Young adult author Tricia Copeland chats with me about her new YA fantasy novel, To Be a Fae Queen.
Bio:
Tricia Copelandis the critically acclaimed andaward-winning author of Kingdom of Embers, To be Fae Queen, Lovelock Ones, Azreya, Aztec Priestess, and dozens of other titles. She is the host of the Finding the Magic Book Podcast who weaves magical stories about love, courage, and finding your passion.
Tricia believes in finding magic. She thinks magic infuses every aspect of our lives, whether it is the magic of falling in love, discovering a new passion, seeing a beautiful sunset, or reading a book that transports us to another world. An avid runner and Georgia native, Tricia now lives with her family and four-legged friends in Colorado. Find all her titles including contemporary romance, now penned under Maria Jane, young adult fantasy, and dystopian fiction at www.triciacopeland.com.
Welcome, Tricia. Please tell us about your current release.
To be a Fae Queen finds a fae princess handed the crown to the monarchy at age fifteen. As the first female ruler in her realm, she faces many hurdles including a challenge from a once trusted advisor. Titania must decide whether to fight for the title she’s trained so long to attain or let the rule pass to another.
What inspired you to write this book?
I initially had the idea for Titania’s character as a short story submittal to an anthology that focused on fantasy characters with mental health challenges. Titania suffers from sometimes debilitating anxiety and panic attacks after losing her brothers in battle at age twelve. She must contain her anxiety to become the leader she hopes to be.
Excerpt from To be a Fae Queen:
I fight the blood rushing to my wings and take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders and raising my chin. If I read this right, Gunther had not come to offer me congratulations. I will not give him the satisfaction of thinking me scared or insecure. I will fake calm, confident, and regal. I lift my wings in a slow, controlled fashion then pop them to full wingspan at the last second.
“First Advisor Gunther, I am glad you and your sons could join us. I trust all wounds are healing quickly?” I smile as he stops just two feet from me. I am tall for a female fae, but he looms more than a head above me, his broad chest sporting the crest of his family, thick arms covered in chainmail, one fist around a sword, and the other clutching a blade.
“I am not late to this party because of wounds.” He holds my stare for a second then shifts his eyes to Father. “You cannot make her our queen, Oberon. You have been marred by the loss of your sons and are not fit to make such a decision.”
Father rolls his chair towards us, stopping inches from Gunther’s steel boot.
Still, Gunther does not move.
Father grips the arms, pushing himself to a stand. I want to help him, wish I could support his weight as he grimaces, but I know he must do it alone. He needs to show strength, and I will do the same.
“Titania is the only heir. My family ruled Aubren since the beginning. Our line has been entrusted with this kingdom’s prosperity, and we have delivered. Just today, Titania led the army in defeat of the kobold when my generals, and even you advisors, could not see a way.”
Gunther’s lip edges up on one side. He studies me. “She was lucky. A shoddy victory earned from desperation. Just because the mountain is sealed does not mean the kobold are defeated.”
I ball my fists. “I am not ignorant or naïve. I know a threat still exists. But our ring is restored, and this is a problem for the ‘morrow. I have trained for this position all my life. I am a strong warrior, know the histories of our people, and with Father and the advisors and generals at my side, will ensure continued prosperity of our kingdom, the realm, and Upper Earth.”
What exciting project are you working on next?
I just finished the manuscript for the finale to the Realm Chronicles series that begins with To be a Fae Queen. To be a Fae will release in July of 2025.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I first considered myself a writer when I completed my first manuscript in 2014 and began the process of working with an editor.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I write part-time and preferably when I’m working on a book project write every day, stealing time before or after work.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
When working on a book I have the major plot points mapped out but prefer to come up with most of the storylines as I’m writing. If I know too much of what I’m going to write, I get bored with writing it.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a biomedical researcher. I worked as a biotech researcher for four years before becoming a patent practitioner.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Readers can get free short stories including a YA fantasy preview of To be a Fae Queen and a fun, college romance on my website by signing up for my newsletter here: https://triciacopeland.com/.
Super excited to share my books with everyone! Thanks for the interview!