Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the author of the Teen Wytche Saga, a sweet Young Adult paranormal series. I write about magic, friendship, high school, secrets, and love in Spell Check, Spell Struck, and Spell Fire from Astraea Press. I am a Reiki Master and shaman, and bring my personal knowledge of energy work and magic to my books.
I spent my childhood searching for a magical wardrobe that would transport me to Narnia. Extreme math anxiety, and taller students who mistook me for a leaning post, marred my youth. Despite these horrors, I graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at Davis. I live a nearly normal life with my two shamelessly spoiled dogs and an enormous dragon. And I always look forward to visits from Brilliant Beautiful Daughter.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
For the third book in the Teen Wytche Saga, Spell Fire. I drew heavily upon my experiences as a board member at a metaphysical mystery school. I met all sorts of odd/interesting characters at the school, including witches, dragon shamans, psychics, and entity eaters. Spell Fire provided the perfect backdrop for incorporating fictional versions of the people I had met.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Since moving to the southern California desert, my writing habits have become dependent on the weather. In the summer, I walk my dogs a mile or two before sunrise, eat breakfast, then write until I start to nod off. Unfortunately, I never seem to get to bed before midnight, so staying awake at the computer during the warm afternoon is a real battle. In cooler months, I sleep in as late as my dogs allow, write during the day, then relax most evenings.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia sparked my love of ordinary teens being thrust into magical situations and my love for book series. Every time I read a good book I am influenced to try harder; dig deeper. There are so many great writers out there. Fabulous world building! And I love J.K. Rowling for proving children and teens love longer, more complex books.
What are you working on now?
Spell Fire ended with a big hook, so I am following up on that in the fourth book in the Teen Wytche Saga. The spell book that changes with each novel in the series, takes a dark turn in book 4. I had to research a system of magic outside my expertise – voodoo. I’m also revising the manuscript for the first book in a middle grade fantasy trilogy. And I have a top secret, super change of pace book in the works. Exciting times ahead for my readers!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is http://www.AriellaMoon.com. Book promotion is such a challenge, as it takes away from writing the next book. I am very active on Facebook and Pinterest. I need to pay more attention to my blog. I am in such gratitude for the readers who took the time to write and post reviews. They are the best promotion. I’ve also had some luck with the Romance Studio.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Study your craft and never give up. Join writing organizations like Romance Writers of America. Enter writing contests that have editors and agents as the final judges.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write every day. Eliminate as many adverbs and gerunds (-ing words) as possible. Don’t head hop!
What are you reading now?
I just finished Veronica Roth’s Allegiant, and wanted to follow that with something light and fun. So I’m reading Kathy McCullough’s Who Needs Magic, the sequel to Don’t Expect Magic. I love that McCullough provides a sweet, magical alternative to all the dark paranormal thrown at kids.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Aside from the next two books in the Teen Wytche Saga, I have a young teen fantasy trilogy and possibly a New Adult romance.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I’m only allowed 3 or 4 books, then I’d have to make sure at least one of them was from the Harry Potter series! Maybe something from Ellen Hopkins, Holly Black, and a Jasmine Haynes Max Starr novel.
Author Websites and Profiles
Ariella Moon Website
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