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I was very excited to recently be featured in an author interview with Atmosphere Press, where I delved into the creative journey behind my debut middle-grade novel, The Potion Experiment. This opportunity allowed me to reflect on the story’s inception, the challenges of writing, and the unique blend of magic and science that defines the narrative.
Atmosphere Press is known for their hybrid publishing model and strong support for indie authors. Their author interview series gives writers a space to share not just what their book is about, but why they wrote it – and how their unique perspective shapes their work. I loved getting the opportunity to dive into my inspirations, my writing process, and a few behind-the-scenes details about the world of The Potion Experiment.
The beginnings of The Potion Experiment
In the author interview, I mention that the spark for The Potion Experiment ignited during a university class focused on children’s literature. Initially intended as a mandatory assignment, the story quickly evolved into a passion project. Presenting my ideas to classmates and receiving positive feedback encouraged me to continue developing the narrative, leading to the creation of a story that intertwines magical elements with scientific concepts.
Crafting the title
Selecting the perfect title for the novel was a challenging yet rewarding process. After considering various options, including “Mind Over Matter,” I ultimately chose The Potion Experiment. This title encapsulates the essence of the story, highlighting the central theme of magical experimentation while appealing to the target audience and clearly indicating the fantasy genre.
Designing the dream cover
Collaborating with an artist to design the book cover (which I love!) was a pivotal moment in bringing the story to life. For middle-grade readers, the cover is a huge part of the experience, and I wanted it to feel magical, exciting, and just a little bit mysterious. I envisioned a cover that not only depicted the main characters but also provided a glimpse into the setting. The final design features full-body illustrations of the protagonists, a mysterious potion vial, and a castle backdrop, all elements that intrigue potential readers and reflect the book’s themes.
Creating characters with curiosity
In the author interview, I also shared more about the heart of the story – my characters, Ange and Eva. They’re curious, bold, and a little chaotic, and writing them was an absolute joy. It was important to me to create middle-grade protagonists who aren’t perfect, but who learn, grow, and make mistakes in entertaining (and magical) ways. Their friendship drives the story forward, and exploring how they react to potion problems, strange magical rules, and their own flaws was one of the most rewarding parts of writing this book.
Architecture meets fiction
Before embarking on my writing career, I studied architecture and currently work full-time in an architectural practice. This background has profoundly influenced my approach to storytelling (something I dive into in the author interview). My architectural training involved conceptualising environments for diverse scenarios, such as designing shelters for zombie apocalypse survivalists and supporting infrastructure for underground physics laboratories. These experiences have enriched my fiction writing, enabling me to craft immersive worlds that captivate readers.
Inspirations and influences
My passion for writing was ignited by young adult fantasy literature. While I didn’t connect with traditional school literature, genre fiction resonated with me deeply. The thrill of staying up all night engrossed in a captivating book is an experience I aspire to evoke in my readers, hoping they find the same excitement and joy in reading The Potion Experiment.
Thank you, Atmosphere Press
A huge thank you to Atmosphere Press for featuring me in their author interview series and for creating a platform that highlights emerging voices in publishing. Your support of indie authors and your thoughtful questions made the experience feel genuinely personal and meaningful.
If you’re curious to know more about my writing journey, I’d love for you to check out the full author interview here.