Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a complete geek, and I’m the author of two geeky YA novels. The Order of the Key is a YA Urban Fantasy, and Never Say Never is a YA Contemporary. I’m also a freelance editor, and I serve as an Editor-in-Residence at WriteHive an online writing collective. I live in Bronx, NY with my husband, son, and a cacophony of cats.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Never Say Never is what came of being the child of a rough divorce, wanting to tell the story of a closely knit collection of true friends like the ones I have, and a love of Greek Mythology. That’s right, Aphrodite herself is a driving force in that book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really unusual, but I have created a habit of literally writing in every spare second I can. It comes from raising a child and trying to maintain a writing career.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Kelley Armstrong’s Otherworld series had a strong influence as did Patrick Ness’s everything. Leigh Bardugo as well. And comic books. All the comic books.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to my flagship series, The Order of the Key.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter is my favorite place to talk writing and to get people interested in my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. This business is all about persistence and learning by writing and rewriting. Keep at it and you will grow as a writer.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Zoom in. Don’t tell the story from a distance. Always get as close as possible and give us the details. It’s the details that make us feel connected to the characters and the setting.
What are you reading now?
I’m taking a little break from reading anything difficult, and the book is by my friend, so I’m reading a middle grade novel called Meow or Never by Jazz Taylor. It’s truly adorable and very well-written.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The Order of the Key universe is a trilogy so there’s going to be a little more of that. But I also have a YA Dystopian, a YA Superhero Action story, a YA Fantasy/Noir, another YA Contemporary, and an adult Supernatural rattling around in the back of my head. Who knows, really? 🙂
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?
Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
No Humans Involved by Kelley Armstrong
I wish I could bring more. This question is totally unfair.
Author Websites and Profiles
Justine Manzano Website
Justine Manzano Amazon Profile
Justine Manzano’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
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