Monday Morning Interview with Author Emily Jeffries.
Emily H. Jeffries is a theology teacher and speaker with bachelor degrees in drama and religious studies from the University of Virginia and a master’s in sacred theology from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC, where most of her classmates were wizards–that is, friars. She loves wandering through forests and cathedrals, and her hidden magical abilities include improv comedy, baby daughter, Aussie-doodle, and herbs. Connect with Emily via her website or on social media (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram).
Interview with Author Emily Jeffries
Tell readers a few things about yourself.
My favorite books have always been either children’s books or theology books. So, it probably is no surprise that I admire C. S. Lewis and Tolkien, as so many fantasy writers do. I chose young adult for my debut novel not necessarily because I had a particular reader age in mind, but because that seemed the best tone and genre for the story I wanted to tell.
Did you always want to write?
The notion to write a book only occurred to me when all other options ran dry! As a college student, I didn’t know what I wanted to be, though I studied religion and musical theatre. After graduation, I tried theatre, but you have to have that fire in your belly to persevere through auditioning and rejection. Plus, I missed being surrounded by like-minded friends.
I started writing a short story about a girl whose love lets her down, which unexpectedly starts and adventure in her life. The book was put away for a couple of years as I pursued a graduate degree in Theology (and like-minded friends), and a few years later I was in a position to pick up the manuscript again. I left my job as a full-time theology teacher and set my sights on a career in novels. So far, it’s a wonderful fit for my personality. Writing fiction requires a balance of creativity, humility, and discipline – all of which my soul craves. I hope to be writing for many years to come!
New Release
What book are you currently working on or just released?
My debut young adult fantasy adventure releases September 10, entitled Fyrian’s Fire. The book follows the journey of Tess Canyon, a young noblewoman who betrays her nation’s secret weapon to a roguish enemy spy. She soon discovers that the only way to save her home from the hands of an invading barbarian king is to learn to wield the secret weapon herself. But even if she can learn to use the object in time, she fears her people my never forgive her treason.
It’s perfect for readers of all ages who enjoy magical adventures, epic battles, enchanted talismans, and of course sweet romance! It is clean fiction, appropriate for even your precocious readers in upper elementary school. If you enjoy Brian Jacques or Shannon Hale, this read is right up your alley.
Background music?
Do you write in silence or with background music/noise?
I write in silence unless the words are not coming at all. Then I use a playlist of epic soundtracks and get focused up! One of my favorite soundtracks is the one for How to Train Your Dragon. It is wonderful and exactly the tone I want for The Fate of Glademont series. For my lost boys novel, I listen to a bluegrass playlist. I also imagine the song “People Change” by Mipso which would make a good closing credits song for the movie version of this novel. On some level, the book is about children whose parents let them down in some way.
What do you want your readers to take away from your writing?
I’d like my writing to be hopeful, full of humor and free of angst. I’d love for young readers to connect with Tess’s desire to be seen and admired, and learn from her discover that heroism satisfies the soul best when it is hidden from the world. But most of all, I just hope the book is a delightful read.
Where do you get your inspiration for writing?
I feel squirmy discussing my “inspiration” for writing, haha! Mostly because it presumes my work is inspired. Or inspiring? But I will say that I am not satisfied with a chapter until it has an atmosphere that I can close my eyes and feel. Otherwise, I know the thing is flat, and my characters need to feel sharper, or my setting needs more texture. I’d like my writing to affect me as deeply as does a fantastic score of music. That’s the goal, anyway.
Young writers want to know…
Did you dream of being a writer/author when you were young?
Though my sisters and I were constantly spinning adventures together growing up, I never thought I’d be writing books in adulthood. Nevertheless, storytelling has always been at the center of my passions. In theatre, character and story are of course paramount. And in Christian theology, as G.K. Chesteron so eloquently explains in ORTHODOXY, we find the source of every satisfying and thrilling element employed in the best of fairy tales.
What advice do you have for young writers?
As for young writers, my advice would be to drop everything and read WRITING MAGIC by Gail Carson Levine. Though it is meant for young writers, I first read it at age 31, and it is still one of the most influential books on writing I’ve come upon.
Connect with another YA Fantasy Author – Emily Golus or check out a host of authors on the Monday Morning Author Interview Blog
