Fiction Scribe

Thanks to Dorothy of Virtual Book Tours, I had the pleasure of interviewing young adult multicultural fantasy author Kim Baccellia, who has been touring this August promoting her book, Earrings of Ixtumea.

I hope you enjoy my interview with Kim as much as I did.

Hello and welcome to Fiction Scribe. Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m the YA author of the multicultural fantasy, Earrings of Ixtumea.

How did you get into writing? Did you always want to be a writer?

I’ve been writing ever since I can remember. My earliest school project was putting together something on President Nixon’s historical trip to China. I cut out a lot of the pictures from newspapers and acted like I was an interviewer on the tour. I remember thinking how much I’d love to be able to write articles and later stories. Oh, by the way I got an A+ on my assignment.

You’re currently on virtual tour for your book “Earrings of Ixtumea�. Tell us a little about the novel.

Earrings of Ixtumea is a fast-paced fantasy featuring a young Latina who discovers ancient traditions in her family history that propel her to a magical civilization, where she struggles against evil forces that threaten her family, her heart, and her life.

Where did you draw inspiration from for the book?

From my desire to have a book with a Latina heroine, which the market lacks. Sure there are some but I want to see more.

Did you do a lot of research for the book?

Yes. I researched Mesoamerican culture. I read books on Mexican mythology, legends, and history. I loved researching Mexican urban legends. Very fun! I also gathered dichos-sayings from a variety of sources.

This is your first book out, if I am correct. Tell us a little about how you felt through the publication process.

The whole process from editing my story to actually getting it out in print was very interesting and informative. I admit I was nervous having an editor go over my story. But my editor Jeannette Cézanne was wonderful. Working with Michael Leadingham on my cover was fun too. He was able to catch my vision of Lupe’s first encounter of Ixtumea perfectly.

I find all of the authors I interview have a lot in their lives that seems to make writing a near impossibility sometimes. How did you and how do you have time to write?

Wow, right now is the time of the year I have to be creative or else I don’t write. My son’s out of school, so I try to find ways of squeezing in fifteen minutes or more. I also get up an hour or more early and write.

During the school year I’m able to write in three or more hour slots. I have my own writing room. Once I’m in there, I close the door and turn off the phone. I also put a sign outside my door telling others I’m working.

What are you currently working on?

I’m revising Crossed Out, a YA paranormal. I’m also writing Bullets of Truth, an edgier YA that deals with bipolar disorder in 1976.

Are there any authors who inspired/inspire you in your writing?

Yes. I love Orson Scott Card. Not only is he my all time favourite author but he’s very supportive of writers. I’d love to meet him!

Do you have a muse? If so, who or what is it?

I really don’t believe in a muse. If I waited around for inspiration, nothing would happen. I found I have to force myself to write everyday. If I’m having a writer’s block, I free write. Sometimes this is how I’m able to break through that wall.

Do you have any guilty pleasures when it comes to writing?

I love being able to write *the end* Seeing those words at the end of my story gives me a great sense of accomplishment. I also love to get inside the heads of my characters. Oh, and having someone write me a letter saying they loved my story is also great.

What are your dreams for your writing?

My dream is to get an agent who is passionate about my work. I’d love to get a three book deal. Another dream would to see one of my stories on the big screen. And of course I’d love to have a cross country book tour. That is as long as someone is there to make sure I get to the right places. I’m terrible with directions!

Do you have any advice for writers in general?

Yes. If you want to be a writer you have to write. I don’t know how many people tell me they have always wanted to write but don’t actually do it.

Also be persistent. Realize each rejection gets you closer to receiving that ‘yes’.

Thank you for your time.