for sure about the audience you are writing for?
I hope that everyone enjoys Happily Ever Afters, but I wrote this book for Black teenage girls. I’ve loved love stories for as long as I can remember. I was immediately drawn to those swoony, romantic novels with bright pink covers when I was growing up. But I could rarely find ones with main characters that looked like me, and it made me feel like I didn’t belong in the genre. I know there are still so many girls who feel that way, so I’m so proud to be adding to the work already being done by Nicola Yoon, Leah Johnson, Brandy Colbert, Kristina Forest, and so many others. I hope Happily Ever Afters makes readers feel seen and brings them joy.
Tell us about your book.
Happily Ever Afters is a YA rom-com about a sixteen-year-old romance writer named Tessa Johnson. Tessa has rarely seen girls that look like her in the romance novels she loves, so she writes them herself. But once she starts the writing program at a prestigious arts high school, she’s hit with writer’s block. Her best friend, Caroline, swoops in with a plan to make Tessa’s life into one of the love stories she used to write, in order to help Tessa get inspiration. As Tessa’s making her way through the list, though, she starts to realize that the love story she’s chasing may not be what she needs after all.
Happily Ever Afters is love story at its core. But in addition to romantic love, it follows Tessa as she navigates the love she has for her family and friends and also learns to love herself.
Elise Bryant was born and raised in Southern California. She earned her BA in Africana studies from California State University, Long Beach, and her MA in special education from Loyola Marymount University. For many years, Elise had the joy of working as a special education teacher in South Los Angeles, and she is also a National Board Certified Teacher. Elise now lives with her husband and two daughters in Long Beach, where she spends her days reading, writing, and eating dessert.
Happily Ever Afters (Balzer + Bray, January 5, 2021, YA, 384 Pages) Available Now
Connect with Elise Bryant
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